About The Song
In the realm of country music, Alan Jackson stands as a towering figure, a true icon whose voice and songwriting have resonated with millions across the globe. Among his extensive discography, “Write It In Red” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the rawness of heartbreak and the quiet strength one finds in the face of loss.
Released in 1991 as part of Jackson’s breakout album “Where Have You Gone”, “Write It In Red” immediately struck a chord with listeners, climbing to the top spot on the Billboard Country Singles chart. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to articulate the complexities of a crumbling relationship, the unspoken words that hang heavy in the air, and the silent plea for clarity amidst the emotional turmoil.
Jackson’s vocals, imbued with a heartfelt ache, carry the weight of the narrative, his voice cracking with vulnerability as he delivers lines like, “I can see what’s going on/Don’t treat me like a fool.” The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has reached its inevitable end, the protagonist wrestling with the realization that their partner is ready to move on.
The chorus, with its simple yet profound message, serves as the emotional crux of the song: “‘Cause if you’re gonna leave me/Just pack up and go/There are just some things/A man don’t need to know.” Jackson’s repeated plea for silence, his desire to avoid the painful details of his partner’s departure, speaks volumes about the pride and stoicism often associated with the male experience.
Despite the heartbreak at its core, “Write It In Red” is not a song of despair. Instead, it finds a glimmer of strength in the protagonist’s refusal to engage in a drawn-out emotional battle. The line “Just take out your lipstick and write it in red” suggests a desire for a clean break, a finality that allows both parties to move forward without the lingering pain of unresolved feelings.
The song’s closing lines, “Just take out your lipstick and write it in red/Just take out your lipstick and write it in red,” echo with a quiet determination, a hint of acceptance amidst the sorrow. The protagonist may be heartbroken, but they are not defeated. They will find a way to mend their wounded heart and carry on.
“Write It In Red” is a testament to Alan Jackson’s songwriting prowess, his ability to craft lyrics that resonate with universal truths. It is a song that captures the essence of heartbreak, the unspoken emotions that linger in the aftermath of a love lost. Yet, amidst the pain, there is a glimmer of strength, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we possess the resilience to heal and move forward.
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Lyric
I can see what’s going onDon’t treat me like a foolJust go on and do just what you’re gonna doDon’t leave some message for meOf things, you wish you’d saidJust take out your lipstick and write it in red‘Cause if you’re gonna leave meJust pack up and goThere are just some thingsA man don’t need to knowAnd I don’t wanna hearWhat’s going through your headJust take out your lipstick and write it in redI gave you all I hadAnd some that I didn’tI tried to talk and talk to youBut you didn’t wanna listenI tried to wipe the tears you shedYou turned away insteadSo just take out your lipstick and write it in red‘Cause if you’re gonna leaveJust pack up and goThere are just some thingsA man don’t need to knowAnd I don’t wanna hearWhat’s going through your headJust take out your lipstick and write it in redIf you’re gonna leave meJust pack up and goThere are just some thingsA man don’t need to knowAnd I don’t wanna hearWhat’s going through your headJust take out your lipstick and write it in redJust take out your lipstick and write it in red