Introduction
The Heartache of Letting Go: A Look at Vern Gosdin’s “That Just About Does It”
Vern Gosdin’s “That Just About Does It” isn’t just a country song about a failing relationship, it’s a poignant reflection on the lingering hope and regret that can accompany a love’s decline. Released in 1989 on the album “Alone,” the song captures the raw emotions of a couple on the brink of separation.
While there’s no definitive information on the song’s origin or songwriter, “That Just About Does It” perfectly embodies Gosdin’s signature style. Often dubbed “The Voice of heartbreak,” Gosdin was known for his rich baritone and his ability to deliver emotionally charged lyrics.
The song opens with a sense of resignation. The narrator acknowledges the nightly tears, the silence, and the feeling that “love is dying.” There’s a sense of wanting to outrun the inevitable pain, with the line “before the whole world knows how it hurts.”
Despite the desire to end things, the song explores the couple’s past attempts to salvage the relationship. The lyrics mention countless fights and apologies, with a hint of resentment (“words could come between us and what I said/God knows I didn’t mean it”).
The narrator grapples with the realization that staying together might be worse than letting go. “It’s tearing us apart to stay,” they sing, acknowledging the destructive nature of a loveless relationship.
“That Just About Does It” doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s a song that sits with the complicated emotions of a failing relationship – the sadness, the regret, the lingering hope, and ultimately, the acceptance of a painful truth.