Charley Pride – Just for the Love of It

About the song

Just for the Love of It: A Country Ballad by Charley Pride

In the vast expanse of the American music landscape, few voices have resonated with such depth and authenticity as that of Charley Pride. With his smooth, velvety vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Pride painted vivid portraits of rural life, love, and loss, captivating audiences worldwide. Among his many enduring gems, “Just for the Love of It” stands as a testament to his artistry and enduring legacy.

Released in 1970, “Just for the Love of It” marked a turning point in Pride’s career. Having already established himself as a country music pioneer, breaking down barriers of racial prejudice in an industry that had long been resistant to change, Pride sought to expand his musical horizons. With this song, he embraced a more pop-infused sound, while still retaining the essence of his country roots.

The song’s opening lines immediately transport the listener to the heart of the American countryside. “I remember the next summer I walked with my daddy through his golden fields of grain,” Pride sings, his voice imbued with a warmth that evokes memories of sun-kissed days and the comforting presence of a father figure. The lyrics paint a picture of rustic simplicity, where life’s joys are found in the simplest moments: the rustling of wheat in the breeze, the laughter of children playing, and the quiet contentment of a life lived in harmony with nature.

As the song progresses, Pride’s reflections expand beyond the personal, encompassing a broader appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around us. “I love the next summer I walk with my baby hand in hand,” he sings, his voice taking on a tender, romantic tone. The imagery shifts from fields of grain to sun-dappled forests and starlit skies, each scene a testament to the boundless beauty that surrounds us.

Throughout the song, Pride’s lyrics are infused with a sense of gratitude and wonder. He expresses thankfulness for the simple things in life – the “sunshine and the rain” – and acknowledges the divine hand that guides our existence. “Just leave it in the good Lord’s hands,” he advises, his voice laced with reassurance and faith.

“Just for the Love of It” is more than just a country song; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the simple joys that often go unnoticed amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Pride’s message is one of embracing the present moment, finding beauty in the ordinary, and cherishing the precious connections we share with others.

As the final notes of the song fade, Pride leaves us with a lingering sense of peace and contentment. We are reminded that true happiness lies not in chasing material possessions or achieving grand ambitions, but in finding joy in the simple act of living, loving, and appreciating the world around us. “Just for the Love of It” is a timeless reminder of the profound beauty that exists in the everyday, a testament to the enduring power of music to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

Video

Lyrics

“Just For The Love Of It”

 

I remember walking with my daddy through his weathered fields of grain
But he wouldn’t curse the sun or give up on the rain
I ask him why don’t you sell this place
Move to town you’ll have money to burn
He said, son, you don’t understand I don’t do this for what I earnOh, it’s just for the love of it that’s all the reason you need
What more could anyone ask satisfaction guaranteed
Don’t chase rainbows or your pot of gold you’ll always have enough
If you’ll do everything you do just for the love

Drove on back to Nashville thinking
That my daddy’s words couldn’t be true
How could a man keep pouring out his heart just to get it broke into
Then I looked around my two bare rooms and realized he wasn’t wrong
And picked up this old guitar and poured out another song

Oh, it’s just for the love of it that’s all the reason you need
What more could anyone ask satisfaction guaranteed
Don’t chase rainbows or your pot of gold you’ll always have enough
If you’ll do everything you do just for the love

The next summer I walked with my daddy
Through his golden fields of grain
Giving thanks to heaven above for the sunshine and the rain
Just leave it in the good Lords hands He always will provide
And you’ll know what His reason is you don’t even have ask Him why

He’ll say just for the love of it that’s all the reason you need
What more could anyone ask satisfaction guaranteed
Don’t chase rainbows or your pot of gold you’ll always have enough
If you’ll do everything you do just for the love=

Don’t chase rainbows or your pot of gold you’ll always have enough
If you’ll do everything you do just for the love