About The Song
“A Little Bit In Love” was released by Patty Loveless in June 1988 as the third single from her album If My Heart Had Windows on MCA Records. Produced by Tony Brown and Emory Gordy Jr., the track runs 2:55 and features a lively rockabilly-influenced arrangement with energetic guitar work, driving rhythm, and Loveless’s distinctive, emotive voice that blends vulnerability with attitude.
Written by Steve Earle, the song first appeared on Earle’s 1988 album Copperhead Road sessions but Loveless recorded it earlier for her project. It marked one of the earliest major covers of Earle’s material and helped introduce his songwriting to a wider country audience.
The lyrics portray a woman who usually avoids falling in love because it disrupts her life: “I don’t fall in love as a rule / It always made me look like a fool.” She describes the familiar symptoms—sleepless nights, inability to concentrate, and feeling out of control—yet admits she’s starting to fall again: “I’m a little bit in love, and I can’t help it.” The upbeat tempo and playful tone turn the internal conflict into an infectious, self-aware confession of romantic weakness.
The single became Loveless’s highest-charting release up to that point, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in September 1988. It spent 18 weeks on the chart and significantly boosted the visibility of If My Heart Had Windows, which reached No. 33 on the Top Country Albums chart. The success of this track, along with the title cut, helped establish Loveless as a rising star in the late 1980s traditional country scene.
The song has been praised for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics that capture the thrill and frustration of unexpected attraction. It later appeared on Loveless’s compilation albums, including Greatest Hits collections, and remains a fan favorite from her early catalog. The rockabilly edge gave it a fresh, energetic sound that stood out on country radio at the time.
In the context of her early MCA years, “A Little Bit In Love” stands as an important milestone — a lively, well-crafted single that showcased Loveless’s ability to deliver both emotional depth and up-tempo charm. Decades later, it continues to highlight her strength as an interpreter of strong songwriting and remains one of her most memorable early hits.
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Lyric
I don’t fall in love as a rule
‘Cause it always made me look like a fool
Keeps me up late
Can’t concentrate
I pride myself on keeping my cool
I have to admit I’m a little bit in love with you
I don’t want you gettin me wrong
Because I don’t sit up at night by the phone
But you come around
I let my guard down
And I can’t seem to leave you alone
I’ll get over it
I’m just a little bit in love with you
Well I tell myself that a little bit of lovin never hurt a big girl like me
But I never have heard of a little heart ache and baby that’s what’s scarin me.
So don’t you get your hope’s up if I call
Because I always catch myself when I fall
I have to admit I’m just a little bit in love with you
Repeat verse 3
I’ll get over it I’m a little bit in love with you
That’s all you get I’m just a little bit in love with you
Sincerely,