Introduction
If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right: A Look Back at Vern Gosdin’s Heartbreaker
Vern Gosdin’s “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” isn’t your typical country heartbreak ballad. Released in February 1983, the song took a unique approach to a familiar theme, landing it a spot at number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Co-written by Gosdin himself alongside Max D. Barnes, the song explores the aftermath of a cheating spouse. The lyrics paint a picture of a man resigned to his fate. He acknowledges the expensive gifts he’s showered his partner with – a closet full of dresses, a new car – and then delivers the song’s unforgettable hook: “If you’re gonna do me wrong, do it right / Oh, the next time the phone rings I won’t answer / I don’t want to be the fool I was tonight / I don’t want to know the truth / I don’t want to see the proof.”
This isn’t a song about anger or revenge. It’s a desperate plea for ignorance, a wish to avoid the sting of betrayal. The slow, measured tempo reinforces the feeling of weary acceptance. Interestingly, the song’s release coincided with a shift in country music. Gosdin’s traditional honky-tonk style was a throwback at a time when pop influences were starting to creep in. “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” became a testament to the enduring power of classic country storytelling.
The song’s legacy extends beyond Gosdin’s own career. In 2014, country singer Kelly Lang released her cover version, proving the track’s ability to resonate with new audiences. So, if you’re looking for a heartbreak song with a twist, cue up Vern Gosdin’s “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right” – a song that reminds us that sometimes, blissful ignorance might be the best medicine.