About The Song
Today, we delve into one of Twitty’s later hits, a song that perfectly encapsulates the potent mix of passion and pain that country music thrives on: Your Love Had Taken Me That High.
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Released in 1978, Your Love Had Taken Me That High wasn’t just a single, it was the title track of Twitty’s self-titled album. This wasn’t a coincidence. The song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and topping the charts in Canada. This success wasn’t solely due to Twitty’s undeniable charisma; the songwriting duo of Jack Dunham and Galen Raye crafted a poignant narrative that struck a chord with listeners.
Your Love Had Taken Me That High transcends the typical love song. It explores the transformative power of love, the way it can elevate someone to unimaginable heights, only to have them come crashing down with equal intensity when the love fades. The song opens with a sense of awe, the narrator describing how his lover’s affection lifted him to a place he “never thought a man could be.” This euphoria is palpable in Twitty’s voice, a smooth delivery that caresses each lyric.
But as the song progresses, a melancholic undercurrent begins to seep in. The narrator reflects on the “shadows” where he “made love” before finding his beloved, hinting at a past filled with loneliness. This bittersweet contrast emphasizes the transformative power of the love he’s experienced. It wasn’t just a fling; it was a life-altering event.
The true emotional gut punch comes in the second verse. The narrator acknowledges the impermanence of his newfound happiness, confessing, “I knew this couldn’t last forever, held onto every precious sigh.” This awareness of impending loss adds a layer of tragic beauty to the song. The narrator cherishes every moment, knowing all too well that the fall is inevitable.
Your Love Had Taken Me That High doesn’t shy away from the pain of heartbreak. The bridge is a lament, filled with raw emotion as the narrator grapples with the aftermath of the relationship’s demise. He admits to dwelling on memories, haunted by “the first night we lay held each other tight.” Twitty’s voice cracks slightly here, perfectly conveying the vulnerability of a man stripped bare by heartbreak.
Despite the sorrow, the song doesn’t end on a completely despairing note. The final verse acknowledges the lasting impact of the lost love. The narrator may be “hurting bad,” but he wouldn’t trade the experience, for “even the memory makes me fly.” This bittersweet acceptance is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in its broken form.
Your Love Had Taken Me That High is a masterclass in country songwriting and performance. Dunham and Raye’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional highs and lows, while Twitty delivers them with a sincerity that resonates deeply. It’s a song that lingers long after the last note fades, a testament to the enduring power of love and loss in the human experience.