Introduction:
Country crooner Gene Watson released a song that resonated deeply with fans of the genre in 1983. Titled “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without”, the song became a cornerstone of Watson’s career, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
This traditional country weepie wasn’t written by Watson himself, but by songwriting duo Allen Frizzell and Bo Roberts. Frizzell was already a country legend by the time he co-wrote the song, having had hits like “Maybe You Think I Don’t Care” and “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)”. Watson himself served as a co-producer for the track, alongside Russ Reeder, for his album “Sometimes I Get Lucky”.
The song explores the depths of heartbreak and suspicion within a relationship. The narrator, a man left at home alone, stews over his partner’s whereabouts and activities. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that’s gone cold, filled with doubt and a growing sense of betrayal. “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without” doesn’t mince words about the emotional turmoil the narrator faces. The song struck a chord with listeners who had found themselves in similar situations, propelling it to become one of Watson’s most recognizable tunes.
“You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without” cemented Gene Watson’s status as a rising star in country music. The song’s success showcased his powerful vocals and his ability to deliver a heartbreaking narrative with authenticity. It remains a popular choice for country radio stations and a go-to for fans looking for a classic country song about love lost.
Video:
Lyrics:
You’ve been staying out late almost every night
While I sit home and wait for you
Sometimes until it’s daylight
You think that I’m a fool
That I don’t know what it’s all about
But I think that you’re out doing
What I’m here doing without
Girl, I wanna tell you that you’re
Late hours are bringing me down
You’re so tired when you come home at night
That you don’t even care that I’m around
If you’d just love me like you used to
You’d make me wanna jump and shout
But, I think that you’re out doing
What I’m here doing without
(What I’m here doing without)
It’s a sad situation when you don’t
Get no loving at home
And if you don’t watch your step, girl
You’re gonna find yourself all alone
Still you think that you can get by
As long as you can keep me in doubt
But, I think that you’re out doing
What I’m here doing withoutI don’t know how long
That I can put up with what
You’re putting me through
Half the time I don’t know
Where you are or what you are up to
And you don’t even care when
You think that I’m a little put out
And I think that you’re out doing
What I’m here doing without
Well I know that you’re out doing
What I’m here doing without…