A Nostalgic Ode to a Found and Lost Love
It’s the early 1980s. A time when the music world was a whirlwind of new sounds, from the sleek synthesizers of new wave to the booming beats of arena rock. But amidst this sonic revolution, two legends, one a seasoned icon and the other a revered voice in the country music scene, came together to create something timeless. Emmylou Harris and Roy Orbison, two artists from different eras and genres, joined forces on a song that felt both utterly fresh and deeply nostalgic: “That Lovin’ You Feelin’ Again.” It was a collaboration that seemed almost fated, a meeting of two of the most evocative and emotionally resonant voices in music.
The song was released in 1980 and would become a significant milestone in both of their careers. It was featured on the soundtrack for the film Roadie, a curious rock-and-roll road trip comedy starring Meat Loaf and Art Carney. While the movie might be a forgotten footnote in cinematic history, the song it spawned is anything but. The track quickly found its footing, climbing the charts with a quiet determination that mirrored its tender melody. It peaked at a respectable No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its true home was on the country charts, where it soared to No. 6 on the Hot Country Singles chart. This crossover success was a testament to the song’s universal appeal, a sound that transcended genre boundaries and spoke directly to the heart. It wasn’t just a hit; it was a statement that genuine emotion and masterful craftsmanship could still cut through the noise of a rapidly changing musical landscape.
The true magic of “That Lovin’ You Feelin’ Again” lies in the story behind it—not just the narrative within the lyrics, but the story of the two artists coming together. Emmylou Harris had long been a torchbearer for classic country, with a voice that could convey both profound heartache and gentle hope. Roy Orbison, the “Big O,” was the master of operatic rock and roll, his voice a soaring, trembling instrument of pure emotion. Their collaboration was a stroke of genius, a blend of her pristine, clear harmonies with his legendary, almost otherworldly tenor. The song, with its gentle, swaying rhythm and wistful steel guitar, perfectly frames their combined vocal power. They don’t just sing the lyrics; they inhabit them, painting a picture of two people yearning for a lost connection.
The meaning of the song is a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of love and memory. The lyrics speak of a desire to rekindle a past romance, to rediscover the magic of “that lovin’ you feelin’ again.” It’s a feeling many of us know all too well—the ache for a time when things were simpler, the spark brighter, the future full of promise. As Harris and Orbison trade verses, their voices intertwine, creating a dialogue between two souls who are both hopeful and resigned. There’s a beautiful melancholy to their duet, a sense of longing that feels both personal and universal. It’s not just a song about getting back together; it’s a song about the power of memory and the way the past can haunt us, in the most beautiful of ways. This track isn’t just a moment in time; it’s a memory, a feeling, a longing for something that might be gone forever, yet lives on in the beautiful, lingering ache of a melody. It’s a song for anyone who has ever looked back and wished, just for a moment, they could feel it all again.