In 1967, Loretta Lynn shook up the country music scene with her bold single, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).” This track, part of her album of the same name released by Decca Records, tells the story of a man returning home after a night out, looking for affection. The song, co-written by Lynn and her sister Peggy Sue, draws from Lynn’s own experiences with her husband, Doolittle, who had a reputation for heavy drinking. Lynn wrote straight from the heart.
“I wasn’t trying to change anything,” Lynn shared in the liner notes for the Honky Tonk Girl box set. “I was just singing about how I felt about things. I liked to play around with words. ‘Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)’ can go both ways. It could be ‘Don’t Come Home A-Lovin’ (With Drinkin’ On Your Mind).'”
>>READ ALSO: Loretta Lynn’s Children: Meet The Coal Miner’s Daughter’s 6 Kids
Produced by Owen Bradley and recorded at Bradley’s Barn in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, the song became an anthem for women dealing with similar issues. Lynn wanted women to connect with the song but didn’t aim to offend men. She was simply being truthful.
“I like to be on the woman’s side, but I like to be on the man’s side, too,” she added. “I never went out to put a man down in anything I’ve ever done. Men sometimes forget about a woman, especially if they drink. Sometimes a woman’s gotta say, ‘These boots are made for walkin’/One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.'”
>>READ ALSO: Loretta Lynn’s 7 Nicknames and How They Came to Be?
Despite its controversial nature, the song was a major hit, becoming Lynn’s first number one on the Billboard country chart. It also marked the beginning of more success for her, including winning Female Vocalist of the Year at the first CMA Awards in 1967 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance, Female. The song has been covered by several artists, including Tammy Wynette and Gretchen Wilson.
“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” not only launched Lynn’s career to new heights but also paved the way for more candid songs from her. Tracks like “Rated X” (1972), which tackled the stigma around divorced women, and “The Pill” (1975), which celebrated birth control, followed. This song stands proudly among Lynn’s greatest hits, including “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),” “Fist City,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “One’s On The Way,” and many more.
What Are Your Thoughts?
We’d love to hear from you! Here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- What do you think about Loretta Lynn’s bold approach in her music?
Did her unapologetic lyrics resonate with you? Share your thoughts on how her music has impacted you or the genre of country music. - Do you have a favorite Loretta Lynn song?
Whether it’s “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” or another hit, tell us which Loretta Lynn song you love the most and why. - How do you feel about the themes Loretta Lynn tackled in her songs?
From addressing issues like heavy drinking to women’s rights, how do you think Loretta Lynn’s themes compare to today’s music? - Have you ever experienced a moment that one of Loretta Lynn’s songs describes?
Personal stories can be powerful. If you feel comfortable, share a time when a Loretta Lynn song felt like it was written just for you. - Who do you think carries Loretta Lynn’s legacy in modern country music?
Are there any current artists that remind you of Loretta Lynn’s style or message? Let’s discuss the new voices in country music that are making waves.
Feel free to share your answers in the comments below. We look forward to reading your stories and opinions!
