About the Song
Achingly Beautiful: George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “We Loved It Away”
Country music, at its core, is about storytelling. It’s about capturing the raw emotions of life – the joy, the heartbreak, the longing – and weaving them into songs that resonate with the soul. And few artists have embodied the heart and soul of country music quite like George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Their tumultuous relationship, both on and off stage, became the stuff of legend, fueling some of the most powerful and poignant duets in country music history. One such duet, “We Loved It Away“, stands as a testament to their unparalleled ability to convey the complexities of love and loss.
Released in 1973, “We Loved It Away” tells the tale of a love that burned bright but ultimately faded, leaving behind a bittersweet ache of what once was. The lyrics, penned by the renowned songwriter George Richey (who would later marry Wynette), paint a vivid picture of a couple revisiting the places where their love first blossomed – a dimly lit bar, a moonlit beach, a cozy cabin. With each memory, the pain of their separation becomes more palpable, a reminder of the love they “loved it away”.
What makes “We Loved It Away” so compelling is the raw honesty in the vocals. Jones, known for his “Possum” persona and his ability to wring every ounce of emotion from a lyric, delivers a performance filled with regret and longing. Wynette, with her signature tear-jerking vocals, perfectly captures the vulnerability and heartbreak of a woman trying to come to terms with the end of a love affair. Together, their voices intertwine and soar, creating a haunting harmony that speaks to the depths of human emotion.
“We Loved It Away” is not just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that love, even in its demise, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. It’s a testament to the power of music to transport us back in time, to revisit the ghosts of loves past, and to feel, once again, the joy and the pain of a love that was. So, dim the lights, pour yourself a drink, and let the voices of George and Tammy carry you away on a journey through the landscapes of love and loss.
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