Background
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” is a country song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in June 1988 as the third single from his album *If You Ain’t Lovin’, You Ain’t Livin’*. The song was written by two prolific songwriters in the country music genre, Dean Dillon and Royce Porter. Dillon is known for penning hits for artists like George Jones, Toby Keith, and Vern Gosdin, while Porter contributed to songs recorded by artists including Kenny Rogers and The Oak Ridge Boys. At the time of the song’s release, Strait was already a well-established star in country music, having achieved considerable success throughout the 1980s with a string of number one hits and a traditional country sound that resonated with audiences.
Musical Style
The song exemplifies Strait’s signature neotraditional country style, which hearkened back to the classic country sounds of artists like Merle Haggard and George Jones while incorporating a more modern production sensibility. Instrumentally, “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” features prominent steel guitar, giving it a classic country feel. The instrumentation also includes a steady, driving rhythm section with a clear and distinct bass line, providing a solid foundation for the melody. Fiddle accents add to the traditional country flavor. The overall arrangement is clean and uncluttered, allowing Strait’s vocals to take center stage. Strait’s vocal delivery is relaxed yet emotive, effectively conveying the song’s message of unrequited love with sincerity and nuance. The tempo is mid-tempo, allowing for both a sense of longing and a subtle hint of resignation in the performance. The song’s production avoids the pop-country crossover elements that were becoming increasingly prevalent in the late 1980s, reinforcing Strait’s commitment to a more traditional country sound.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” tell a story of unrequited love and the pain of trying to hide one’s true feelings. The protagonist is deeply infatuated with someone who doesn’t reciprocate his affection. He recognizes that his obsession is bordering on “crazy,” but he can’t help himself. The chorus highlights the central theme: “It ain’t cool to be crazy about you / I know that much is true / But I can’t help the way I feel.” This line encapsulates the internal conflict he faces: societal pressure to appear unaffected versus the overwhelming power of his emotions. The verses detail the various ways he tries to conceal his feelings. He pretends to be indifferent, avoids eye contact, and tries to act nonchalant around the object of his affection. However, his efforts are ultimately futile, as his true emotions betray him. Lines like “I try to act like I don’t care / But I can’t fool my heart” and “I play it cool and try to hide / This burning deep inside” illustrate the inner turmoil he experiences. The song’s narrative doesn’t offer a resolution; it simply portrays the raw emotion of unrequited love and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of overwhelming feelings. The lyrics are relatable because they tap into a universal experience of yearning for someone who is unattainable.
Cultural Impact
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” reached number one on the *Billboard* Hot Country Singles chart in September 1988, solidifying Strait’s status as a leading figure in country music. The song’s success contributed to the ongoing popularity of neotraditional country music in the late 1980s, pushing back against the more pop-influenced trends emerging at the time. The song’s relatability resonated with a broad audience, further cementing Strait’s connection with his fan base. While not explicitly a honky-tonk anthem, the song’s theme of heartache and unrequited love found a natural home in honky-tonks and dance halls across the country, becoming a staple of Strait’s live performances. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued inclusion in Strait’s concert setlists and its frequent airplay on classic country radio stations. “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” also helped to establish Dean Dillon and Royce Porter as top-tier songwriters in Nashville, contributing to their long and successful careers in the country music industry. Though the song did not garner major awards, its chart-topping success and lasting impact solidified its place as a significant entry in George Strait’s extensive catalog and in the broader landscape of country music.
Conclusion
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” stands as a testament to George Strait’s artistry and his dedication to traditional country music. The song’s well-crafted lyrics, classic country instrumentation, and Strait’s sincere vocal delivery combine to create a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. Its exploration of unrequited love, a universal theme, ensures its lasting appeal. The song’s success solidified Strait’s position as a leading figure in country music and contributed to the resurgence of neotraditional country in the late 1980s. More than just a chart-topping hit, “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” represents a significant moment in George Strait’s career and a lasting contribution to the country music genre. The song remains a fan favorite and continues to be celebrated as one of Strait’s most iconic and emotionally resonant recordings, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level through heartfelt storytelling and timeless musical arrangements.
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