Don Williams – I’ve Been Loved By the Best: A Timeless Ode to Unwavering Devotion
There are certain songs, aren’t there, that feel less like three minutes of music and more like a gentle, knowing sigh—a moment of quiet reflection that settles deep into the soul. Don Williams’ classic, “I’ve Been Loved By the Best,” is precisely one of those gems. For those of us who came of age listening to The Gentle Giant of Country Music, this tune, released in September 1989, wasn’t just another single; it was a testament to enduring love, a peaceful acceptance that once you’ve experienced the pinnacle of affection, everything else simply fades in comparison. It’s a song for grownups, for people who understand that life hands out its share of heartbreaks, but the greatest blessing is finding that one love that renders all subsequent attempts futile.
The song was the second single from the album One Good Well, released earlier that year, and it proved that Williams’ signature smooth, mellow country sound still resonated deeply with the audience. Co-written by the prolific Bob McDill and Paul Harrison, “I’ve Been Loved By the Best” quickly climbed the charts, reaching a respectable Number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. While Williams had an astonishing run of chart-toppers throughout his career, this late-eighties hit reaffirmed his standing as a master balladeer who could convey profound emotion with the softest touch.
The story behind the song is beautifully simple, yet its meaning is vast and deeply touching. It’s a pledge, a quiet vow that says, “Darling, if you ever leave me, well, I’ll just put my heart away.” This isn’t the youthful melodrama of a temporary split; it’s the seasoned wisdom of someone who knows the true measure of love. The protagonist isn’t threatening to pine away in agony; he’s stating a simple, factual truth: his partner has set a standard so impossibly high—he’s “been to the top, I guess”—that no one else could possibly measure up. “I can’t settle now for less. Why bother with the rest?” he muses.
Think about that for a moment, especially if you’ve spent decades alongside your beloved. It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes to the fidelity forged by years of shared experience. It’s a comfort to think that the profound connection you’ve built is so singular, so perfect, that it acts as a permanent barrier against ever truly loving anyone else. Williams’ delivery, always unhurried and effortlessly warm, lends the song an overwhelming sense of sincerity. His voice is a rich, comforting baritone—like a worn leather armchair by a crackling fire—and it wraps the listener in a blanket of calm assurance.
The song’s significance lies in its message of contentment and deep, almost resigned, loyalty. It’s a wonderful contrast to the often-turbulent themes in country music. Instead of singing about cheating, drinking, or heartbreak as a result of loss, “I’ve Been Loved By the Best” is an affirmation. It elevates the past and present relationship to an untouchable status. For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic mirror reflecting the commitment and steadfastness of enduring love. It reminds us that having experienced a profound, beautiful love is a permanent blessing—one that can never be diminished, even by distance or separation. It’s a celebration of being truly blessed in love, a quiet victory that echoes long after the music fades.