About The Song
That’s My Job: A Country Ballad by Conway Twitty
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the enduring legacy of Conway Twitty. A true icon of the genre, Twitty’s rich baritone voice and heartfelt storytelling captivated audiences for decades, earning him a place among the Grand Ole Opry’s most revered members. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “That’s My Job” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the essence of love, loss, and the unwavering devotion of a man to his family.
Released in 1987, “That’s My Job” is a testament to Twitty’s enduring popularity. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and became a staple of country radio stations across the nation. Its success lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonates with anyone who has experienced the profound impact of love and loss.
The song’s opening lines paint a vivid picture of a father’s unwavering commitment to his family: “I get up every morning, put on my workin’ clothes / Go out and face the world, no matter what it throws.” These simple yet powerful words set the stage for a narrative that explores the depths of a man’s love for his wife and children.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the emotional toll of a father’s responsibilities. The singer acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices that come with providing for a family, but he never wavers in his resolve to fulfill his duty: “And if I should fail, who will pay my way back home? / And he said, ‘That’s my job, that’s what I do.'”
The chorus serves as a poignant reminder of the unspoken bond between a father and his children: “Everything I do is because of you / To keep you safe with me / That’s my job, you see / Every person carves his spot / And fills the hole with light / And I pray someday I might light as bright.” These lines capture the essence of a father’s love, a love that is unwavering and unconditional, a love that seeks only to protect and nurture.
“That’s My Job” takes a somber turn as the singer reflects on the loss of his wife, the woman who stood by his side through thick and thin. The lyrics paint a heart-wrenching portrait of a man grappling with grief, yet still determined to fulfill his role as a father: “Should go into my head / And out instead as bits of poetry / But I say, Daddy, I’m so afraid / How will I go on with you gone this way / How can I come up with a song to say I love you?”
Despite the pain of his loss, the singer finds solace in his children, drawing strength from their love and innocence: “That’s my job, that’s what I do / Everything I do is because of you / To keep you safe with me.” He reaffirms his commitment to his family, vowing to continue providing for them and showering them with love, even in the face of his own grief.
“That’s My Job” concludes with a message of hope and resilience. The singer acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, but he faces them with unwavering determination, knowing that his love for his family is the guiding force in his life: “After all my travel, I settled down within a mile or two / I make my living with words and rhyme / And all this tragedy.”
Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job” is a timeless ballad that speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the unwavering devotion of a father. Its poignant lyrics and heartfelt melody have resonated with generations of listeners, cementing its place as a country music classic. Through Twitty’s masterful storytelling, the song reminds us of the profound impact that love can have on our lives, even in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the unwavering strength of a father’s love.