Brad Paisley’s mischievous side was apparent right from the start, with this B-side to the ‘Who Needs Pictures’ single as early evidence.
‘It Never Would Worked Out Anyway’ is the opposite of its counterpart song more than just physically. Both tunes are sung by protagonists who have fallen out of relationships, but while the singer of yesterday’s song is lost in sad nostalgia, today’s narrator has opted for petty revenge.
Paisley expertly embraces this juxtaposition on all of his albums. He places earnest love songs against both heartbreak ballads and sarcastic put-downs. In the grand country tradition, he offers up something for everyone.
This song shows a bit of the jazz influence that is present in a lot of Paisley’s work. He employs stellar backing musicians on piano, fiddle, upright bass… the same sort of instrumentation that powers Lyle Lovett’s work. The instrumental breaks in his songs are the sort of thing you want to hear in the background at a smoky club, whether it’s in New York City or Nashville.
They’re just tiny little rumors
That I started ’cause I’m lookin’ out for you
Oh settle down, I’m just a little jealous
And I’m sure those other fellas
Never once believed the lies I told were true
Like the time I told that cowboy that you used to be a man
And the doctor you were datin’ that you hide your wedding band
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin’ you a favor
‘Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
Oh can’t you see, the reason that I’m doin’
All the crazy things I’m doin’
Is because I really care about you girl
And I’ll admit I go a little farther
Than I know I probably oughta
But it’s all because I need you in my world
Like the time I told that lawyer that you spent a year in jail
And the salesman you were seein’ you hang out at cheap motels
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin’ you a favor
‘Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
I can’t stand the thought of you with anybody else
I know I’ve gone overboard but I can’t help myself
Like the time I told that dentist you had seven little kids
And you doubled as a dancer at the strip joint on the ridge
Even if I am responsible for scaring him away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin’ you a favor
‘Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
It’s all because I love you and I can’t stop thinkin’ of you
And it never woulda worked out anyway
Meet Me In Montauk 
These lyrics are hysterical! Funny song.
Okay, this I like better than yesterday’s song. I do like country better when it infuses jazz and blues (which is of course why I love Lovett). I also tend to like country at a faster pace and amusing clever lyrics help. So, I’ll give today’s song a “like,”
Love today’s SOTD. Of course, no matter how much jazz influence there might be, you can’t get past Paisley’s accent. He is Country with a capital C! 🙂
I also enjoyed yesterday’s more nostalgic song, which sort of reminded me, in spirit at least, of Counting Crows “Hard Candy.”