Craig Bickhardt - "You Are What Love Means to Me" (from the "Tender Mercies" soundtrack - 1982)

[@2LFlynn]

Robert Duvall is one of the greatest character actors of all time.

[@winnjaimes7606]

The most beautiful song I have EVER heard. Absolutely pure gold. I can watch Tender Mercies over and over and Robert Duvall did a stellar performance.

[@David-ot9tr]

I would like to feel this way about someone and have that feeling returned.

[@ucctgg]

Incredibly underrated. A masterpiece

[@bigolyd]

Tender Mercies is one of the greatest movies of all time. How this song didn’t score a song of the year award is mind boggling. A true from the heart song of redemption, faith, silver linings and love. Somebody must have pissed off the village idiots in Nashville. Garth wishes he could write a song half this good and the other idiots that “sing” about roller coasters and rap about how they roll would simply be confused by the lyrics……bless their hearts.

[@CriticalThinker13]

it really is...remember when we cried at the end of movies? Now we just talk about the sequel.....

[@49LivingtheDream]

I was in college, and oh so young in 1983. I don't believe I saw it at the movies then, but fondly remember always looking at the ad in the newspaper's movie section. For some reason, it always beckoned me when I saw it daily. I believe the picture was drawing me to those Plains, which I grew to love many years later. And, now, 40 years later, "For Just One More Day" if I could go back to the days when I read the paper, gazing at that ad in the movie section.

[@EricBPK]

Why do some gems get ignored...? This song is timeless... beautiful...

[@ahmedronaldokahn2352]

because they never had a chance to listen to it

[@pearlinerich97]

I feel the same way, guess its because some famous well known singet didn't sing it

[@Texaspoppy]

It’s is pure gold. So beautiful

[@gallen2101]

2023 listening to this beautiful song...❤

[@bobbyt7448]

2024 here.😊

[@karenstone6093]

Tender Mercies is a movie I watch over and over love it

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

I'm the same way. ❤❤❤

[@timbarnett-queen1129]

Movie quote of all times: "I don't trust happiness; I never did and I never will". The silence of that west Texas field, the calm presence of Tess Harper, this line was delivered with all the power and emotion of a freight train. When my son was murdered it was this movie and this line that got me thru; still does.

[@conniesimmons3848]

This movie has a special place with me.In 94 my Mom was dying of cancer and this movie came on the t.v. She said "Oh I love this movie." My sister and I hadn't seen it, but Mom got really bad and we didn't get to see it all. After her passing I searched every video store in our small area, to no avail. Then a year later I was visiting a Walmart in a nearby town and walk to the auto. dept. and there laying all alone was this movie. Took it home, and it wouldn't play. I took it apart, fixed it.

[@sartainja]

Connie Simmons Great story. Thank you for sharing. Your mother would be proud.

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

Good Memory ❤

[@patriciadarlene6395]

This is my wedding song. Every year on our anniversary we dance to this song

[@sartainja]

Patricia Darlene That warms my heart to hear your story. I am happy that others appreciate this wonderful song as much as I do. There might be hope for this world yet.

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

❤❤❤❤

[@bobbyt7448]

Just beautiful ❤

[@MrDrummerman32]

To me, Robert Duvall's best movie. On one hand, a shame it took me this long to watch it. On the other, I don't think I would be able to appreciate it as much as I do if I saw it initially when i was younger.

[@49LivingtheDream]

I know about having taken a long to watch the movie. When it was on the screen in 1982 or 1983, I was in college in Richmond. That was when I fell in love with country music. I always gazed at that print ad in the movie section of the local paper (Richmond Times Dispatch and now defunct News Leader) with Duvall and an old windmill in the background. It just looked as a simpler time from what I knew living on the East Coast, even in the mid 80s. Decades later, I had the opportunity to live in New Mexico for six years and traveled often by car between Minnesota (home now) and New Mexico. Traveling on those high plains, with a grain elevator welcoming to the towns in between and the flat land what I call "magnificent desolation" was always so comforting and serene.

[@felipehildebrand6981]

Beautiful Movie and Soundtrack. How i miss the old America.

[@DebraS26]

Such a beautiful song! It should have won the Academy award that year for best song.

[@MMAfighter38113]

Duvall earned the Oscar for this. One of my favorite movies and soundtracks. This song is pure gold

[@balwc147]

True brother 👍💯

[@amysellsdallas]

Agreed!

[@brookepenny1423]

Absolutely gorgeous song. I actually know Craig Bickhart ( a little bit) and I hope he gets all the credit he deserves. It’s timeless.

[@midnightpretenders5749]

Big him up for me

[@bearman000ify]

This song just blows me away. I just let it take me back to a happier time. Thank you for this song!

[@49LivingtheDream]

I was in college. Certainly a different time, but still I had my ups and downs in those early 80s. And, the country had its trials, then, too. Simpler time? Probably so. We talked more in person and weren't as impatient. We never knew who was calling. You know what I mean.

[@DanyaelLJohnson]

I love this song man, it has stayed with me all these years. It really is how I feel about my wife. I loved Tender Mercies, but it would not have been the same without this song.

[@jimscan4622]

Just WOW! I got to see Craig perform this last week. Such smooth vocals and what a great picker!!! A new fan!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheViajeras]

Recently, I saw Craig perform in Philadelphia. It nearly breaks my heart listening to his sweet, soul stirring voice.

[@scotthunt2479]

One of the good things about this song (and there are many), is that Craig sang harmony to his own lead vocal. I read that he did it this way on the demo, so when it came time to remaster it for the movie soundtrack, he just went into the studio, laid down the lead vocal, and then sang harmony on a separate track. The man could definitely sing, and it was the perfect song for the end of the movie.

[@PatrikiaJ]

This is my favorite love song of all time...

[@christinecurtis5054]

Watched this wonderful movie again last evening. The characters were perfectly cast - love them all. And that final song - "You Are What Love Means to Me," is a song that should be replayed over and over. The lyrics and music are perfect. I never hear it played on country radio and I don't understand why it has been shunned by the stations - unless there is a legal issue involved.

[@cschiada]

So I actually found Craig‘s email address one time and emailed him. This is a good you know like 20 some years ago and I asked him I said all I could find was the album I couldn’t find any anything on a CD or iTunes or whatever and he said if you buy my new album I’ll include it on there and so I did buy his album and he did include that song on it but I’ve never found it in iTunes or anywhere else And I think what has probably happened is the music industry strikes again? They do a lot of shady stuff to people maybe they own the rights to it I don’t know, but is one of the best songs of ever heard in my life I wish this artist. Well he’s got a great voice and a great writer.

[@patriciagibbs5510]

Tender Mercies is my favorite number one movie ever. I just watched it again this evening. This song captures the theme of the movie. Forgiveness and redemption. You are what love means to me.

[@patriciagoodman9004]

One of the best songs ever written!

[@normagilbert8067]

Beautiful Song.

[@KarenJohnson-ce9wn]

This is so beautiful and

[@tracidavis8991]

Beautiful 💞

[@bdsjr32]

My lord, I love the sound of that steel guitar solo kicking in towards the end. The perfect ending for a sad movie: a boy playing catch with his step-father, while his loving and appreciative mother looks on from a distance, with this beautiful song kicking on. This is my favorite movie of all time, and there is no close second anymore. A true masterpiece, the movie and the song, particularly for those of us who had similar experiences at a similar place and time.

[@rainbowseeker5930]

I love how the kid laughs while playing ball with his Dad...simple things like that are a memory treasure.

[@janetdodd3495]

Lovely song

[@silverinkpot7]

A nearly perfect song - I love it.

[@tinalucky3453]

Awesome voice and Beatiful song with Heart warming word that touches you down deep.

[@adidaslou]

I love this song. It is amazing. i should have been nominated for and won and academy award for best song of 1982 Tender Mercies. That song and Robert Duvall took over the highlights of that special year. What a beautiful song

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

I totally agree. ❤

[@texgal516]

STILL one of the best songs ever written and sung! I can't believe so few people know of this song... And Tender Mercies is still one of my favorite movies... I could listen to this song over and over and over again.....

[@mamiestephens7682]

This song is truly beautiful.Iloved the movie Tender Mercies and Robert Duvall was the perfect actor for tha part.❤

[@mamiestephens7682]

I hours ago

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

I LOVE the movie & Robert Duvall. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@taliaxavier1]

Why have I never heard this song??? Just happened to watch the movie. One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Where has this music gone?

[@cjay881]

I love this song. I saw Tender Mercies again and remembered how i loved it. Craig bickhardt should have been a major star from this alone.

[@pilgrim561]

Loved the movie bought it, and play this song over and over. A stunningly beautiful song

[@silverinkpot7]

This is by far my favorite country song! It's just beautiful, and that movie is also one of my favorites!

[@boxborolad]

Perfect song to play over the closing credits. A favorite movie of mine. Just watched again last night....

[@thelmahardman5709]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! For one of the best movies ever made. This is what tender mercy is all about.

[@ionutzamfir5794]

this movie and the songs in.it could rip your heart apart especially when knowing you had a golden hearted lady as your woman and then let her go and married the little demon

[@drummerforJesus321]

AWESOME LOVE SONG! THANKS!

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

I Loved the Movie and the music. Always been a Robert Duvall fan. He reminds me of my first love. They looked like twins.

[@gerianderson3201]

With tender hands you gathered up the pieces of my life Lying in your loving arms never felt so right The hard luck road behind me Is reflected in your eyes And the glory of the bright lights Can't compare to this feeling when you smile Chorus: You're the good things I threw away Coming back to me every day You're the best it could ever be You are what love means to me I've been around and seen it all from the bottom to the top And honey I can tell you now, I'm thankful for what I've got These prison walls inside me Never set this poor soul free Till the power of your true love Broke them down just in time to rescue me Chorus: You're the song I could never write You're the magic in my heart tonight When the morning sun comes shining through I'll still be holding you You're the good things I threw away Coming back to me every day You're the best it could ever be You are what love means to me You're the best it could ever be You are what love means to me

[@frankieleftwich5310]

Beautiful voice and song! Just rewatched Tender Mercies and had to scout out who sung the exit song. It was so beautiful. Of course Betty Buckley can make the world stand still with her songs in this movie.

[@ervfriedrichs884]

From what I understand Robert Duvall did not like this song and did not want it in the movie. Still I think it was the perfect song to end a great movie.

[@Brex806]

Following Craig for decades and still " music to my ears". Great man!

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

Just watched. What a great movie

[@dennishudson781]

I love this song! "You Are what Love Means to Me"

[@beausmom1959]

I know the songwriter/singer, he is a true musician, to this day.

[@sartainja]

Cindy Mooney He is a great singer and songwriter. My hat is off to him. I emailed him once and told him how I appreciated this song. He wrote he back and thanked me for my kind comments. He is a gentleman.

[@texgal516]

The first time I saw this movie and heard this song (in the 80's) I immediately went out and bought the sound track (LP), just for this song! I wish I could find a man who felt this way about me...what a powerful love song!

[@tiffaneybritton7972]

You and me both.

[@jongutera1000]

Hell of a movie and hell of a song, just watched the movie on tv last night, takes me back to the dance halls of southeast texas, beer drinking and dancing away, good times.

[@msmithrandir561]

I Totally agree I used to sit and rewind the VHS over and over just to keep hearing it, then the CD, now I've got youtube......One of the most beautiful songs ever................

[@AlexandrosDeligiorgis]

I watched it yesterday. This is an original and good film. Nice script, great Duvall.

[@profbruzequickhhp6438]

Saw the movie again tonight Still think this is the best love song Ever written

[@bobbyt7448]

0:50 Here again 6/30,7/28,8/2/24. "You are what love means to me".😊

[@bearman000ify]

Easily one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@reginamay2767]

This song is right for the movie it fits it well. I just watched this movie again today. it was on the TV they are showing it on this tv

[@rmhsarah]

I could not find this totally beautiful song on ITunes so I recorded this KZbin to my MAC Garage Band then loaded it into my Itunes library. Now I can hear it when and wherever I want. Reminds me of the wonderful music I danced to with my sweet husband before he passed away. Should have been a #1 hit in 1982 !!

[@rainbowseeker5930]

But this is a 1983 movie !

[@tinalucky3453]

Just Beautiful with such deep feelings touches me very deep.

[@bobbyt7448]

Omg, My people are here!😊Greatest movie ever.

[@pamelahudnell7891]

Absolutely so Love ❤️ This &Loved The Movie TENDER MERCIES)!!!!

[@aminderman1]

Just heard the song for the first time it is a beautiful song I love it thank you for sharing it with us.

[@montanafisherman5360]

A True love song...story of my life, but yet to find my "Tender Mercies"...someday!

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

fabulous song--it needs to be released again--a true gem

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

probably won't happen now--great film with a great soundtrack

[@silverinkpot7]

My favorite movie - an overlooked classic - and one of my favorite songs!

[@Pickelsongs]

Just a Great song Craig, great.

[@ahmedronaldokahn2352]

It popped up in my recommended...I never felt more grateful in my life.

[@phyllisyaich659]

I watched the movie Tender Mercies again. I love this song 'You are what Love Means to Me". What a beautiful song. I wish I could e-mail it to the man I love.

[@jerrymcjunkin8398]

O how so awesome 👌 memory of yesterday when I had all my friends ❤ ♥ 💕 💖 😄 now all most by my self ❤ 💙 o how I miss them so 😢 💔 my heart is broken 💔 😢 !!!!!!!!!++++++++

[@Toolmamon]

Caught the end of the movie. Love this theme. Gotta watch this gem of a movie!!

[@jdmarr2259]

Great song. Great movie. Thank you!!!

[@brotherjohn25]

Great movie. Great song. I just watched it the previous night, Robert Duvall was superb!

[@shuyuan901]

Best.. so touching

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

great film--poetic, honest, and so real--you just have to love the characters, the music is also great

[@roccocontrino2502]

I thought this was a great song when I first saw "Tender Mercies" in the '80s. How it wasn't even nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar is disgraceful. It deserved to win that year. I like the song that was nominated from the movie ("Over You") but this one is even better.

[@VelvetGal5]

I love the lyrics to this song. It's a beautiful, meaningful, tender, sentimental, and heartfelt love song. I caught the last half of "Tender Mercies" on TV tonight while eating some dinner, and I heard this song in the rolling end credits, and I found myself connecting to the from the heart & soul lyrics of this "You Are What Love Means To Me" song by Craig Bickhardt. Thanks for uploading this song here on KZbin. I appreciate that. Have a nice week. :-)

[@RayneraGrace]

I absolutely love this movie and the song. Robert Duvall was incredible.

[@laurasamson4842]

i love the movie n the song never get old to hear or watch movie :)) it really shows you what love truly is and the tender mercies god put in our hearts to love thous and to pray for those who need our prayers

[@ryanchester7456]

If you like this song and want to support Craig here are some other songs of his and his merch store. Show him some love. Merch www.craigbickhardt.com/cds.html If Holes Were Coins kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqOTlKioa6uAiLc Men and Rivers kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIi0oqFraNuZaNE One Little Light kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4KQaKl5fa5ofa8 Where I Used to Have a Heart kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5qYmoCXh7upgZI The Real Game kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2HHm5mDfsSSdw We Will Not Pass This Way Again (Memorial Day Tribute Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3PGpWOOhMdpqKM If He Came Back Again (was cut by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHWkoJmVpqySnpI Prayers For You kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqrIfWmBrdmVicU

[@donfleming9886]

I have tried with no success to buy this song. Please tell me how.

[@Lasse-wf4dh]

i really like it !!!.... he had sweed voice and beautiful country song i wonder why he didnt become a big hit at that time on country singles he deserved the best

[@danwalsh6728]

My wedding song 24 years ago! I was a lot like Max but the love of an Angel saved me!

[@sartainja]

Dan Walsh Great song. The song must have worked it's magic.

[@danwalsh6728]

33 years today! Playing to wake up my wife right now!

[@ellinor629]

You can find this song on "No Road Back" on amazon, cdbaby and cduniverse. There are other excellent songs on there also: "We Will Not Pass This Way Again", "All The Things We've Never Done" and "I Will Have Lived Long Enough" It's a wonderful CD! I Love all of Craig's songs!!

[@DebraS26]

This song is so beautiful it should the Academy for for best song.

[@carroll6]

What a great song.. why is this man not famous? Why are others not singing this song. It's so much better than.. "International Harvester".."She things my tractor's sexy".. *groannn*

[@pamelagarland6631]

Only The Best Will Do.. 👈💛👉

[@allegra9967]

Sweet song

[@didyaknowit]

if you listen to the song and the arangment this is as good as jones he stoped loving her today. this should be the number one wedding song

[@dalerochel3009]

Robert, the movie “Tender Mercies” was a great movie you were in. I like that movie so much. Had a lot of good songs in it. And very good Acting in the movie. Louisiana lady

[@laurasamson4842]

i 100 % love this song its reminds me of me and john were apart now but still love each other he hurt me deeply but in time we want to work things out this song reminds me how much love means to the one u give your whole heart to smiles if and even if we dont go bk i will always remember our love was real and will always be

[@karenbarber2714]

Awesome movie.

[@ecf766]

Amazing!

[@ellinor629]

You're very welcome! "Brother to the Wind" is an excellent CD also.

[@profbruzequickhhp6438]

Still #1

[@ginatafferty3910]

💗💗💗

[@Absurdlybig1]

Why wasn't this song listed in the credits of the movie? Sad...

[@coyotescribe]

Very nice end-credit song. Too bad it's not available as an mp3 download. Would love to have it in my library.

[@cliffshell]

I am dumbfounded that this song didn't chart.

[@texgal516]

I am too! It was written and recorded by Jim Lauderdale. He is mainly a songwriter and I guess only known to other songwriters and artists. I just can't believe someone else didn't cover it! In the 80's, George Strait would have been a good one; and today, I wish Chris Young would cover and release it. Chris has some beautiful love songs (not very well known) on a couple of his albums. They can bring me to tears....

[@msmithrandir561]

Me too

[@scottshea4681]

I've only ever seen promo singles of this song. I don't think it ever got a full release.

[@grobert7577]

2024

[@Rose-Rae]

xo

[@bbarnes94]

I love the Tender Mercies soundtrack. Can you post Fool's Waltz?