Introduction:
Country music has a long and complex relationship with themes of love, loyalty, and infidelity. Gene Watson, a traditional country singer known for his smooth baritone and heartfelt storytelling, delves into this territory with his 1980 song, “The Last Thing I Planned to Do Today Was Cheat”.
Released on Watson’s self-titled album, the song falls squarely within the realm of honky-tonk, a subgenre of country characterized by its focus on working-class struggles, heartbreak, and the allure of barrooms. Watson, who emerged in the 1970s, became known for his adherence to this classic country sound, often weaving tales of relatable characters facing moral dilemmas.
“The Last Thing I Planned to Do Today Was Cheat” is no exception. While the song’s producer is not explicitly credited on all sources, it likely falls to Ray Pennington, a frequent collaborator with Watson during this period. Pennington, himself a respected songwriter and producer, helped shape the signature honky-tonk sound that defined Watson’s early career.
The song’s success lies in its raw portrayal of a man’s internal conflict. The narrative opens with the protagonist asserting his good intentions, sending roses to his partner as a token of love. However, a combination of boredom (“I had some time to kill”) and temptation (“feeling a little thirsty”) leads him to a local bar. There, he encounters an unnamed woman, and despite his initial resolve (“The last thing I planned to do today was cheat”), he succumbs to infidelity.
The song doesn’t delve into the specifics of the encounter, instead focusing on the aftermath. Wracked with guilt (“feeling guilty now”), the protagonist reflects on his betrayal and the sanctity of his relationship (“thought of your sweet love and all my good intentions”). The repeated line, “The last thing I planned to do today was cheat,” takes on a new meaning, transitioning from a statement of innocence to a lament of his actions.
“The Last Thing I Planned to Do Today Was Cheat” resonated with audiences, becoming a signature song for Gene Watson. While it didn’t achieve chart-topping success, it cemented his reputation as a storyteller who could navigate the complexities of human emotions. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its honesty, capturing the messy realities of love, temptation, and the weight of infidelity.