When you talk about storytellers in country music, it doesn’t take long before the name Conway Twitty comes rolling off the tongue. With that unmistakable velvet baritone and a career stacked with chart-toppers, Twitty had a gift: he could make everyday situations feel like front-porch folklore. In 1983, he added another memorable chapter to his catalog with “First Things First,” a song that blends humor, romance, and a gentle life lesson—all wrapped in classic country charm.
While it may not be the most frequently cited of his mega-hits, “First Things First” stands as a perfect example of why Twitty remained a dominant force in country music through the late 20th century. It’s playful, relatable, and delivered with that signature sincerity that made fans feel like he was singing just for them.
A Country Gentleman Walks Into a Blind Date
“First Things First” opens with a situation many listeners can instantly recognize: the anxiety of a blind date. There’s something timeless about that scenario—the mix of curiosity and dread, the polite smile hiding uncertainty. Twitty’s narrator isn’t exactly thrilled about the setup, but he shows up anyway, embodying that polite, Southern gentleman persona that defined so many of his characters.
Right from the start, the song feels conversational. Twitty doesn’t just sing the lyrics—he tells them. That’s the magic. You’re not just hearing about a blind date; you’re standing on the doorstep with him, wondering what’s about to unfold.
And then the twist comes.
The woman he meets isn’t what he expected—not in a bad way, but in a surprising one. She has her own philosophy about how the evening should go. And that philosophy is summed up neatly in the song’s title: First Things First.
The Meaning Behind “First Things First”
At first glance, the phrase seems simple—almost obvious. But in this song, it carries a playful subtext. The date isn’t rushing headlong into romance or dramatic gestures. She believes in doing things properly, in order, with intention.
It’s a gentle reminder that relationships—like most things in life—work best when built step by step.
In Twitty’s hands, this lesson never feels preachy. Instead, it’s flirtatious and lighthearted. The song plays with expectations. The narrator might have had one idea about how the evening would unfold, but he quickly realizes he’s being guided by someone who knows exactly how she wants things done.
And isn’t that a familiar dynamic? The surprise of discovering someone else’s rhythm, someone else’s rules—and learning to appreciate them.
Twitty’s Signature Style in Full Effect
By 1983, Conway Twitty was already a seasoned hitmaker. From duets with Loretta Lynn to solo classics like “Hello Darlin’” and “Tight Fittin’ Jeans,” he had mastered the art of balancing romance and realism.
“First Things First” fits comfortably into that legacy.
Musically, the song leans into the smooth production style of early 1980s country—clean guitar lines, steady rhythm, and instrumentation that supports rather than overwhelms the story. Twitty’s voice remains the centerpiece. Warm. Confident. Slightly mischievous.
There’s a wink in his delivery. You can hear it.
That subtle humor is key. Many country songs explore heartbreak or longing, but Twitty always knew how to inject personality into his narratives. Even when singing about romantic complications, he avoided melodrama. Instead, he offered perspective.
In “First Things First,” that perspective is gentle and self-aware. The narrator isn’t embarrassed or defeated. He’s intrigued. Maybe even impressed.
Why the Story Still Resonates
Though released in 1983, the themes in “First Things First” remain strikingly modern. Today’s dating world—whether through apps or introductions by friends—still carries uncertainty. We still show up not entirely sure what to expect. We still discover that the other person has their own pace, their own principles.
The charm of the song lies in its universality. It captures that small but significant moment when expectations shift.
Instead of frustration, the narrator finds appreciation. Instead of pushing his own agenda, he listens.
In a world that often feels rushed, “First Things First” offers a subtle reminder that slowing down can be refreshing.
The Twitty Effect: Romance Without Rush
Conway Twitty built much of his reputation on romantic intensity. His ballads could be deeply passionate, sometimes even sultry. But what makes “First Things First” interesting is its restraint.
This isn’t about fireworks.
It’s about pacing.
That nuance shows Twitty’s range as an interpreter of emotion. He didn’t just sing about falling head over heels—he also sang about the small negotiations that happen before romance truly blooms.
And perhaps that’s why fans have remained loyal across generations. His songs don’t just capture the dramatic highs and lows. They capture the in-between moments.
The awkward smiles.
The unexpected lessons.
The subtle chemistry.
A Snapshot of Early 80s Country
The early 1980s were a transitional time for country music. Traditional sounds were blending with smoother, radio-friendly production. Artists had to adapt without losing their identity.
Twitty did exactly that.
He managed to keep his storytelling roots intact while embracing the polished aesthetic of the era. “First Things First” exemplifies that balance. It feels contemporary for its time, yet firmly grounded in classic country sensibility.
There’s no overproduction, no distraction—just a good story delivered by a master craftsman.
The Legacy of a Storyteller
Looking back, “First Things First” may not always headline lists of Conway Twitty’s biggest hits, but it remains a delightful gem in his extensive catalog. It highlights his ability to take an ordinary scenario and transform it into something entertaining and memorable.
That’s what separates a singer from a storyteller.
Twitty wasn’t just performing lyrics; he was inviting listeners into a moment. A scene. A lesson wrapped in melody.
And decades later, that invitation still stands.
Final Thoughts
“First Things First” is more than a playful blind-date story. It’s a reminder that life—and love—often unfolds best when approached with patience and openness. Through humor and warmth, Conway Twitty delivers a message that feels just as relevant now as it did in 1983.
So pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, imagine that nervous knock on the door, and let one of country music’s greatest voices walk you through a lesson in timing.
Because sometimes, as Conway so smoothly reminds us, you’ve just got to put first things first.