About the Song
“It Sure Was (Love)”, released in 1974 as part of Kris Kristofferson’s album “Spooky Lady’s Sideshow”, is a soulful ballad that explores the emotional complexities of love and the bittersweet feelings that come when a relationship comes to an end. Written by Kris Kristofferson, the song reflects on the intensity and significance of a past relationship, acknowledging that while it was full of deep love and passion, it ultimately couldn’t last.
In “It Sure Was (Love)”, the narrator reflects on a relationship that had its fair share of emotional highs and lows. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet acceptance, as the narrator looks back on the love they once shared, recognizing its importance while also understanding that it has come to a natural end. The repeated phrase “It sure was love” captures the essence of the song—while the relationship may no longer be, it was real and significant at the time.
Musically, “It Sure Was (Love)” features a soft, reflective country arrangement, with gentle guitar strumming and light percussion. The arrangement complements the song’s somber yet tender tone, allowing Kris Kristofferson’s emotive voice to carry the weight of the lyrics. His delivery is filled with sincerity and vulnerability, conveying both the warmth of the love and the sorrow of its inevitable end.
Released as part of Kris Kristofferson’s “Spooky Lady’s Sideshow” album, “It Sure Was (Love)” stands out as a heartfelt and introspective track, showcasing Kristofferson’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to capture complex emotions. While it may not have been one of his biggest hits, the song remains a fan favorite for its honest portrayal of love’s fleeting nature and the acceptance that comes with the end of an important relationship. “It Sure Was (Love)” continues to resonate with listeners for its emotional depth and universal themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of moving on.