Vince Gill’s “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” reached No.1 on the charts 30 years ago. This heartfelt ballad, the second single from his album I Still Believe in You, cemented Gill’s place as a country music icon. Let’s delve into the story behind this enduring classic.
A Song Born from Marital Strife
I Still Believe in You, the album that launched “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” was deeply personal for Vince Gill. Many of the songs, including this poignant single, reflected the turbulent times in his marriage to Janis Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo. While the album’s title track, Gill’s first No.1 hit, addressed their struggles with a soaring ballad, “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” took a more urgent, uptempo approach. The lyrics depict a couple engaged in an all-night argument, desperately searching for a solution to their problems.
“Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”: A Lyrical Plea
The song’s chorus, “Don’t let our love start slippin’, love start slippin’ away / ‘Cause the life we’ve been livin’ gets harder every day,” poignantly captures the fragility of love and the struggle to hold on. Lines like “It’s past the point of right or wrong / Let’s find a way to just hold on” reveal a deep-seated desire to salvage a relationship teetering on the brink. The raw emotion in Gill’s vocals further underscores the song’s message of desperation and hope.
Star-Studded Music Video and Chart Success
The music video for “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” featured Gill performing in a club alongside country music royalty, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, and Pam Tillis. This star-studded ensemble added to the song’s appeal and helped propel it to the top of the charts. “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” held the No.1 spot for two weeks, solidifying its place in country music history.
I Still Believe in You: A Breakthrough Album
“Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” was just one of the successful singles from I Still Believe in You. The album also yielded two more No.1 hits: “One More Last Chance” and “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” I Still Believe in You remains Gill’s best-selling album, with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. The album’s success led to a sweep of the 1993 CMA Awards for Gill, including Male Vocalist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. He also won Vocal Event of the Year for his collaboration with George Jones on “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.”
Lasting Legacy
Despite the success of “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” and I Still Believe in You, Gill’s marriage to Janis Oliver ultimately ended in divorce in 1997. He later married Christian singer Amy Grant in 2000. However, the song continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced the complexities of love and relationships. “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” remains a testament to Vince Gill’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of fighting for love, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
