Introduction:
Country music legend George Strait released “When You’re a Man On Your Own” in 1990. The song found its place on Strait’s critically acclaimed album, Livin’ It Up. While not released as a single, the track captured the essence of classic country heartache, resonating with fans for its relatable themes of loneliness and loss.
The song, penned by rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins, marked a departure from Strait’s usual songwriting credits. Perkins, known for his energetic rockabilly anthems like “Blue Suede Shoes,” showcased a different side of his talent with this melancholic ballad. Produced by George Strait himself alongside Jimmy Bowen, “When You’re a Man On Your Own” seamlessly blended into the overall feel of Livin’ It Up, an album that balanced upbeat, danceable tracks with introspective ballads.
The song opens with a simple yet poignant line: “They don’t have words to say how blue I’m feelin’.” This sets the stage for a narrative sung from the perspective of a man grappling with loneliness after a love lost. The lyrics paint a picture of a world that seems indifferent to his pain: “This ol’ world can lift you up then lay you down / It’s a mighty lonesome feeling when your lover’s gone / This old town grows colder when you’re a man on your own.” Strait’s signature baritone vocals deliver the emotions with a quiet intensity, conveying the weight of isolation and longing.
“When You’re a Man On Your Own” may not have achieved the chart-topping success of some of Strait’s other singles, but its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a universal human experience. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt the sting of loneliness, the emptiness of a life without a companion. While not a commercial juggernaut, the track solidified Strait’s reputation as a versatile artist who could deliver heartfelt ballads alongside his more upbeat country anthems. It remains a fan favorite, a testament to the enduring power of relatable storytelling in country music.
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Lyrics:
They don’t have wordsTo say how blue I’m feelin’This ol’ world can lift you up then lay ya’ downIt’s a mighty lonesome feelin’When your lover’s goneThis ol’ town go’s colderWhen you’re a man on your ownI keep walkin’ the streets of this ol’ cityWindow shoppin’ but I can’t see a thingJust a walkin’ and a hummin’This lonesome songThis ol’ town grow’s colderWhen you’re a man on your ownOh’ look at them their smilein’They don’t know I’m hereThey couldn’t care lessIf I just up and disappearedOh’ there must be a reasonWhy my nights are so longIt’s a mighty lonesome feelin’When you’re a man on your ownYeah, it’s a mighty lonesome feelin’When you’re a man on your own