Conway Twitty – That’s My Job

Ah, Conway Twitty – a name synonymous with rich baritone vocals and heartfelt storytelling within the world of country music. Twitty’s career spanned an incredible five decades, and his music resonated deeply with audiences across generations. Today, we’ll delve into a particularly poignant tune from his vast repertoire, a song titled That’s My Job.

Released in 1987, That’s My Job appeared on Twitty’s album Borderline. This era of Twitty’s career found him exploring a more contemporary country sound, one that blended traditional elements with the burgeoning production techniques of the time. That’s My Job, however, stands out as a song that transcends trends. It’s a timeless ballad that speaks to the universal language of the father-child bond.

The song’s origins are interesting. Unlike many a classic country tune penned by Nashville veterans, That’s My Job was actually written by a relative newcomer to the scene, Gary Burr. Burr, however, struck gold with this composition. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics capture the complexities of that unique relationship between a father and his child, from the early days of childhood fear to the often-strained years of adolescence.

That’s My Job opens with a tender scene – a young child awakened by a nightmare, seeking solace in his father’s arms. The vulnerability of the child is palpable, met by the father’s reassuring words: “That’s my job, that’s what I do. Everything I do is because of you, to keep you safe with me.” These lines establish the central theme of the song – the unwavering love and protection a father offers his child.

As the song progresses, we move through the years. The once-frightened child becomes a rebellious teenager, his dreams clashing with his father’s expectations. The tension between them is evident, yet the underlying love remains. The father, ever the source of strength, offers guidance and support, his response to his son’s anxieties echoing the refrain: “That’s my job, that’s what I do. Everything I do is because of you.”

The final verse takes a reflective turn. The narrator, now an adult himself, grapples with the loss of his father. He ponders his own role as a father, seeking inspiration from the man who guided him. The song concludes with a poignant question, one that many children eventually ask themselves: “How can I come up with a song to say I love you?” This final line underscores the enduring impact a father can have on his child’s life, even after he’s gone.

That’s My Job is more than just a country song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of fatherhood. Through its relatable lyrics and Twitty’s emotive delivery, the song reminds us of the unwavering love and support a father provides, a love that shapes and guides us throughout our lives. So, let’s settle in and listen to That’s My Job, a song that speaks to the hearts of fathers and children alike.