By the early 1970s, Tammy Wynette had already solidified her place as one of country music’s biggest stars. With a string of heartfelt hits, including the iconic “Stand By Your Man,” she was known for her deeply emotional ballads that resonated with listeners. But by 1974, the industry was shifting, and Wynette’s chart success was beginning to slow down.
Then came “Another Lonely Song,” her 14th solo number-one hit. A melancholic yet beautifully crafted tune, the song was co-written by Wynette alongside Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson. The trio had worked together before, but this particular song had something special about it.
A Blend of Country and Pop
Norro Wilson, one of the song’s co-writers, had a deep appreciation for melodies. Growing up in Scottsville, Kentucky, he was drawn to the lush harmonies of pop artists like the Four Freshmen, The Ames Brothers, The McGuire Sisters, The Four Aces, and his all-time favorite, Nat King Cole. Unlike many country songwriters of the time, Wilson focused more on melodies than lyrics, admiring the craftsmanship behind pop compositions.
He often referenced the legendary Hal David and Burt Bacharach songwriting duo as an example. David was a masterful lyricist, while Bacharach’s genius lay in composing unforgettable melodies. Wilson believed that, like them, his own talent was more musical than lyrical. “They didn’t do too bad,” he once joked.
For “Another Lonely Song,” Wilson took the lead on the melody, while Billy Sherrill and Tammy Wynette concentrated on the lyrics. The result was a song with a slight pop influence—a departure from traditional country music but still deeply emotional and relatable.
The Controversial Lyric That Almost Changed the Song
Despite its beautiful composition, one lyric in the song caused unexpected tension. Wynette, who had always taken pride in keeping her music classy and respectable, was deeply troubled by one particular line:
“And though I shouldn’t give a damn.”
Raised in a strict, religious household, Wynette felt that saying the word “damn” in a song—especially as a woman—was inappropriate. To her, it felt almost offensive, and she worried about how her audience would react.
Billy Sherrill, the song’s producer, understood her concerns and suggested recording two different versions. In the alternate take, the lyric was changed to:
“And though I shouldn’t feel this down.”
That night, Wynette took both recordings home to play for her husband, country legend George Jones. But Jones wasn’t pleased with the original lyric either, agreeing with his wife that it might not sit well with their audience.
Wynette barely slept that night, agonizing over the decision. The next morning, in a moment of panic, she called Norro Wilson, desperate for advice. He urged her to wait until morning and think it over with a clear mind.
When she arrived at Columbia Records later that day, a meeting was held to listen to both versions. The room was silent as the song played. After it finished, everyone turned to George Jones for his opinion. He paused for a moment before looking at Billy Sherrill and saying, “Well, I guess it’s still in good taste.”
That was all Wynette needed to hear. The original version—with “damn” included—was released.
The Song’s Success and Wynette’s Career Shift
“Another Lonely Song” was released in early 1974 and climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, reaching number one on February 23, 1974. The song marked another milestone in Wynette’s career, but it also signaled a turning point.
By this time, country music was evolving, and Wynette’s once-unshakable dominance on the charts was beginning to wane. While she continued to release music, her solo number-one hits became less frequent. After “Another Lonely Song,” she would only score two more solo chart-toppers in her career.
However, she still found success in duets, particularly with George Jones, whom she had divorced in 1975. Their chemistry remained undeniable, both personally and musically, and their collaborations continued to resonate with fans.
Wynette’s Final Hit
Years later, in 1985, Wynette would return to the Billboard Top Ten, but this time with a different duet partner—Mark Gray. Together, they recorded a country version of Dan Hill’s 1978 pop hit “Sometimes When We Touch.” The song became a hit, peaking at number six, making it Wynette’s final major success on the charts.
The moment was bittersweet—her career had started with a duet, “My Elusive Dreams” with David Houston in 1967, and now, nearly two decades later, her final big hit was also a duet.
Though her time at the top had passed, Wynette’s influence on country music remained undeniable. Songs like “Another Lonely Song” showcased her ability to convey raw emotion in a way that few artists could. Even today, her music continues to be celebrated, proving that some songs—and voices—are truly timeless.
