Don Williams – We Got Love: A Steady Beacon of Wealth in the Currency of the Heart
For those of us who have lived long enough to see the shine wear off the “things” we once thought were essential, the music of Don Williams is a masterclass in perspective. In 1983, Don released “We Got Love” as a single from his album “Yellow Moon.” It didn’t need to shout to be heard; it climbed steadily to number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming an anthem for everyone who understood that a full bank account is no match for a full heart. In an era defined by “more is better,” Don stood as the “Gentle Giant,” reminding us that as long as we have someone to hold onto, we are richer than kings.
To listen to this track today is to feel a sense of profound, rhythmic relief. It evokes memories of the early eighties—a time of economic shifts and changing landscapes—when a song like this felt like a warm hearth in a cold wind. Don’s voice, that deep, resonant baritone that feels like a steady hand on your shoulder, delivers the lyrics with an effortless, toes-tapping sincerity. It is a song for the wise, for those who have realized that the most valuable “acquisitions” in life aren’t found in a catalog, but in the quiet, everyday moments of a shared life.
The Story Behind the Simple Riches
The history of “We Got Love” is a tribute to the songwriting brilliance of Danny Flowers, a longtime member of Don’s band and the writer of classics like “Tulsa Time.” Recorded at Jack Clement’s Recording Studio in Nashville, the session captured the “Don Williams Sound” at its peak: a clean, uncluttered production where every instrument has room to breathe. Don famously favored a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere in the studio, and that spirit is baked into the very grooves of this record. The light, shuffling percussion and the bright, melodic guitar licks serve to highlight the lyrics rather than drown them out. It was a time when Don was at the height of his international fame, yet he remained a man of the soil, choosing songs that celebrated the enduring values of his audience.
A Reflection on the “Enough” That is “Plenty”
The meaning of the song strikes a deep, resonant chord for the mature reader. It addresses the universal human struggle between wanting “more” and appreciating “what is.” The lyrics speak of bills to pay and a roof that might need a little work, but they quickly pivot to the one thing that makes all the rest manageable: the presence of love. For those of us navigating our later years, this message is a powerful affirmation. It reminds us that our legacy isn’t built on the walls we’ve raised, but on the love we’ve nurtured within them. It is a song about the “economy of the soul,” where the dividends are paid in laughter, loyalty, and a shared cup of coffee in the morning.
As we revisit this melody, it stirs a powerful, soothing nostalgia for the dignity found in a simple life. It reminds us of the times we “made do” and found that those were the years we were actually at our happiest. Don Williams didn’t just sing a chart-topper; he provided a mission statement for a life well-lived. “We Got Love” remains a timeless reminder that while the world may judge us by our “possessions,” our true worth is found in the arms of the person who knows our story and loves us anyway.