Conway Twitty, a name synonymous with the golden era of country music, crafted a discography replete with emotional depth and narrative richness. Among his repertoire, “That’s My Job” stands as a poignant exploration of love, responsibility, and the complexities of human connection.
Released in 1987 as part of the album Borderline, this track offers a mature and reflective perspective on the intricacies of relationships, particularly the role of a partner as a steadfast protector.
Background
The song arrives at a time when Twitty’s career was already well-established. His voice, rich with experience and emotion, was a perfect vehicle for delivering the song’s message.
“That’s My Job” is more than just a country ballad; it’s a declaration of commitment, a promise etched in melody. The song’s structure, with its steady tempo and traditional country instrumentation, provides a familiar foundation for the lyrical exploration of profound themes.
The opening lines, “Woke up early one bright fall day/To spread the tragic news in my way,” immediately establish a somber tone. Twitty’s vocal delivery is marked by a sense of gravity, underscoring the weight of the message he’s about to convey. The narrative unfolds as a reflection on the challenges and sacrifices inherent in love.
The protagonist, a figure embodying the strength and dependability often associated with the traditional male role, confronts the stark reality of life’s uncertainties.
The chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain, “That’s my job, that’s what I do/Everything I do is because of you,” encapsulates the song’s core message. It’s a declaration of love and protection, a vow to be there through thick and thin.
Twitty’s vocal performance in this section is particularly compelling, conveying a sense of unwavering resolve and devotion.
Video
Lyrics
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I woke up crying late at nightWhen I was very youngI had dreamed my fatherHad passed away and goneMy world revolved around himI couldn’t lie there anymoreSo I made my way down the mirrored hallAnd tapped upon his doorAnd I said “Daddy, I’m so afraidHow will I go on with you gone that way?Don’t want to cry anymore, so may I stay with you?”And he said “That’s my jobThat’s what I doEverything I do is because of youTo keep you safe with meThat’s my job you see”Later we barely got alongThis teenage boy and heMost of the fights it seemsWere over different dreamsWe each held for meHe wanted knowledge and learningI wanted to fly out westSaid, “I could make it out thereIf I just had the fareI got half, will you loan me the rest?”And I said “Daddy, I’m so afraidThere’s no guarantee in the plansI’ve made and if I should failWho will pay my way back home?”And he said “That’s my jobThat’s what I doEverything I do is because of youTo keep you safe with meThat’s my job you see”Every person carves his spotAnd fills the hole with lightAnd I pray someday I mightLight as bright as he
Harley