Charley Pride – Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)

About the song

Background

• Release: June 1981, as the only single from his 1981 compilation album Greatest Hits.
• Success: The song became Pride’s 25th number one on the country charts, staying in the top spot for two weeks.
• Writers: Written by Wayland Holyfield and Norro Wilson.

Themes

• Overwhelming Love: The central theme is the sheer intensity of the love the narrator is experiencing. It’s a feeling that surpasses all previous relationships and fills him with joy and gratitude.
• Past Experience as Contrast: The song emphasizes that the narrator is no novice to love (“I’m no stranger to loving arms”). This highlights the exceptional nature of his current love, making it even more powerful.
• Commitment and Forever: The singer expresses a desire for this love to last forever, desiring to be with this person until his death.

Lyrics

Here’s a look at some key lines and what they suggest:

• “I’ve seen the fighter in lover’s eyes. I’ve seen the lost pay in my time…” These lines reveal the singer’s past experiences with love. He’s familiar with the highs and lows of relationships.
• “I’ve never been so loved in all my love. I’ve never felt the way I feel tonight…” These lines are the core of the song, emphasizing the unique intensity of his current love.
• “I want forever to be like tonight. I’m going to need you ’til the day I die…” This section expresses his desire for longevity and commitment within this relationship.

Overall

“Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)” is a classic country love ballad that relies on a simple but powerful message: the discovery of an all-encompassing love that surpasses all that came before.

Video

Lyrics