Patsy Cline – Imagine That

About The Song

“Imagine That” is a country ballad recorded by Patsy Cline and released as the B-side to her single “When I Get Thru With You (You’ll Love Me Too)” in May 1962 by Decca Records (catalog number 31377). Written by Justin Tubb (son of country legend Ernest Tubb), the song was produced by Owen Bradley at Bradley Film and Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The track was recorded on February 28, 1962, during a session that also yielded “You’re Stronger Than Me.” Clocking in at approximately 2:35, it features Cline’s signature emotive delivery backed by The Jordanaires’ harmonies, pianist Floyd Cramer, guitarist Grady Martin, and a full Nashville Sound ensemble including strings and rhythm section, showcasing the polished countrypolitan style that defined her Decca era.

By 1962, Patsy Cline (born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Gore, Virginia) was at the height of her commercial success. After signing with Decca in 1960 and working closely with producer Owen Bradley, she had achieved major crossover hits including “I Fall to Pieces” (No. 1 country, No. 12 Hot 100 in 1961), “Crazy” (No. 2 country, No. 9 Hot 100 in 1961), and “She’s Got You” (No. 1 country, No. 14 Hot 100 in 1962). “When I Get Thru With You (You’ll Love Me Too)” (A-side) peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and No. 53 on the Hot 100. “Imagine That” (B-side) charted separately, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting modest but respectable performance amid her string of strong releases.

The song’s lyrics express ironic disbelief at still loving someone despite the pain they’ve caused, with repeated “imagine that” refrains underscoring the narrator’s helpless devotion. Justin Tubb, a Nashville songwriter and performer, crafted the tune specifically with Cline in mind, fitting her interpretive style perfectly. The February 1962 session captured Cline during a prolific period of studio work and touring, with Bradley’s production emphasizing her vocal nuance and emotional range. The single appeared on her third studio album Sentimentally Yours (released August 1962), which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and included several of her 1961-1962 hits.

Though not one of her biggest smashes, “Imagine That” was one of three minor chart entries for Cline in 1962, alongside “So Wrong” (No. 14 country) and “You’re Stronger Than Me” (Bubbling Under). It has been included in numerous posthumous compilations, such as The Patsy Cline Story (1963), Patsy Cline’s Greatest Hits (1967, a multi-platinum seller), and Sweet Dreams: Her Complete Decca Masters 1960-1963 (2010). The song remains a fan favorite for its wry humor and heartfelt delivery, often anthologized with her classic Decca material. It stands as part of her final productive phase before her tragic death in a plane crash on March 5, 1963, at age 30, highlighting her mastery of emotional country ballads in the Nashville Sound era.

Video

Lyric

Imagine me still lovin’ you
After all you’ve put me through
Well I can’t help it, I just do
Imagine that

And that’s not the half of it
I’m still so proud to be your girl
I still love you more than anything in this world
Imagine that

Imagine me still waitin’ here
For you to come back to me, my dear
After all you’ve made me fear
Imagine that

And that’s not the half of it
I’m still so proud to be your girl
I still love you more than anything in this world
Imagine that