Introduction
Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson’s duet, “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again,” is a masterful cover that breathes new life into a country classic. Originally written and recorded by Merle Haggard in 1968, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound exploration of love’s cyclical nature. Crow and Nelson, two artists with distinct and iconic styles, come together to create a version that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The power of their rendition lies in the incredible chemistry between their voices. Nelson’s weathered, almost conversational delivery provides the perfect counterpoint to Crow’s clear and soulful vocals. His voice carries the weight of a life lived, full of heartbreak and hard-won wisdom, while hers offers a sense of hopeful resilience. When they harmonize on the chorus, “Today I started lovin’ you again,” the line takes on a beautiful complexity. It’s not a declaration of new love, but a repeated commitment, a conscious choice to rediscover and recommit to a love that has weathered storms.
Beyond the vocal performances, the sparse instrumentation of this version allows the emotion of the lyrics to take center stage. A gentle acoustic guitar and the understated presence of a steel guitar create a backdrop that is both intimate and melancholic. This stripped-down arrangement mirrors the raw honesty of the song’s theme. The song acknowledges that love isn’t always a smooth journey; it can fade and be found again. Crow and Nelson’s take isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a real-life portrayal of a love that requires effort, forgiveness, and the conscious decision to choose one another, day after day. It’s this beautiful, bittersweet realism that makes their duet so poignant and unforgettable.