About The Song
“Right or Wrong” is a traditional country standard recorded by George Strait as the title track and lead single from his third studio album, Right or Wrong. The album was released on March 1, 1983, by MCA Records. The song was originally written in 1921 by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys bandmate Tommy Duncan, becoming one of the signature tunes of Western swing music. George Strait’s version pays homage to Wills’ style, featuring prominent fiddle, steel guitar, and a swinging rhythm section provided by his Ace in the Hole Band.
The track runs 3 minutes and 5 seconds and was produced by Ray Baker. Recording took place in Nashville, Tennessee, at Sound Stage Studios. Strait’s rendition updates the classic arrangement with crisp 1980s country production while preserving the song’s jazzy, danceable feel. It marked an early example of Strait’s commitment to traditional country and Western swing influences amid the emerging neotraditional movement.
“Right or Wrong” was released as a single in February 1983. It debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and steadily climbed, reaching No. 1 on May 7, 1983, where it spent one week at the top. This became Strait’s second No. 1 hit following “Fool Hearted Memory” the previous year, further establishing him as a rising star in country music.
The Right or Wrong album itself peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA for shipments exceeding one million copies in the United States. Other notable tracks from the album include “You Look So Good in Love” (No. 1), “A Little Heaven’s Rubbing Off on Me” (No. 4), and “80 Proof Bottle of Tear Stopper” (No. 16). The album solidified Strait’s reputation for blending traditional sounds with contemporary appeal.
Bob Wills’ original 1936 recording of “Right or Wrong” (Decca) had reached No. 1 on the Billboard “Hillbilly” chart (predecessor to country). Numerous artists had covered it over the decades, including Willie Nelson (1976) and Asleep at the Wheel. Strait’s version introduced the song to a new generation and became a staple in his live performances, often used to showcase the Western swing heritage he champions.
By 1983, George Strait was transitioning from regional Texas success to national prominence. “Right or Wrong” helped cement his image as the “King of Country” and contributed to his record-setting career trajectory. The song continues to appear on compilations like 50 Number Ones (2004) and remains a fan favorite for its timeless melody and heartfelt delivery.
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Lyric
Do you remember the night, darling, you said
If we parted that our love was dead
Though you have gone away, my heart still lingers here
It’s doin’ the best it can, but it’s hard to bearRight or wrong, I’ll always love you
Though you’re gone, I can’t forget
Right or wrong, I’ll keep on longing
For the day that we metRight or wrong, I’ll always love you
Though you’re gone, I can’t forget
Right or wrong, I’ll keep on longing
For the day that we metRight or wrong, I’ll always love you
Though you’re gone, I can’t forget
Right or wrong, I’ll keep on longing
For the day that we met