Introduction:
Released in February 1983, If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right is a classic country song by American country music singer Vern Gosdin. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right is not only the title track from Gosdin’s 1983 album of the same name, but it also helped solidify Gosdin’s reputation as a singer who could deliver heartbreak with a healthy dose of sarcasm and wit.
If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right was co-written by Gosdin himself alongside Max D. Barnes. The song is a clever twist on the traditional country music theme of infidelity. While many country songs deal with the pain of being cheated on, If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right takes an almost defiant stance. The narrator, a man who seems to suspect his lover’s straying, doesn’t beg or plead for her to stay faithful. Instead, he delivers a series of barbed comments laced with dark humor. He sings about the new car and dresses he’s bought her, before coldly advising her to put on her best perfume “before you leave our room.” The key line of the song comes in the chorus, where the narrator delivers the title in a tone that’s both world-weary and laced with a touch of anger: “If you’re gonna do me wrong, do it right/ Take off your wedding band/ When he takes you by the hand/ If you’re gonna do me wrong, do it right.”
If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right was produced by Nashville veteran Jimmy Bowen. Bowen was known for his polished production style, and his work on the song helped to make it a radio-ready hit. However, it’s Gosdin’s distinctive vocals that truly elevate the track. His baritone voice is both smooth and expressive, perfectly capturing the song’s blend of resignation and bitterness.
If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right became one of Gosdin’s signature songs, and it remains a popular choice for country music fans today. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its clever lyrics and its relatable portrayal of a man dealing with the fallout of a broken relationship. If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do it Right is a perfect example of Vern Gosdin’s talent for taking a classic country theme and infusing it with his own unique blend of humor and heartache.
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Lyrics:
There’s a closet full of dresses that I bought youAnd here’s the keys to the new car in the driveAnd before you leave our roomPut on your best perfume.If you’re gonna do me wrong, do it rightOh, the next time the phone rings I won’t answerI don’t want to be the fool I was tonightI don’t want to know the truthI don’t want to see the proof.If you’re gonna do me wrong, honey do it rightIf you’re gonna break my heart all to piecesJust walk right out and leave me any day or tonightTake off your wedding bandWhen he takes you by the hand.If you’re gonna do me wrong, do it rightTake off your wedding bandWhen he takes you by the handIf you’re gonna do me wrong, do it right.