It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)

Merle Haggard

About It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)

"It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Glenn Martin, and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in August 1972 as the first single and title track from the album It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad). The song was Haggard and The Strangers thirteenth number one on the country chart. The single hit number one for one week and spent a total of twelve weeks on the country chart.


Year:
2007
3:20
291 
#1

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She was always there each time I needed you
Holding on to me like I held on to you 
We still don't have what you and I once had
No, it's not love, but it's not bad

No, it's not love, not like ours was
It's not love, but it keeps love from driving me mad 
And I don't have to wonder who she's had
No, it's not love, but it's not bad

I turn to her when you leave me alone 
Sometimes even when you're here, and you're still gone 
She's slowly changing what you leave so sad 
No, it's not love, but it's not bad

No, it's not love, not like ours was
It's not love but it keeps love from driving me mad
I don't have to wonder who she's had
No, it's not love, but it's not bad

No, it's not love, not like ours was
It's not love but it keeps love from driving me mad
And I don't have to wonder who she's had
No, it's not love, but it's not bad

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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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Written by: Glenn Martin, Hank Cochran

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

`Song Title and Artist`
"It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" is a song by the distinguished country music artist Merle Haggard.
`Year of Release`
The song was initially released in 1972.
`Album Name`
It is a track from the album called "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" which was named after this song.
`Chart Performance`
Upon its release, "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
`Songwriter`
This song was penned by legendary songwriters Merle Haggard and Hank Cochran.
`Genre`
The genre of the song is traditional country, which is known for its storytelling lyricism and instrumental string sections.
`Themes`
The song's primary theme is the complexity of emotions and relationships, particularly the notion of settling for less in love.
`Legacy`
Merle Haggard is acknowledged as one of the most influential figures in country music, and "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" is considered one of his defining tracks.
`Backstory`
Haggard allegedly wrote the song after divorcing his first wife, expressing the feelings of settling into a comfortable rather than passionate romantic relationship.
`Cover Versions`
The track has been covered by numerous artists, including Clint Eastwood for the film Honkytonk Man.
`Length`
The running time of the song is about two minutes and fifty seconds, a typical length for country songs of the time.
`Record Label`
The song was released under the Capitol Records Label.
`Critical Acclaim`
The song was highly praised by critics for its sincere and straightforward lyricism combined with Haggard's mellow and commanding vocal delivery.

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    Hag: The Studio Recordings 1969-1976

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