Kenny Rogers & Dottie West: A Duet for the Ages – “What Are We Doin’ In Love”
In the realm of country music, few pairings have achieved the enduring harmony and heartfelt connection of Kenny Rogers and Dottie West. Their voices, perfectly intertwined, painted vivid sonic landscapes that resonated with audiences worldwide. Among their many duets, “What Are We Doin’ In Love” stands out as a poignant ballad that captures the complexities and contradictions of love.
Background
Released in 1981 as a single from their collaborative album “Classics”, “What Are We Doin’ In Love” marked a reunion for the duo, following their successful partnership in the late 1970s. The song’s lyrics, penned by Randy Goodrum, explore the tumultuous nature of a love affair, questioning the protagonists’ motives and the sustainability of their relationship.
Rogers’s deep, resonant vocals take the lead in the song’s opening verse, setting the tone for a reflective and introspective ballad. West’s voice, soaring and emotive, enters in the chorus, creating a harmonious interplay that mirrors the song’s themes of duality and emotional contrast.
The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a love affair fraught with uncertainty and self-doubt. The opening lines, “Well, I’m summer and winter, not one bit alike / We’re like satin and sandpaper, not your type,” establish a sense of incompatibility, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for the couple.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “What are we doin’ in love?”, serves as a poignant expression of the protagonists’ internal struggles. They question the validity of their relationship, acknowledging its contradictions and the potential for heartache.
Despite the underlying tension, the song is infused with a tenderness that underscores the enduring power of love. The melody, gentle and lilting, carries the weight of the lyrics, while the arrangement, featuring a delicate interplay of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Randy Goodrum.
- It was released in 1981 as a single from the album “Classics”.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
- “What Are We Doin’ In Love” has been covered by numerous artists, including Martina McBride and John Mellencamp.