"Life Turned Her That Way" is a song written by Harlan Howard and originally recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1965. The song explores the perspective of a narrator who is reflecting on a woman's cold and bitter demeanor, urging others to empathize with her rather than judge her. The lyrics suggest that the woman has had a difficult life, filled with instances where she has been mistreated and taken advantage of. The narrator acknowledges their own role in hurting her, as the last footprint belongs to them. This implies that the narrator has contributed to the woman's pain in some way. The line "She was crying when I met her, she cries harder today" highlights the woman's ongoing struggles and emotional distress. It emphasizes how her experiences have affected her, causing her to become cold and bitter. Overall, the song implores listeners to consider the woman's past and the hardships she has endured, instead of hastily judging her based on her present demeanor. It encourages empathy and understanding, suggesting that her current state of bitterness is a result of the challenges life has thrown her way.
