About the Song
Then and Only Then: Connie Smith’s Timeless Ode to True Love
Connie Smith, often hailed as one of the greatest female vocalists in country music history, possesses a voice that is both powerful and vulnerable, capable of conveying a vast range of emotions with breathtaking clarity. This is perhaps nowhere more evident than in her 1965 hit, “Then and Only Then.”
This classic country ballad, penned by the legendary songwriter Bill Anderson, showcases Smith’s vocal prowess and her innate ability to inhabit a song, making the listener feel every word as if it were their own lived experience. “Then and Only Then” is a testament to the enduring power of unconditional love, a theme that resonates deeply across generations.
The song’s narrative unfolds with elegant simplicity. Smith, with her signature crystal-clear vocals, paints a picture of a woman steadfastly devoted to her lover, pledging her unwavering loyalty and affection. She vows to stand by him through thick and thin, her love an unyielding force in the face of any adversity. The lyrics, imbued with Anderson’s characteristic poetic sensibility, express the depth of her commitment with lines like, “Then and only then, when you lose the one you love, will you know how much you had.”
What sets “Then and Only Then” apart is not just its lyrical beauty, but also the way Smith delivers it. Her voice, rich with emotion and nuance, soars through the melody with effortless grace. The song’s arrangement, featuring weeping steel guitar and lush strings, further enhances the emotional impact, creating an atmosphere of both melancholy and hope.
“Then and Only Then” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners with its raw honesty and its celebration of enduring love. It’s a reminder that true love is a rare and precious gift, one that should be cherished and protected. In Smith’s masterful interpretation, the song becomes an anthem for anyone who has ever loved deeply and completely.