About the song
“Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” stands as a pivotal work in the illustrious career of Loretta Lynn, a trailblazing figure in American country music. Released on February 6, 1967, by Decca Records, this ninth solo studio album not only solidified Lynn’s standing in the industry but also marked a significant milestone in country music history.
The album was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Billboard magazine, in its February 18, 1967 issue, highlighted the album’s blend of classic and contemporary country tunes, delivered in Lynn’s unmistakable style. The review praised her emotive rendition of “There Goes My Everything” and noted the rhythmic vitality of tracks like “The Devil Gets His Dues” and “I Got Caught.” Billboard anticipated the album to be a commercial triumph, and it indeed lived up to those expectations.
Similarly, Cashbox’s review on the same day acknowledged the album’s potential to resonate with Lynn’s growing fanbase. The title track, which had already achieved significant success as a single, was complemented by other notable country songs such as “The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight” and “I’m Living in Two Worlds.” The review underscored the album’s broad appeal and forecasted its success.
AllMusic further cemented the album’s legacy with a five-star rating, applauding Lynn’s selection of cover songs, which included Ernest Tubb’s “The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight.” This meticulous curation of songs showcased Lynn’s versatility and deep connection to the genre’s roots. The album’s commercial performance echoed its critical success, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Albums chart and No. 80 on the US Billboard Top LP’s chart. Notably, it was the first album by a female country artist to be certified Gold by the RIAA, underscoring Lynn’s groundbreaking influence.
The album’s title track, released as a single in October 1966, became Lynn’s first No. 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement was a testament to Lynn’s powerful storytelling and her ability to connect with audiences through songs that spoke to real-life experiences and emotions.
Recording for the album took place at Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, over four sessions between July and November 1966. Additionally, “Saint to a Sinner” was recorded during an earlier session in November 1965 for Lynn’s previous album, “I Like ‘Em Country,” at Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville.
“Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” is not just an album but a landmark in country music. It reflects Loretta Lynn’s profound impact on the genre and her enduring legacy as a pioneering female artist who paved the way for future generations.
Video
Lyrics
Well, you thought I’d be waitin’ up when you came home last night
You’d been out with all the boys and you ended up half tight
Liquor and love, they just don’t mix
Leave that bottle or me behind
And don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find
‘Cause if you want that kind of love, well, you don’t need none of mine
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
You never take me anywhere because you’re always gone
Many a night I’ve laid awake and cried here all alone
Then you come in a kissin’ on me it happens every time
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find
‘Cause if you want that kind of love, well, you don’t need none of mine
So don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind
No, don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind