“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

The song “When I Said I Do” by Clint Black, featuring Lisa Hartman Black, evokes a timeless emotion of marital commitment that resonates deeply with listeners. Clint Black, a pivotal figure in country music, penned this heartfelt piece drawing inspiration from his personal life.

About The Composition

  • Title: When I Said I Do
  • Composer: Clint Black
  • Premiere Date: August 30, 1999
  • Album/Opus/Collection: D’lectrified
  • Genre: Country

Background

Written and performed by Clint Black alongside his wife Lisa Hartman Black, “When I Said I Do” stands out as a declaration of unwavering love and fidelity between partners. It surged to prominence by topping the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, highlighting its widespread acceptance and appeal.

Musical Style

The song leverages traditional country music elements, characterized by a soothing melody and intimate vocal harmonization between the couple, enhancing its emotional depth.

Lyrics/Libretto

The lyrics explore themes of love, commitment, and lifelong partnership, reflecting the vows made between spouses, promising to stand by each other forever.

Performance History

The song’s debut was highly successful, evidenced by its chart-topping performance and positive reception, marking it as a significant piece in Clint Black’s career.

Cultural Impact

This song has not only been a favorite at weddings but also influenced other artists, as seen in its cover by Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore.

Legacy

The enduring popularity of “When I Said I Do” continues to affirm its place in the hearts of listeners, symbolizing the beauty of true commitment.

Conclusion

Reflecting on “When I Said I Do,” its heartfelt message and melodious harmony invite us to appreciate the depth of true love. It remains a highly recommended piece for those exploring the rich tapestry of country music.

Video

Lyrics

These times are troubled and these times are good
And they’re always gonna be, they rise and they fall
We take ’em all the way that we should
Together you and me forsaking them all
Deep in the night and by the light of day
It always looks the same, true love always does
And here by your side, or a million miles away
Nothin’s ever gonna change the way that I feel,
The way it is, is the way that it was
When I said I do, I meant that I will ’til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That’s what I had in mind when I said I do
Well this old world keeps changin’, and the world stays the same
For all who came before, and it goes hand and hand
Only you and I can undo all that we became
That makes us so much more, than a woman and a man
And after everything that comes and goes around
Has only passed us by, here alone in our dreams
I know there’s a lonely heart in every lost and found
But forever you and I will be the ones
Who found out what forever means
When I said I do, I meant that I will ’til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That’s what I had in mind when I said I do
Truer than true, you know that I’ll always be there for you
That’s what I had in mind, that’s what I had in mind,
When I said I do

You Missed

In Muskogee, Oklahoma, there’s a pawn and guitar repair shop sandwiched between a laundromat and a lawyer’s office. It’s called “Gus’s Strings & Stories.” Inside, the air is thick with the smell of pine, fretboard oil, and old tube amplifiers. Gus, the owner, is a quiet man with hands calloused from thousands of hours of soldering wires and adjusting frets. On the walls, instead of flashy guitars, are the broken ones. One with a snapped neck. One with a hole where its previous owner punched it. Next to each is a short, handwritten story of how it was “saved.” The shop’s rule is etched on a small brass plaque on the counter: “Lie to your guitar, it’ll lie right back.” One day, a young man came in, wanting to sell his father’s acoustic guitar. “I need the money,” he said, eyes fixed on the floor. Gus took the guitar. He didn’t check the brand. He checked the pick marks near the soundhole. He looked at the wear on the G fret. He gently plucked a string. Then he handed it back to the boy. “This guitar has played ‘Sing Me Back Home’ one too many times,” Gus said. “It doesn’t belong in a pawnshop. It belongs at a campfire. Go home, son.” The young man looked up, confused. “But I need…” “No,” Gus interrupted, pointing to the etching. “You don’t need the money. You need to play for your father. Don’t lie to the guitar. Merle wouldn’t.” The young man stood there for a moment, then clutched the guitar and walked out the door. Gus nodded, returning to his work.