Oldies Country Music

Top Oldies Country Music Hit All Time

How Ricky Van Shelton’s ‘I’ll Leave This World Loving You’ Became a Country Anthem

About The Song

Background

“I’ll Leave This World Loving You” is a country song performed by American country music artist Ricky Van Shelton. Released in 1988 as the third single from his debut album “Wild-Eyed Dream,” the song quickly rose to prominence in the country music scene. Written by Wayne Kemp and Mack Vickery, “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” became a defining track for Shelton and is often regarded as one of his signature songs. Ricky Van Shelton was born on January 12, 1952, in Danville, Virginia. Before achieving fame in the country music industry, Shelton worked various jobs while performing in local clubs and bars. His big break came when he signed with Columbia Records in 1986. “Wild-Eyed Dream,” his debut album, was released in 1987 and featured several hit singles, including “Crime of Passion” and “Somebody Lied.” “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” solidified his status as a country music star, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
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Musical Style

“I’ll Leave This World Loving You” is a classic country ballad that showcases Ricky Van Shelton’s smooth, emotive vocal delivery. The song is characterized by its traditional country instrumentation, including steel guitar, fiddle, and piano, which create a melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere. The production, handled by Steve Buckingham, adheres to the traditional country music style of the late 1980s, emphasizing simplicity and emotional resonance over complex arrangements. The song’s tempo is slow, and its melody is haunting, underscoring the poignant and heartfelt nature of the lyrics. The arrangement allows Shelton’s voice to take center stage, highlighting his ability to convey deep emotion and sincerity. The musical style of “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” aligns with the neo-traditionalist movement in country music during the 1980s, which sought to return to the genre’s roots and move away from the pop-influenced sound that had become popular in the previous decade.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” are a poignant declaration of enduring love. The song’s narrator expresses a profound and unwavering commitment to their loved one, vowing to love them until their dying day. The central theme of the song is eternal love, with the narrator insisting that their love will persist even beyond the grave.
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Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Walk away, leave with my blessin’Once in a while, let me hear from youIf we never meet again before my life is overI’ll leave this world lovin’ you
You can take everything but my memoriesFor they’re good ones and they’ll see me throughIf we never meet again, I’ll love you foreverI’ll leave this world lovin’ you
You were mine for a time and I’m thankfulOh, but life will be so lonesome without youIf we never meet again this side of heavenI’ll leave this world lovin’ you
If we never meet again this side of heavenI’ll leave this world lovin’ you

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