About The Song
In 1988, Ricky Van Sheltonโs โIโll Leave This World Loving Youโ became the country singerโs fourth consecutive No. 1 hit as it snagged the top spot of Billboardโs Hot Country Songs chart. Not only that, but the song was also Sheltonโs first multi-week No. 1.
The country ballad was released as the lead-off single from Sheltonโs album Loving Proof. But did you know heโs not the first one to record it? Written by Wayne Kemp and Mack Vickery, Kemp recorded the country ballad as early as 1974 and even cut it once again six years later.
Unfortunately, Kempโs version did not become a hit, only reaching No. 47 on Billboardโs Hot Country Songs chart. Nevertheless, it became a very significant element in Kempโs writing career.
After many years, โIโll Leave This World Loving Youโ caught the attention of Steve Buckingham โ Columbiaโs record producer. Buckingham was in the midst of stowing away songs that he especially liked, hoping that he would one day find the right singer for the label that would be perfect for his hidden gems.
Finally, in 1987, that perfect singer appeared right before his eyes in the form of Ricky Van Shelton.
Sheltonโs debut project with Columbia, โWild-Eyed Dream,โ was a big success โ generating three chart-topping hits! These songs have been meticulously selected from Buckinghamโs stash of previously recorded tunes. For instance, Sheltonโs first No. 1 track, โSomebody Lied,โ was penned by Conway Twittyโs nephew Larry Jenkins and was first recorded by Twitty for his 1985 studio album โDonโt Call Him A Cowboy.โ His second hit, โLife Turned Her That Way,โ was also a minor hit for Mel Tillis in 1967.
Now, Buckingham and Shelton were geared up to work on the country singerโs second album, and they have ultimately chosen โIโll Leave This World Loving Youโ as one of Ricky Van Sheltonโs songs.
Video
Lyrics
Walk away leave with my blessing
Once in awhile, let me hear from you
If we never meet again, before my life is over
I’ll leave this world loving you
You can take every thing but my memories
For they’re good ones and they’ll see me through
If we never meet again, I’ll love you forever
I’ll leave this world loving you
You were mine for a time, and I’m thankful
Oh but life would be lonesome without you
If we never meet again, this side of heaven
I’ll leave this world loving you
If we never meet again, this side of heaven
I’ll leave this world loving you
Beautiful thank you ๐ฅฐ๐