Introduction
With “My Only Love,” released in 1984 on their album Atlanta Blue, The Statler Brothers crafted one of the most tender and emotionally rich love songs of their career. Written by Jimmy Fortune, who had joined the group just a few years earlier, the song quickly became a fan favorite—not for its flash or flair, but for its sincere portrayal of quiet, enduring love.
From the first notes, it’s clear this is a love song meant to be whispered, not shouted. The lyrics are simple and direct, yet filled with the kind of devotion that only deep commitment can inspire:
“You are my only love / My only love / And I just thank the Lord above / For you each day.”
It’s not about longing or heartbreak—it’s about gratitude, about recognizing the gift of someone who has walked beside you through the years, and telling them so with honesty and grace.
Jimmy Fortune’s lead vocal is a thing of beauty—pure, smooth, and emotionally transparent. His delivery is soft but strong, giving the lyrics just enough breath and space to land gently in the listener’s heart. Backed by Don Reid, Harold Reid, and Phil Balsley, the harmony is as warm and steady as ever—a hallmark of The Statler Brothers’ unmistakable sound.
Musically, the arrangement is understated and elegant: acoustic guitar, soft piano, and subtle string accents allow the melody to float with ease. There’s nothing overproduced here—just the essentials, arranged with care to keep the focus on the emotion and sincerity of the song.
What sets “My Only Love” apart is its emotional purity. It doesn’t rely on metaphor or grand imagery—it speaks plainly, from the heart, and that’s exactly what makes it so moving. In a world filled with love songs that chase passion or drama, this one celebrates something more rare and lasting—devotion, appreciation, and quiet joy.
For longtime fans of The Statlers, “My Only Love” is a touchstone of their softer side. And for new listeners, it’s a beautiful entry into the kind of country music that values depth over dazzle, and truth over trend.
“My Only Love” isn’t just a song—it’s a vow, gently sung and eternally felt.
