I Love You Because
Jan Howard · For Loving You (w Bill Anderson) [Decca] [1968]
(I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.)
Why do I love you, I love you not only for what you are
But for what I am when I'm with you
I love you not only for what you've made of yourself
But for what you're making of me.
And why do I love you, I love you because you're helping me
To build from the lumber of my life not a tavern but a temple
From the words of my every day not a reproach but a song.
(I love you because you understand dear
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.)
I love you for ignorin' the possibilities of a fool in me
And for laying firm hold on the possibilities of a good in me
I love you because you've done more than any creed to make me happy
And you've done it without a word.
And you've done it without a touch
Without even a sign you've done it just by being yourself
(But most of all I love you cause you're you)
Perhaps after all that's what love really is...
I Love You Because
Jan Howard's 1968 recording of "I Love You Because" stands as a poignant song in her extensive country discography. Released during a period of significant artistic evolution, the track appears on the collaborative album For Loving You, recorded alongside Bill Anderson. Howard, known for her emotive vocal delivery and ability to navigate the nuances of heartbreak, delivers a performance that captures the intimate complexities of romantic devotion. This work reflects her established presence in the genre during the late 1960s, a time when she successfully balanced solo hits with high-profile duets. The song remains a testament to her enduring influence on country music, showcasing the warmth and sincerity that defined her recordings throughout this era.