The song “Muskrat Love,” originally titled “Muskrat Candlelight,” was written by Willis Alan Ramsey. He composed it in 1972, and it first appeared on his self-titled debut album in 1973.
Ramsey’s whimsical ballad about the romance of two muskrats achieved significant commercial success when covered by the group America in 1973, and again with a version by Captain & Tennille in 1976, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. While the song’s popularity has endured, it has also attracted its share of criticism and parody for its unusual subject matter and somewhat sentimental presentation. Its enduring presence in popular culture, however, speaks to its ability to resonate with audiences despite the changing tides of musical taste. The original version features a more bluegrass and folk-influenced sound, while later versions tended towards a softer rock aesthetic. This divergence highlights the song’s adaptability and its appeal across different musical genres.
