Introduction:
Merle Haggard, the legendary country music outlaw with a baritone voice as smooth as aged whiskey, wasn’t one for grand pronouncements. His music, a potent blend of Bakersfield country twang and introspective lyricism, often dealt with the grittier realities of life – heartbreak, hard work, and the solace found on the open road. In 1972, Haggard released “It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)”, a song that perfectly encapsulates his signature style: a wry, humorous look at a relationship that falls somewhere between indifference and contentment.
Composed by songwriting duo Hank Cochran and Glenn Martin, “It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” became the title track and lead single for Haggard’s fifteenth studio album. Released in August of 1972, the song quickly resonated with audiences, topping the Billboard country charts for a week and spending a total of twelve weeks within the rankings. This success cemented Haggard’s status as a country music powerhouse, a reign that would continue for decades to come.
“It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” is a masterclass in understatement. Haggard’s narrator describes a relationship that lacks the fiery passion of love but offers a comfortable companionship. The lyrics, delivered with his signature deadpan humor, paint a picture of a couple settling into a routine – sharing coffee in the morning, watching the television flicker in the evening. While there’s no mention of grand declarations or heart-stopping gestures, there’s a quiet acceptance, a sense of two souls finding a niche in each other’s lives.
Beyond its catchy melody and Haggard’s masterful delivery, “It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” stands out for its exploration of a complex emotional landscape. It acknowledges that love isn’t always a whirlwind romance; sometimes, it’s the quiet comfort of familiarity, the unspoken understanding that grows over time. This resonated with a generation of country music fans who found themselves in Haggard’s depiction of a mature, practical kind of love.
This song also showcased Haggard’s exceptional backing band, The Strangers. Their tight instrumentation, featuring the signature twang of Roy Nichols’ Telecaster and the mournful cries of Norman Hamlet’s pedal steel guitar, perfectly complements Haggard’s vocals. Producer Ken Nelson, known for his work with artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, ensures a crisp, polished sound that allows both the song’s humor and its underlying sentiment to shine through.
“It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” may not be a ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, but it’s a song that lingers in the memory long after the last note fades. It’s a testament to Merle Haggard’s ability to find poetry in the everyday, to celebrate the quiet victories and unspoken bonds that make up so much of life’s journey. In a world that often romanticizes love, Haggard reminds us that sometimes, “not bad” is all you really need.