About the song
“That Just About Does It.” Released in 1989 as a single from his album Alone, this track swiftly climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking another signature hit in a career built on delivering pure, unadulterated country emotion. It’s far more than just a chart-topper; it’s a poignant, almost existential declaration of reaching the absolute breaking point in a relationship, where the accumulated hurts finally outweigh any hope of staying.
The lyrics of “That Just About Does It” articulate that excruciating moment when a person realizes they simply cannot endure any more emotional pain in a relationship. It’s not about a single, dramatic fight, but the culmination of countless small slights, disappointments, and unfulfilled promises that lead to a quiet, definitive surrender. Phrases like “You just went too far this time, honey / You just broke my heart one time too many” and the devastatingly simple, “That Just About Does It for me and you” convey the profound exhaustion and finality of the decision. It speaks to the slow erosion of hope, where love is replaced by a weary resignation. The song brilliantly captures the quiet desperation of someone who has tried everything, given all they have, and now finds themselves with nothing left to give but a farewell. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, love doesn’t end with a bang, but with a whimper of acceptance.
Vern Gosdin’s vocal performance on “That Just About Does It” is, as always, deeply moving. His distinctive baritone, known for its unique quaver and an almost mournful quality, is perfectly suited to conveying such profound heartbreak. He sings with an authenticity that makes the listener feel every ounce of the narrator’s pain, as if he’s living the words right there with you. There’s a raw vulnerability in his delivery, a subtle crack in his voice that speaks volumes about the emotional toll. Gosdin’s ability to infuse simple phrases with such deep pathos is what made him a master of the “tear-in-your-beer” ballad, and this song is a shining example of that artistry. He doesn’t need to shout to convey the devastation; his quiet delivery makes it all the more impactful.
The musical arrangement of “That Just About Does It” is classic, traditional country balladry from the late 1980s. It features a melancholic melody driven by prominent acoustic guitars, the unmistakable, weeping cry of a steel guitar, and a steady, understated rhythm section. The instrumentation is designed to complement Gosdin’s emotive vocals, building a somber yet beautiful atmosphere that supports the song’s heartbreaking narrative. The production is clean and focused, allowing the integrity of the lyrics and Gosdin’s voice to remain front and center, creating a truly immersive and affecting listening experience.
“That Just About Does It” resonated deeply with audiences because its portrayal of emotional exhaustion and the quiet finality of a relationship’s end is a universally understood, albeit painful, experience. It became one of Vern Gosdin’s most beloved and iconic recordings, further cementing his legacy as a true purveyor of classic country heartache. It remains a powerful and timeless anthem for those who have simply had enough, a song that perfectly articulates the moment when a long, painful road finally leads to a decisive end.
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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
