Right Or Wrong

Album: Let's Have A Party: The Very Best Of Wanda Jackson (1961)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Recorded in Nashville's Bradley Film and Recording Studio on October 28, 1960, "Right Or Wrong" marked one of Wanda Jackson's first sessions in the country music capital. Produced by Ken Nelson, the song finds Jackson in a devoted headspace, vowing to stand by her man "right or wrong." This shift toward a more conservative theme contrasted with Jackson's earlier, more rebellious material, such as "Fujiyama Mama" and "Hard Headed Woman."
  • Released as a single in 1961, "Right Or Wrong" had a respectable chart performance, reaching #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it's the single's B-side, "Funnel Of Love," that aged well and is now considered one of Jackson's most celebrated recordings.
  • "Right Or Wrong" was a turning point for Jackson. Following a string of rock and roll-tinged singles in the late 1950s, it signaled a return to mainstream country music. In the book Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music by Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann, Jackson reflected on this shift, noting: "Country music began comin' back, and I had written a ballad called 'Right or Wrong' and it became a big hit. I think that when I went back to country I lost my rock and roll fans."
  • "Right Or Wrong" made an appearance in a 2009 episode of HBO's fantasy drama series True Blood. It plays in season 2, episode 9, "I Will Rise Up," during the scene where Jessica Hamby meets Hoyt Fortenberry's mother.
  • In 1964, American pop singer Ronnie Dove released a cover of "Right Or Wrong." According to Dove, Elvis Presley sat in on the recording at RCA Studio B in Nashville, and even suggested that Dove add the famous high note at the end of the song. Dove's version went on to outperform Jackson's original on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #14.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.