Saddest Part of All
Jan Howard · Lonely Country [Tower] [1967]
(Let me tell you the saddest part of all.)
It was sad, so sad when you left me
And me thinking I stood so tall
Now you're gone and I should forget you
But I still love you and that's the saddest part of all.
Well, I cried, oh, how I cried when I saw you
With her wrapped so tightly in you arms
But the way I cried then, oh honey, it can't hold the candle
To the way I'm cryin' now that you're gone.
And the saddest part of all is that I take you back
And all you'd have to do is call
After all all the things you done to hurt me
I still love you and that's the saddest part of all...
About Saddest Part of All
Jan Howard's "Saddest Part of All" stands as a poignant example of her mid-1960s country balladry, delivered on the album *Lonely Country*. The track exemplifies her signature ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes of heartbreak, utilizing a melodic structure that prioritizes emotional resonance over complex production. Recorded during a period where Howard was establishing herself as a leading force in the genre, the song reflects the era's focus on intimate storytelling and vocal clarity. Its enduring appeal lies in Howard's nuanced delivery, which captures the quiet ache of disillusionment without resorting to melodrama. As part of her broader discography, the recording showcases her versatility within the country-pop landscape, cementing her reputation for crafting songs that linger in the listener's memory long after the final note fades.