Introduction
Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job”: A Song About Dedication and Heartbreak
Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job” isn’t one of his chart-topping hits, but it offers a glimpse into his storytelling prowess and country music traditionalism. Here’s a look at the song and its place in Twitty’s career:
1987 Release: “That’s My Job” was released in November 1987 as the third single from Twitty’s album “Borderline.” While the album itself reached No. 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, the song achieved a more modest peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Songwriter Gary Burr: The song was written by Gary Burr, a Nashville-based songwriter who penned hits for artists like Janie Fricke and The Judds. Burr crafted a narrative driven by traditional country themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
A Story of Unconditional Love and Regret: The lyrics paint a picture of a man who dedicates himself to a troubled lover, despite the pain it causes him. Lines like “That’s my job, to love you when you’re down” capture his unwavering devotion. However, a hint of regret peeks through in the chorus as he sings, “Maybe someday you’ll understand, that’s my job, to set you free.”
Conway Twitty’s Signature Style: Twitty’s deep baritone perfectly delivers the emotion of the lyrics. The song’s arrangement leans towards classic country instrumentation with prominent steel guitar and backing vocals. This blend of powerful vocals and traditional country sound became Twitty’s signature style.
“That’s My Job” may not be a chart-topping smash, but it showcases Conway Twitty’s ability to connect with listeners through relatable storytelling and a timeless country music sound. The song offers a glimpse into the world of unwavering love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet reality of letting go.