About the song
“That Just About Does It.” Released in 1989 as a single from his album Alone, this track became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, further solidifying Gosdin’s reputation as “The Voice” of country music, unparalleled in conveying deep sorrow and vulnerability. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a devastatingly honest exploration of emotional exhaustion, the painful process of surrender, and the final, quiet act of walking away from a relationship that has simply run its course.
The lyrics of “That Just About Does It,” penned by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon, paint a stark and somber picture of a narrator who has reached the absolute end of his emotional rope in a relationship. He’s not angry or bitter, but profoundly weary, having endured countless disappointments, broken promises, and the slow erosion of love. The phrase “That Just About Does It” serves as a final, quiet declaration that he can no longer bear the pain or the effort. There’s a palpable sense of resignation, a decision made not out of spite, but out of sheer emotional depletion. Phrases like “You always said that I was strong / So I held on and held on and held on” and “You always said that I was weak / So I cried and cried and cried for weeks” perfectly capture this blend of past struggles and the ultimate surrender to an undeniable truth. The song speaks to the universal human experience of reaching a breaking point in a difficult relationship, the painful realization that sometimes, letting go is the only way to save oneself, and the quiet dignity of accepting that some things simply cannot be fixed. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt utterly drained by a love that demanded too much and gave too little.
Vern Gosdin’s vocal performance on “That Just About Does It” is nothing short of masterful and showcases why he was known as “The Voice.” His distinctive baritone, with its inherent mournful quality, its incredible control, and its remarkable ability to convey profound heartbreak without ever becoming overly dramatic, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of weary resignation and genuine, deep-seated pain. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the broken spirit of the narrator, making the listener feel every nuance of his exhaustion, his final decision, and the quiet sorrow of surrender. There’s a perfect blend of understated delivery in the verses, building to a gut-wrenching yet controlled quality in the chorus, where the simple declaration “That Just About Does It” hits with immense emotional force. Gosdin’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply emotional narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral and empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking control of his voice, even as it conveys profound suffering. It is a masterclass in conveying ultimate surrender.
The musical arrangement of “That Just About Does It” is a pristine example of late 1980s traditional country balladry, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and Vern Gosdin’s definitive vocal. It typically features a gentle, melodic acoustic guitar that provides a tender, inviting foundation, complemented by prominent, weeping steel guitar that adds a layer of country sorrow and wistful reflection. Subtle piano chords and a soft, unobtrusive rhythm section create a comforting, swaying backdrop, allowing Gosdin’s stunning vocal and the poignant lyrics to remain front and center. The instrumentation is tasteful and precise, never overpowering the voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for his emotional delivery. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Vern Gosdin’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable authenticity. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and universally tragic, perfectly suited for a heartfelt lament of a love’s final breath.
“That Just About Does It” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of emotional exhaustion, the pain of letting go, and the quiet act of self-preservation are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Vern Gosdin’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that further cemented his legacy as “The Voice” – a vocalist capable of conveying the deepest human emotions with unparalleled honesty. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, after all the struggles, That Just About Does It.
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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
