About the song
Background
- Songwriters: Dallas Frazier and A.L. “Doodle” Owens.
- Release: October 1969 as the lead single from Charley Pride’s album Just Plain Charley.
- Success: It was a massive hit. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Legacy: The song became one of Charley Pride’s signature tunes and a country music standard.
Lyrics
The lyrics express deep anxiety about losing a beloved partner. Key lines include:
- “Each night I go to sleep I pray, Lord help me find a way”
- “To keep the love I have today, (I’m so) Afraid of losing you again”
- “Oh, the hurt would be more than I could stand”
Themes
- Fear of Loss: The central theme is the profound fear of losing a cherished love.
- Vulnerability: Pride, known for his confident persona, displays a sense of vulnerability and emotional honesty in his delivery.
- The Power of Love: The song highlights the intensity and depth of love, making the possibility of loss all the more painful.
Why it Resonates
The song’s success comes from several factors:
- Relatability: The fear of losing someone you love is universal, making the lyrics resonate with many listeners.
- Charley Pride’s Voice: Pride’s rich, soulful voice infuses the lyrics with emotional weight.
- Simple & Powerful: The song’s straightforward lyrics and melody carry tremendous emotional impact.
Additional Notes
Pride’s success with “(I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again” was significant. It solidified his position as a country superstar and paved the way for other black artists in a genre that often lacked diversity.
Video
Lyrics
Sometimes I want to throw my arms around youThen I tremble at the thought of giving inBecause I know how much it cost to love youand I’m so afraid of losing you againBeing close to you revives the sorrowThat wakes me up and tells me I can’t winI’d love to wake up in your arms tomorrowBut I’m so afraid of losing you again
If heaven were to hear my heart’s confessionWanting you would be my greatest sinBut I’m glad that you’re no longer my possession‘Cause I’m so afraid of losing you againBeing close to you…But I’m so afraid of losing you again