Oldies Goldies Oasis

Country

Vern Gosdin – If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right

Introduction:

Vern Gosdin’s 1983 classic, “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right”. Now that’s a song that takes you back to a simpler time in country music, doesn’t it? Back when heartache wore a ten-gallon hat and a shiny belt buckle. Gosdin, a true legend of the genre, was known for his smooth baritone and his way of weaving tales of everyday folks facing everyday troubles. “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” is a prime example of that.

Released in February of ’83, the song became the title track and lead single for Gosdin’s album of the same name. It wasn’t just another album filler, though. “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” rocketed up the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, peaking at number five. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. The song struck a chord with audiences, and for good reason.

Now, Gosdin wasn’t the only talent behind this hit. He co-wrote the song with another country music heavyweight, Max D. Barnes. Barnes, a prolific songwriter himself, penned countless country classics throughout his career, and “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” stands proudly among them.

But a great song needs more than just good writing. It needs the right production to bring it to life. Here’s where the ever-reliable Billy Sherrill steps in. Sherrill, a name synonymous with the countrypolitan sound of the 1960s and 70s, was the song’s producer. He knew how to take a country song and give it that polished, mainstream appeal, all while staying true to its roots. Under Sherrill’s guidance, “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” found its perfect balance – a catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and a sound that resonated with both country traditionalists and newcomers to the genre.

Now, let’s talk about the song itself. “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do Bitter” isn’t your typical break-up ballad. Sure, there’s heartbreak at its core, but Gosdin delivers it with a healthy dose of sarcasm and a touch of dark humor. It’s the story of a man who’s been wronged by his lover, but instead of begging her to stay, he throws everything but the kitchen sink at her as she prepares to leave. There’s a closet full of new dresses, a brand new car waiting outside, and a not-so-subtle request for her to wear her best perfume – a final, bitter goodbye.

“If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” is a song that stays with you long after the last note fades. It’s a testament to Vern Gosdin’s storytelling ability, Max D. Barnes’ songwriting prowess, and Billy Sherrill’s production magic. It’s a country classic, pure and simple, and a reminder of a time when country music wasn’t afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve, even if that heart was a little bruised and battered.

Video:

https://youtu.be/ed3VsTBwfCk?si=u4oXryaIHqFOltqv

Related Post

Conway Twitty’s friends share a heartfelt song during their visit to his grave — a touching tribute to the legend whose voice still echoes in their hearts.

At 77, Gene Watson moved gently across the quiet gravel road of his hometown, each step carrying the weight of a lifetime. Walking beside him was Rhonda Vincent, 62, her hand resting tenderly on his arm, her silence filled with respect. There were no cameras, no spotlights—only the weathered barn where a young Gene once discovered the power of a song, and a breeze that seemed to carry echoes of nights long past. They stopped at the doorway, where sunlight caught the dust rising like smoke, and Gene closed his eyes as if reaching back through time. Rhonda watched quietly, guarding the moment like a sacred treasure. After a stillness that felt eternal, Gene’s voice, fragile yet unwavering, whispered: “This is where I first believed a song could outlive me.” In that instant, the years folded together. It was not a performance but a prayer, a reminder that songs are not merely sung—they are lived, and they endure.

From Auto Shops to the Grand Ole Opry: How Gene Watson’s Humble Texas Roots, Timeless Voice, and 60-Year Career Turned Him Into One of Country Music’s Most Beloved Legends—The Untold Story Behind “Farewell Party,” His Struggles, His Triumphs, and the Enduring Power of Real Country Music

You Missed

Oldies Musics

LAS VEGAS STOOD SILENT THE NIGHT ALAN JACKSON AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SANG AS IF EVERY SECOND MATTERED. The arena fell into a hush when Carrie Underwood stepped forward into the light, her gaze settling on Alan Jackson seated calmly at center stage. There was no elaborate introduction, no swelling fanfare—only a stillness so profound it seemed to press against the walls. Then the opening chords of “Remember When” drifted through the room, and the atmosphere quietly transformed. Carrie’s luminous, soaring vocals intertwined with Alan’s rich, weathered baritone—a voice shaped by decades of open highways, heartbreak, faith, and unvarnished honesty. He didn’t need to rise from his chair to captivate the audience. Each lyric he delivered felt deeply rooted in lived experience. Every phrase carried the gravity of memory. What unfolded was more than a duet. It was a bridge between eras. Two artists from different generations, united by a shared devotion to country music’s storytelling tradition. The performance was restrained, almost fragile. No spectacle. No excess. Just authenticity. In the crowd, hands trembled. Some listeners closed their eyes, absorbing every note. Others watched without blinking, unwilling to lose even a fleeting second. The moment wasn’t built on volume or theatrics—it was built on truth. As the final note dissolved into the air, the silence that followed lingered—heavy, reverent, and reluctant. It felt as though the room itself was holding on, aware that something rare and irreplaceable had just passed through it.

Oldies Musics

An Unexpected Farewell the Music Community Never Anticipated: The country music family is grieving the loss of a gentle legend. Jeff Cook, founding member of Alabama and an inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died at 73 following a long and determined struggle with Parkinson’s disease. For years, his guitar carried a tone of sincerity, grace, and quiet strength—crafting melodies that became woven into the lives of millions. He endured his illness away from the spotlight, meeting it with resilience and dignity. Though his hands have fallen silent, the songs he helped bring to life will continue to resonate across airwaves, memories, and generations yet to come.

Oldies Musics

THE SECRET THAT REFUSED TO STAY SILENT: DNA evidence now confirms that a 90-year-old man is in fact Elvis Presley — unraveling a truth far more astonishing than the story the world accepted in 1977.

Oldies Musics

“THE DIAGNOSIS HE REFUSED TO LET DEFINE HIM”: Alan Jackson’s Health Journey — and a Legacy That Endures