About The Song
Dolly Parton Sings Merle Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again”
In this heartfelt performance, Dolly Parton covers the iconic Merle Haggard song, “Today I Started Loving You Again,” a classic country ballad originally written and performed by Haggard in 1968. The song is a powerful expression of heartbreak and redemption, recounting the narrator’s journey of returning to someone they’ve loved, after overcoming the emotional turmoil of a breakup.
In Parton’s rendition of the song, she brings her unique voice and emotional depth to Haggard’s timeless lyrics. Dolly Parton’s performance stays true to the essence of the song, maintaining the same emotional weight and sincerity that made Haggard’s original a staple in country music. Her voice, rich with emotion and clarity, enhances the feelings of regret, longing, and the vulnerability of rekindling love.
The lyrics tell the story of a person who, after a period of heartache, suddenly realizes that the love they had lost never truly went away. The song’s chorus—“Today I started loving you again / I’m right back where I really always been”—perfectly captures the emotional moment of reawakening love, making it one of the most recognizable and relatable country love songs.
Musically, Parton’s version of the song features a simple yet effective country arrangement with guitar, piano, and steel guitar, which allows her vocals to take center stage. Her ability to convey the emotional essence of the song while maintaining the integrity of the original makes this cover particularly special.
“Today I Started Loving You Again” is a perfect example of Dolly Parton’s ability to reinterpret classic country songs, adding her personal touch while preserving the timeless quality of the original. If you’d like to explore more about Dolly Parton’s cover of this classic, or Merle Haggard’s influence on country music, feel free to ask!