Introduction
Ronnie Dunn’s live tribute rendition of “That’s the Way Love Goes”—originally made famous by Merle Haggard—is a moving homage that bridges classic country tradition with a deeply personal connection. Dunn performed this acoustic‑steel guitar–accented version in a studio session recorded as part of his 2020 solo album Re‑Dunn. It captures the nostalgic ambiance of a smoke‑filled honky‑tonk, channeling the raw emotional core of Haggard’s iconic hit .
The song itself debuted in 1973 with Johnny Rodriguez, whose version became a number‑one country hit and lingered on the charts for 14 weeks. Merle Haggard’s cover followed in late 1983 as the title track of his album That’s the Way Love Goes, marking his 30th number‑one country single. Haggard’s version held the top spot longer and earned him the Grammy Award in 1984 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance .
In this live tribute, Dunn reflects on how he first gravitated toward the song during his early years playing bars across Texas and Oklahoma. He admitted that he used to think Haggard had written it, only later realizing it was crafted by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer. Dunn praised the song’s songwriting structure, describing it as simple and economical—a melody and lyrics that “just get there, surf that little wave”, a style he compares to Roger Miller .
Dunn’s interpretation infuses the track with a somber, heartfelt tone that complements his rich baritone. He layered in mournful steel guitar elements to echo Haggard’s own subtle instrumentation, producing a poignant, stripped-back atmosphere . Recorded as part of Dunn’s Re‑Dunn project—a collection of covers honoring artists who influenced him—this performance stands as one of the most sincere tributes in his catalog .
This introduction can lead into deeper exploration of Dunn’s career, the song’s origin with Frizzell and Shafer, Haggard’s enduring legacy, or the broader influence of classic country ballads in modern reinterpretations.