About The Song
Few voices in country music possess the quiet, enduring resonance of Lefty Frizzell, an artist whose influence reaches far beyond his years at the top of the charts. Revered for his smooth, languid vocal style and heartfelt songwriting, Frizzell had a unique ability to communicate deep emotional truths in simple, accessible terms. Among his many contributions to the genre, “That’s the Way Love Goes” stands as a gentle, philosophical meditation on love—its pleasures, its unpredictability, and its bittersweet beauty. Although the song would later become a hit for both Johnny Rodriguez and Merle Haggard, it was Frizzell who co-wrote it and gave it its original soul, imbuing it with the quiet wisdom of someone who had seen both sides of love’s coin.
Written by Lefty Frizzell and songwriting partner Sanger D. “Whitey” Shafer, “That’s the Way Love Goes” is remarkable for its graceful simplicity. Rather than dwelling on heartbreak or idealized romance, it takes a contemplative view of love as a force that defies control or prediction. The lyrics unfold like a tender sigh: “I’ve been throwing horseshoes / Over my left shoulder / I’ve spent most all my life / Searching for that four-leaf clover.” These lines don’t just convey longing; they subtly hint at the futility and charm of chasing love, of hoping for a bit of luck in affairs of the heart.
The melody is equally understated—a slow, swaying rhythm that mirrors the song’s reflective tone. The arrangement in Frizzell’s version is spare and traditional, allowing his voice to carry the emotional weight. His delivery is intimate and unhurried, as if he’s having a quiet conversation with the listener rather than performing on a stage. This unpretentious style is what made Frizzell so beloved among his peers and fans alike. He didn’t need to embellish or dramatize—his honesty was more than enough.
What makes “That’s the Way Love Goes” so enduring is its universality. It speaks to a shared human experience: the realization that love cannot always be explained, timed, or controlled. It comes and goes on its own terms, often leaving joy and pain in its wake. In Frizzell’s hands, this idea isn’t a cause for despair, but a reason to cherish love all the more. His voice, warm and weathered, lends the song a comforting authority—like a friend offering reassurance after life has taken an unexpected turn.
Though Merle Haggard’s later version helped bring the song greater commercial attention, it’s Frizzell’s original vision that remains the emotional blueprint. With “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Lefty Frizzell didn’t just write a song—he captured a truth that feels as fresh today as it did decades ago. It’s a quietly powerful reminder that love, in all its forms, is as unpredictable as it is essential—and that sometimes, the best response is simply to let it be.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1:]
I’ve been throwin’ horseshoes
Over my left shoulder
I’ve spent most all of my life
Searchin’ for that four-leaf clover
Yet, you run with me
Chasin’ my rainbows
I love you too
That’s the way love goes[Pre-Chorus:]
That’s the way love goes, babe
That’s the music God made
For all the world to sing
It’s never old, it grows[Chorus:]
Losing makes me sorry
You say, “Honey, now don’t you worry
I love you too”
That’s the way love goes