About the song
“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” is a classic country song that holds a special place in the history of American music. Performed by the legendary Loretta Lynn, this song, released in late 1966, quickly became a significant milestone in her career. It was her first number-one hit on the country charts, a remarkable achievement that marked the beginning of her long and successful career in country music.
The song is well-known for its straightforward and powerful message. It tells the story of a wife who is tired of her husband coming home drunk and expecting affection. This song reflects Loretta Lynn’s own experiences, as her husband was known to be a heavy drinker. The raw honesty and emotion in the lyrics struck a chord with many listeners, making it a bold and influential piece at the time.
“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin'” was groundbreaking not just for its content but also because it was co-written by Lynn herself, alongside her sister Peggy Sue. This made Lynn the first female artist to write a number-one country hit, a milestone that set the stage for many more successes. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, adding a rich, harmonious layer to the recording.
The song’s success didn’t just make waves in the charts; it also earned Loretta Lynn accolades and set the stage for future achievements. It helped Lynn secure the CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1967, a historic win for a female country artist. Additionally, the song was certified gold by the RIAA in 1970, making Lynn the first woman in country music to achieve this honor.
The impact of “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin'” is still felt today. In 2003, it was ranked No. 47 on CMT’s 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music, and in 2024, Rolling Stone placed it at No. 38 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. Its lasting legacy is a testament to Loretta Lynn’s powerful voice and her ability to connect deeply with her audience.
Video
https://youtu.be/OBnkAkmLtawLyrics
Well, you thought I’d be waitin’ up when you came home last night
You’d been out with all the boys and you ended up half tight
Liquor and love, they just don’t mix
Leave that bottle or me behind
And don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find
‘Cause if you want that kind of love, well, you don’t need none of mine
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
You never take me anywhere because you’re always gone
Many a night I’ve laid awake and cried here all alone
Then you come in a kissin’ on me it happens every time
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find
‘Cause if you want that kind of love, well, you don’t need none of mine
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind