Introduction
“Trying Not to Love You,” delivered by the smooth vocals of Alan Jackson, isn’t originally an Alan Jackson song. It finds its roots in a 1994 tribute album titled “Mama’s Hungry Eyes: A Tribute to Merle Haggard.” Merle Haggard, “The Hag” as he’s affectionately known, is a country music legend known for his storytelling lyrics and Bakersfield sound.
This song, however, wasn’t written by Haggard himself. While details about the origin remain elusive, “Trying Not to Love You” showcases the emotional depth Haggard’s music often captured.
Jackson’s rendition stays true to the song’s melancholic core. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that shouldn’t be, a battle between affection and reason. The narrator grapples with the futility of resisting love’s pull, despite knowing it might not be reciprocated or lead to a happy ending.
This song serves as a testament to both Haggard’s influence and Jackson’s ability to breathe life into another artist’s work. “Trying Not to Love You” is a poignant ballad, a reminder of the complexities of love and the bittersweet struggle against its undeniable power.