About The Song
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the same enduring power as Conway Twitty. With his rich baritone voice and heartfelt delivery, Twitty captivated audiences for decades, etching his name among the genre’s most iconic figures. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “I’d Rather Have What We Had” stands as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the bittersweet ache of lost love.
Released in 1973, “I’d Rather Have What We Had” marked a turning point in Twitty’s career. Prior to this, he had primarily been known for his rockabilly-infused country songs. However, with this ballad, he ventured into a more introspective and emotionally resonant style, a shift that would define the latter half of his illustrious career.
The song’s narrative revolves around a man reminiscing about a love that has faded into the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once-thriving relationship, filled with shared laughter, stolen kisses, and whispered promises. However, as time passed, the love gradually eroded, leaving behind a void that the protagonist desperately tries to fill.
Twitty’s voice perfectly captures the raw emotions of the song, his powerful delivery conveying the protagonist’s deep-seated regret and longing for the love he once cherished. The lyrics, penned by Billy Joe Shaver, are equally poignant, their simplicity underscoring the profound impact of lost love.
“I’d Rather Have What We Had” struck a chord with listeners upon its release, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming one of Twitty’s biggest hits. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Its themes of love, loss, and the yearning for what once was resonate with anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of a fading relationship.
Beyond its commercial success, “I’d Rather Have What We Had” has earned its place among the pantheon of country music classics. Its timeless message and Twitty’s heartfelt performance have ensured its continued relevance, making it a staple of country radio stations and a cherished favorite among fans worldwide.
As the song’s opening notes fade in, listeners are transported into a world of bittersweet memories, where the echoes of a lost love linger like a haunting melody. “I’d Rather Have What We Had” is a country ballad that transcends time and genre, its poignant message capturing the universal human experience of love and loss.
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Lyric
It used to be red wine there in room 3-2-9Over the river where we weren’t well-knownNow it’s two coffees then off to the officeThen back in the driveway and sittin’ at homeSneaking around with meOr being tied down with meWhich one would you rather have(Be honest)Dying to be with meOr watching TV with meIs this what we wanted so badI’d rather have what we hadWe carefully planned itWhat our hearts demandedNo more motel roomsNo more cheatin’ liesNow we’re lookin’ at itA neatly wrapped packageBut open it up and there’s no surpriseSneaking around with meOr being tied down with meWhich one would you rather have(Be honest)Dying to be with meOr watching TV with meIs this what we wanted so badI’d rather have what we hadI’d rather have what we hadI’d rather have what we had