Introduction:
Vern Gosdin’s “That Just About Does It”. Released in 1989, this poignant ballad is a cornerstone of traditional country music. Gosdin, a revered vocalist known for his smooth baritone and expert phrasing, delivered this heart-wrenching tale of a failing relationship with a depth of emotion that resonated deeply with listeners.
The song, co-written by Gosdin himself alongside Max D. Barnes, found its home on the album Alone. Produced by Bob Montgomery, a legend in country music with credits alongside giants like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, the album itself captured a raw and intimate side of Gosdin’s artistry. “That Just About Does It” became the album’s second single, following the success of “I’m Still Crazy,” and it quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
The beauty of “That Just About Does It” lies in its simplicity. The instrumentation is spare, relying primarily on a gentle acoustic guitar and a subtle backing band. This allows Gosdin’s voice to take center stage, conveying the heartache and desperation of a love on the brink of collapse. The lyrics paint a vivid picture – a couple lying in bed, unable to sleep, the silence heavy with unspoken words. The packed suitcase by the door speaks volumes, a symbol of impending separation.
Gosdin masterfully employs repetition throughout the song, particularly the lines “That just about does it, don’t it?” and “That’ll just about kill it, won’t it?”. This repetition underscores the weight of the situation, the sense that one small action, one harsh word, could be the final blow to their already fragile connection. The song explores the cyclical nature of arguments and attempts at reconciliation, the constant hope for a solution followed by the inevitable disappointment.
Despite the bleak subject matter, there’s a flicker of hope that lingers. The repeated question “Maybe we should call a truce?” hints at a desire to salvage the relationship. But the follow-up line “We could but what’s the use?” extinguishes that hope with a dose of harsh reality.
“That Just About Does It” transcends the realm of a simple breakup ballad. It speaks to the universal human experience of failed relationships, the pain of watching love erode, and the struggle to let go. Gosdin’s masterful performance and the song’s relatable narrative cemented its place as a country classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.