Can't Be That Wrong

Album: Pure & Simple (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Dolly Parton addresses a good friend's infidelity issues here. "I wrote this song from true feelings," she explained to USA Today. "It's about someone I know very well, who loved the person they had at home but they fell head over heels for someone else. This was so overwhelming that they were both just torn to pieces."

    "I saw first-hand how sincere they were in their love," Dolly continued. "I mean, love is love: Whether it's right or wrong, you cannot stop it. I'm not one to judge what's right or wrong, but I know what they felt was real."
  • Dolly admitted she became concerned fans might get the wrong end of stick. "I rewrote Can't Be That Wrong a lot, I guess because it's my cheatin' song. Maybe I was just feeling guilty!" she laughed. "I was thinking, 'I better get this right or somebody's gonna think I'm (the one) screwing around!'"
  • It's not the first time Dolly Parton has tackled a love triangle in her lyrics - her hit tune "Jolene" was inspired by a bank teller who was flirting with the singer's husband.
  • This was previously recorded as "God Won't Get You," with a few lyrical differences, and released on the soundtrack to Dolly Parton's 1984 movie Rhinestone.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.