Vern Gosdin – That Just About Does It

Introduction:

Released in September 1989, That Just About Does It is a poignant country ballad by American country music artist Vern Gosdin. The song, co-written by Gosdin and Max D. Barnes, explores the depths of a failing relationship and the realization that love has faded. “That Just About Does It” became a hit for Gosdin, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number three on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It was also included on Gosdin’s studio album Alone, released in the same year.

Vern Gosdin, a baritone known for his smooth vocals and his storytelling ability, had already established himself as a successful country artist by the time “That Just About Does It” was released. Debuting in the early 1960s, Gosdin found fame throughout the 1970s and 1980s with hit songs like “Whispering Wind” and “Set ‘Em Up Joe.” Alone, the album featuring “That Just About Does It”, was produced by Bob Montgomery, a notable figure behind the scenes in country music who had worked with artists like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.

“That Just About Does It” showcases Gosdin’s signature melancholic vocals and poignant lyrics. The song explores the slow decline of a relationship, highlighting the small arguments and unspoken resentments that chip away at love. The narrator reflects on the futility of trying to salvage the relationship and acknowledges the need to move on, even though it brings pain. The struggle between staying in a failing relationship and letting go is a theme that resonates with many country music listeners, and “That Just About Does It” effectively captures this sentiment.

The success of “That Just About Does It” helped solidify Vern Gosdin’s place as a country music icon. The song’s critical and commercial acclaim cemented his reputation as a singer who could deliver heartfelt ballads that resonated with audiences. “That Just About Does It” remains a cherished song in Gosdin’s catalog, a testament to his songwriting skills and his ability to capture the complexities of love and loss.

Video:

Lyrics:

Every night you go to bed crying
There’s nothing left to do when love is dying
So before the whole world knows, how we’re hurting
Don’t you think it’s time we pull the curtains’

So many times, I talked you out of leaving
And so many times you’ve tried to fight the feeling
I guess we’ve tried and failed once too often
Now the suitcase down the hallway does the talking

That just about does it, don’t it
That’ll just about kill it, won’t it
Maybe we should call a truce
We could but what’s the use
That just about does it, don’t it

It’s sad to think that words could come between us
And what I said, God knows I didn’t mean it
It’s time we realize this time it’s over
It’s tearing us apart to stay together

And that just about does it, don’t it
That’ll just about kill it, won’t it
Maybe we should call a truce
We could, but what’s the use
That just about does it, don’t it

Maybe we should call a truce
We could, but what’s the use
That just about does it, don’t it, don’t it