Don Williams’ “That’s the Thing About Love”: A Quiet, Profound Truth from the Gentle Giant
Few voices in country music have ever possessed the soothing, steady resonance of Don Williams. To hear him sing was less like listening to a performance and more like receiving counsel from a wise, kind uncle. His 1984 single, “That’s the Thing About Love,” exemplifies this unique connection he forged with his audience, offering a simple yet profound philosophy on life’s most essential, and often most complicated, emotion. It remains a timeless reminder that love is meant to be felt, not necessarily figured out.
Let’s first address the collaboration that is often mistakenly tied to this specific record. While Don Williams and Emmylou Harris created one of the most beloved duets in country history, their famous pairing on “If I Needed You” was not repeated on “That’s the Thing About Love.” This track is a powerful solo showcase for the Gentle Giant, relying solely on his unmistakable, velvet-smooth baritone to convey its message.
The song, written by the insightful team of Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson, immediately found the eager ears of country fans. Released in March 1984 as the lead single from the album Cafe Carolina, “That’s the Thing About Love” quickly ascended the charts, securing its place as one of the biggest hits of the year. It landed squarely at Number One on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it held the top spot for a week. It also matched this feat in Canada, hitting Number One on the RPM Country Tracks chart. This success marked his sixteenth time at the top of the US charts, a testament to the enduring appeal of his quiet, traditional sound amidst the flashier trends of the 1980s.
The story behind the song is really the story of its universal truth. The lyrics don’t present a dramatic tale of heartbreak or passion; instead, they offer a mature acceptance of love’s dual nature. Think back to a time when you felt both the soaring joy of affection and the sting of vulnerability. That’s what this song captures: “It can make you soar like an eagle / Or it can make you feel as meek as a dove.” It acknowledges that the person you trust most is often the one who holds the power to hurt you, yet simultaneously reminds us of the core requirement of any lasting connection: “You can’t have it / Until you give it / You can never give it enough.”
For those of us who appreciate the subtle wisdom in simple things, the song’s most resonant piece of advice arrives at the end. After laying out all the contradictions, the conclusion is not to fret, but to simply embrace the mystery: “Don’t stop to try to understand it / Just thank your lucky stars, shinin’ above.” This isn’t just music; it’s a lesson in letting go of the need for control, delivered with the warm, reassuring tone that was uniquely Don Williams. It is the sound of a relaxed mind and a contented heart, making it a truly beautiful piece of listening for anyone who understands that the best things in life—the thing about love—often defy all logic.