Introduction:
It is a genuine pleasure to turn our attention today to a track that, while perhaps not the loudest barn-burner in his considerable catalogue, offers a profound and sweet glimpse into the contented heart of one of country music’s true icons: Alan Jackson. The song in question is “I Could Get Used To This Lovin’ Thing,” a gem found nestled within his 1999 album, Under the Influence.
In an era of country music often characterized by bombast, crossover aspirations, or a relentless pursuit of the next party anthem, Alan Jackson has always represented a steadfast anchor to the genre’s enduring values. His sound is classic, his delivery sincere, and his lyrical themes—the simple, honest truths of everyday life—resonate with an authenticity that few of his contemporaries can match. “I Could Get Used To This Lovin’ Thing” is a perfect encapsulation of this sensibility.
The song, written by Alan Jackson himself, is a study in understated emotional satisfaction. It doesn’t rely on hyperbole or dramatic declarations of passion. Instead, it captures that quieter, deeper level of domestic happiness that settles in after the initial excitement of a relationship fades, replaced by a comfortable, enduring sense of belonging. The ‘lovin’ thing’ described here is not a fleeting fancy; it is the routine of shared life, the mutual understanding, and the simple comfort of companionship that becomes utterly indispensable.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in traditional country instrumentation, staying true to Jackson’s Neo-traditionalist roots. We are treated to the warm, familiar tones of the steel guitar, a gentle, loping rhythm section, and the smooth, unfussy strum of the acoustic guitar. The arrangement serves the lyric perfectly, never overshadowing the sentiment but providing a gentle, rolling wave of sound that is easy to sink into. It has that signature ‘Jacksonian’ feel—smooth, polished, yet unmistakably rooted in the honky-tonk heritage of the genre.
The lyrical brilliance lies in the song’s perspective. The narrator is observing his newfound, or perhaps recently deepened, happiness and reflecting on just how seamlessly it has integrated into his life. He’s not proclaiming a miracle; he’s acknowledging a quiet, delightful habit. The feeling is one of pleasant surprise and profound gratitude—the realization that this level of peace and contentment is not just desirable, but utterly sustainable and deeply welcome. It speaks to the universal human desire for stability and for a loving connection that feels less like work and more like coming home.
As we prepare to listen, consider the track’s place within the tapestry of Alan Jackson’s career. He had already achieved immense success by 1999, but this song proves that his heart remained focused on the fundamental narratives that made country music great. It’s a sweet, melodic nod to the enduring power of a good, solid relationship—the kind that truly allows a person to relax, breathe, and simply be. “I Could Get Used To This Lovin’ Thing” is a charming and important entry in the canon of a man who understands that sometimes, the simplest truths are the most profound. Let us now appreciate this quiet anthem of domestic bliss.