About the song
“We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds” stands as a quintessential example of the magic that happens when two powerhouse country music artists join forces. Originally released in 1963, this duet by George Jones and Melba Montgomery quickly climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, securing a spot in the Top 5 and solidifying its status as a country music classic.
The song is notable for its pairing of two exceptional talents. George Jones, already a significant figure in country music, brought his distinctive voice and emotional depth to the track, while Melba Montgomery, making her national debut, matched his intensity with her own formidable vocal prowess. This collaboration exemplifies the rich tradition of duets in country music, where the synergy between two solo stars often results in something greater than the sum of its parts. According to genre historian Bill Malone, the song showcased “two top-flight, hard country singers” and was distinguished by the intricate interplay between the dobro and pedal steel guitar. Malone further describes it as “a modern classic of honky tonk music,” highlighting its lasting impact on the genre.
In his autobiography, “I Lived To Tell It All,” George Jones reflected on the significance of his work with Montgomery. Despite later successes with other notable duet partners such as Tammy Wynette, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, and Conway Twitty, Jones held a special place for his collaboration with Montgomery. He acknowledged that while they weren’t the first to perform male-female duets in country music, they played a pivotal role in popularizing the format. Montgomery herself remembered the recording session with a mix of nerves and excitement, particularly given Jones’s reputation for his unpredictable behavior. She recalled the relief and joy when Jones arrived in good spirits, leading to a successful session that captured the essence of their combined talents.
“We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds” became Montgomery’s first national hit and the most successful recording from her partnership with Jones. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in July 1963 and remained in the top 40 for an impressive 23 weeks. This extended chart presence was one of the longest for any country single of the 1960s, underscoring its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
In summary, “We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds” is more than just a song; it’s a milestone in country music history. It highlights the powerful dynamic of duet performances and remains a testament to the extraordinary talents of George Jones and Melba Montgomery. Their collaboration not only produced a hit but also left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless duets that followed.
Video
Lyrics
We said our goodbyes long ago
Never thinking we’d miss each other so
All the memories we can’t leave behind
Oh, we must have been out of our minds
I thought I loved another, not you
How foolish I thought the same, too
They both turned out to be the wrong kind
Oh, we must have been out of our minds
Let’s forgive and forget the past we’ve known
And reap together the wild seeds we’ve sown
Surely they can forgive us and find
That we must have been out of our minds
I thought I loved another, not you
How foolish I thought the same, too
They both turned out to be the wrong kind
Oh, we must have been out of our minds
Yes, we must have been out of our minds