Introduction
In the heartfelt catalog of Rory Feek, Teaching Me How to Love You, released in 2012 as part of the Joey + Rory album His and Hers, stands as a tender cornerstone of contemporary country, weaving a soulful narrative of love’s gradual unfolding through life’s experiences. Co-written by Rory Feek and Marty Dodson, this gentle ballad reflects on the lessons learned from past relationships that pave the way for a deeper connection. For listeners who cherish music that speaks to the heart with intimate storytelling, this song offers a warm embrace, resonating with those who find solace in the journey of learning to love truly. Your appreciation for narrative depth, evident in your love for Feek’s Whatcha Gonna Do With That Broken Heart and artists like Sara Evans and The Statler Brothers, makes this track a perfect addition to your country music journey.
From its opening chords, Teaching Me How to Love You unfolds with a laid-back melody, anchored by soft acoustic guitar and a subtle rhythm that creates an intimate, reflective ambiance. The instrumentation, produced with a minimalist touch, features a capo on the first fret and chords like C, F, and G, giving it a classic country feel with a bluegrass undertone (). Joey Feek’s clear, emotive vocals take the lead, with Rory’s harmony adding warmth, as they recount a young boy’s first kiss at a Dairy Queen and a teenager’s fumbling romance— “Her name was Sarah Jean, it was a night like this / In front of the Dairy Queen, well, she gave me my first kiss.” The chorus, with its poignant refrain, “They were teaching me how to love you,” strikes a universal chord, framing past heartaches as stepping stones to a truer love. The official audio on YouTube captures its soothing clarity, beloved by fans for its nostalgic charm ().
What makes Teaching Me How to Love You so compelling is its authentic connection to Rory and Joey Feek’s lives. Hailing from Atchison, Kansas, Rory brought his songwriting prowess—honed through hits like Blake Shelton’s Some Beach—to this duet, while Joey’s Kentucky roots added gospel-infused soul (). Written during their rise as the Grammy-nominated duo Joey + Rory after placing third on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2008, the song reflects their shared journey of love and faith, especially poignant given Joey’s later battle with cancer, which ended in 2016. Though not released as a single, its laid-back vibe and lyrical wisdom— “Every hand we hold, every bridge we burn / Every story told is another lesson learned”—resonate with fans on Spotify and YouTube, where listeners praise its relatable sincerity (). Your interest in familial bonds, like Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson’s Just Breathe, and emotional reflections, like Sara Evans’s Need to Be Next to You, aligns with this song’s intimate exploration of love’s growth, echoing the sentimental warmth of The Statler Brothers’ Do You Remember These.
As we listen to Teaching Me How to Love You, we’re invited to reflect on our own past romances—the kisses, heartbreaks, and lessons that shaped our capacity to love. The song’s poignant lyrics and soothing rhythm create a timeless allure, offering comfort and a space for gratitude. Whether you’re drawn to its tender wisdom or savoring the beauty of music that captures the soul, Rory Feek and Joey Feek’s soulful performance ensures this ballad remains a cherished treasure in the country music canon, a reminder that every step in love’s journey brings us closer to home.