Introduction:
We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This, a song released in 1998, is a prime example of George Strait’s enduring country music legacy. The song appears on his studio album One Step at a Time, which itself achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) denoting sales of over one million units. This particular song, We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This, became Strait’s forty-fourth number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This milestone solidified his position as one of the most successful country music artists of all time.
We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This was written by songwriter Jim Lauderdale. Lauderdale is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter who has penned hits for artists across various genres, including Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson. Tony Brown, a frequent collaborator with Strait, served as the song’s producer. Brown is a legendary record producer who has worked with a formidable list of country music artists throughout his career, including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Chesney. His production style is known for its focus on transparency and highlighting the core elements of a song, which perfectly complements Strait’s signature straightforward singing style.
Thematically, We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This explores the complexities of desire and commitment. The song delves into a scenario where two people, presumably involved in separate relationships, find themselves drawn to each other. The lyrics grapple with the moral implications of their attraction while acknowledging the undeniable spark between them. This internal conflict is a common theme in country music, and We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This effectively captures the emotional turmoil of such a situation.
We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This was not only a commercial success but also received positive critical reception. Critics praised the song’s relatable story line and Strait’s nuanced vocals. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and resonate with listeners on a personal level. Even today, We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This remains a staple on country radio and a beloved part of George Strait’s extensive discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
We really shouldn’t be doing thisAnd we both know whyJust being close enough to think like thisEnough to make you need to lieThis kinda talk will lead us to somewhereWe’re gettin’ way too close to going thereThe farther off the better to resistWe really shouldn’t be doing this
Only an isolated incidentBut the acquaintance left me stunnedThe first attraction was the hardest hitI thought I’d ever overcomeThis kinda situation has to passThis chance encounter has to be the lastTo take it further we would be remissWe really shouldn’t be doing this
We’d each be hurting somebody elseif we don’t say our good-byes real fastWon’t even think about a farewell kisswe really shouldn’t be doing thisWell
We really shouldn’t be doing thisAnd we both know whyJust being close enough to think like thisEnough to make you need to lieThis kinda talk can lead us to somewhereWe’re gettin’ way too close to going thereThe farther off the better to resistWe really shouldn’t be doing this
This kinda situation has to passThis chance encounter has to be the lastTo take it further we would be remissWe really shouldn’t be doing thisWon’t even think about a good-bye kissWe really shouldn’t be doing this