Conway Twitty – We Did But Now You Don’t

About the song

Today, we delve into one of his later triumphs, the 1982 single, We Did But Now You Don’t. Released from the album Dream Maker, this poignant song explores the complexities of long-term love and the bittersweet sting of a relationship that’s lost its spark.

Twitty, a veteran of the country music scene by the 1980s, had already carved a niche for himself with tearjerker duets alongside Loretta Lynn. We Did But Now You Don’t marked a continuation of that tradition, albeit with a solo performance that showcased the nuanced storytelling for which he was known.

The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. The lyrics, penned by Pat McManus, Woody Bomar, and Berni Clifford, paint a picture of a love story that began young and idealistic. Phrases like “Falling into love so young seemed so right” evoke a sense of youthful innocence, a time when forever seemed guaranteed. But the passage of time, a recurring theme in country music, takes center stage. The line, “How could we know we’d grow up and grow apart,” delivers a melancholic truth about the inevitable changes life throws our way.

We Did But Now You Don’t doesn’t dwell on blame or anger. Instead, it focuses on the quiet ache of lost connection. The narrator, presumably Twitty himself, reflects on their wedding day, a time when their vows held the weight of unwavering commitment. Lines like, “The day we said I do, I really did and so did you,” are sung with a sincerity that cuts deep. The repetition of “We did but now you don’t” in the chorus serves as a constant reminder of the love that once bloomed and the painful reality of its decline.

This song resonated deeply with audiences. Perhaps it was the universality of the theme – the realization that even the strongest bonds can weaken over time. Perhaps it was Twitty’s masterful delivery, his voice conveying a world of unspoken emotions. We Did But Now You Don’t peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, a testament to its enduring appeal.

While some of Twitty’s earlier works leaned more towards the honky-tonk side of country, We Did But Now You Don’t exemplifies the genre’s ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships. It’s a song that lingers long after the last note fades, a reminder to cherish the love we have and acknowledge the inevitable changes that life brings.

Video

Lyrics

“We Did But Now You Don’t”