1970s Country Love Songs That Are Like A Hug

There’s something warm and unmistakably comforting about 1970s country love songs. They don’t beg for attention or try to be flashy—rather, they speak plainly, honestly, and straight from the heart. With gentle guitar strums, pedal steel whines, and lyrics that feel like they were written just for you, these songs offer a kind of emotional reassurance that modern tracks often miss.

The 1970s was a golden age for country music—not just because of the big names it produced, but because of the storytelling that defined the era. During this time, love songs weren’t just about romance; they were about loyalty, longing, forgiveness, and everyday affection. Whether sung by Outlaw rebels or traditional crooners, these ballads carried a kind of sincerity that made them instantly relatable.

In this article, we’re highlighting four country love songs from that era that might not be the most famous, but are every bit as touching. Each one delivers that soft, familiar comfort—like a hug through the speakers. So if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt and a little nostalgic, these are the tracks worth pressing play on.

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride

This song doesn’t just sound like a smile—it feels like one too. Released in 1971, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” quickly became one of Charley Pride’s most iconic hits. Written by Ben Peters, it soared to the top of the country charts and even found a home in the Hot 100, a rare feat for a country song at the time. Its popularity isn’t just about its catchy melody, but its message that feels timeless and reassuring.

The charm of the song lies in its simplicity. It tells the story of a man whose daily joy comes from a single ritual: a loving kiss goodbye in the morning and the promise of love when he returns home. The chorus—“Kiss an angel good mornin’ and love her like the devil when you get back home”—is playful, but beneath the humor is a deep respect for intimacy and routine in love.

This song is especially meaningful for couples who wake up and go to bed beside one another every day. It celebrates the beauty in consistency and reminds us that love isn’t always about grand gestures—sometimes it’s just the way someone smiles at you before you head out the door. It’s a daily reminder that small acts of affection can carry the weight of something much bigger.

“I Can Get Off on You” by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings

Outlaw Country wasn’t exactly known for being tender, but “I Can Get Off on You” is a perfect counterpoint to that reputation. Released on the Waylon & Willie album in 1978, this duet wasn’t a chart-topping single, yet it managed to cut deep with fans. Written and performed by two of the genre’s most rugged icons, the song is an unexpectedly heartfelt declaration of how love can replace even the strongest vices.

Instead of relying on traditional romantic imagery, Nelson and Jennings tell the story of two hardened men who find their ultimate high not in substances—but in the presence of someone they love. With lines like “I can get high just thinkin’ about you,” the song speaks to that pure emotional buzz of being close to the right person. For fans who live life on the edge, it’s a reminder that love can be grounding too.

This song is for the ones who’ve walked through storms and come out still believing in connection. There’s a raw honesty in the way the lyrics are delivered—no polish, just plainspoken devotion. It’s not a Hallmark-style love song, but that’s what makes it so believable. It’s a track that says: “You make me feel something nothing else can.” And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

“That’s the Way Love Goes” by Johnny Rodriguez

When Johnny Rodriguez released “That’s the Way Love Goes” in 1973, it became an instant classic. Originally written by country legends Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer, the song captures love in its most patient, enduring form. Rodriguez’s version isn’t overly dramatic or sentimental—it’s gentle, reflective, and quietly romantic.

What sets this song apart is its calm acceptance of what love really means. There are no grand declarations or tearful pleas—just a simple recognition that real love is often about showing up, staying steady, and supporting each other through the highs and lows. The narrator isn’t trying to impress; he’s just grateful for the way his partner keeps believing in him.

If you’ve ever been with someone who sticks by you while you chase dreams or stumble through rough patches, this song is like a soft nod of thanks. It celebrates love that’s grown through seasons of life, not just moments of passion. It’s a song for the long haul—unassuming, loyal, and deeply affectionate.

“You Ask Me To” by Waylon Jennings

“You Ask Me To” is one of the quietest, most powerful love songs in Waylon Jennings’ catalog. Found on his 1973 Honky Tonk Heroes album, it was co-written with Billy Joe Shaver—two names that usually bring grit and swagger to mind. But in this track, they show just how tender Outlaw Country can really be when it leans into love.

The song is told from the perspective of someone completely devoted to his partner’s happiness. It’s not about chasing her or begging for attention; instead, it’s about readiness to follow her lead—even if it means walking away. There’s something both heartbreaking and beautiful in that kind of surrender. But more than anything, it’s about a love that puts the other person’s wishes above pride or ego.

What makes this song linger is its final verse: “Let the world call me a fool / But if things are right with me and you / That’s all that matters.” It’s a quiet anthem for anyone who knows that real love doesn’t always make sense to outsiders. Sometimes, it’s just two people making each other feel seen—and promising to be there, no matter what.