Country music is full of great love songs, and many agree that the 1970s were the pinnacle of the genre. The decade saw the rise of some of the most legendary country artists in history. It was also the era in which Outlaw Country took off and changed the face of the genre forever. So, it stands to reason that some of the best love songs the genre has to offer come from that decade.
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These love songs come from some of the most iconic country artists of the 1970s. We’ve skipped over some of the more obvious choices in favor of four sweet, heartfelt tunes with that authentic classic country feeling. If you’re looking for the perfect song to send or dedicate to that special someone, you’ll find it below.
[RELATED: 4 Overlooked 1970s Country Albums from Legendary Artists]
1. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride
Written by Ben Peters, Charley Pride released “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” as the lead single from his 1971 album Sings Heart Songs. This love song was a No. 1 hit on the country chart and landed in the top 40 of the all-genre Hot 100 chart. It also became one of Pride’s signature songs. More importantly, it’s a wonderful love song.
The song is about a man whose love for his lady keeps him happy throughout the day. The secret to his happiness, he says, is to “Kiss an angel good mornin’ and love her like the devil when you get back home.” This is the perfect song for anyone who lives with their significant other and wants to let them know how happy they are in their relationship.
2. “I Can Get Off on You” by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings
Written by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, the duo recorded “I Can Get Off on You” for their 1978 album, Waylon & Willie. They didn’t release the track as a single, but it still went down in history as one of the best country love songs to come out of the 1970s.
Both Nelson and Jennings were famous for enjoying mild-altering substances. “I Get Off on You” is a song about how love has replaced their need for any of those things. Lines like I’ll make it now, I can get off on you. / I can get by on little / Or nothing at all, I know. / I can get high just thinkin’ / About you and so make this a great love song for any country fan who is a little rough around the edges.
3. “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Johnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez was one of the biggest country stars in the 1970s, and his version of this classic love song is an example of why he was so popular. Penned by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer, “That’s the Way Love Goes” was a No. 1 hit for Rodriquez when he released it in 1973.
“That’s the Way Love Goes” is fairly simple. It’s not overly flowery or sappy. However, it manages to capture the partnership that is a loving relationship. It’s all about how the narrator’s partner has stuck with him and continues to support him emotionally as he chases his dreams and navigates bumps in the road.
4. “You Ask Me To” by Waylon Jennings
Written by Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Jennings, “You Ask Me To” appears on Honky Tonk Heroes. Penned by two Outlaw Country legends, this love song proves that this particular brand of 1970s country wasn’t focused on drugs, alcohol, and debauchery.
“You Ask Me To” is a song from the perspective of someone who would do anything for their partner. Jennings even promises to turn and walk away if that’s what she wants, but hopes she never asks him to do that. The sweetest lines in the song come in the final verse: Let the world call me a fool / But if things are right with me and you / That’s all that matters. / And I’ll do anything you asked me to.
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