Throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties Dottie pumped out chart toppers like no other. she was selling out concerts, selling millions of records, staring in movies, winning Grammies, Clieos and any other kind of awards you can think of. There is no doubt that the little girl from Tennessee came a long way. Dottie West earned herself the respect of everyone in the music industry and countless fans. If not for her music, most people remember her for either her stage presence or overall good nature. She was always looking out for others and going out of her way to do things for fans, family and friends. Despite Dottie's constant chart presence and sold out concerts her foundation fell out from under her when she discovered that she was a victim of a sneaky accountant and was overpowered by the IRS to give up all she owned. And ALL is ALL. The list of Dottie's personal momentous included the rights to all her music (I believe she wrote well over 400). All Dottie did was look out for others and this is how she was treated...disgusting if you ask me! But Dottie had dignity and started to rebuild her empire.
On august 30, 1991 Dottie was scheduled to appear at The Grand Old Opry. Her car broke down and, determined to keep her promise, she flagged down a passing driver and got a ride. On the way the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Battered, beaten and suffering from the wreck, Dottie pulled the driver from the car herself. She died due to injuries from the accident days later while in the hospital.
What Are We Doin' In Love
Dottie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're not one bit alike
We're like satin and cinders
I'm definitely not your type
Well, then what are we doin' in love
What are we doin' in a mess like this
What are we doin' love
Why were you someone I couldn't resist
We're like paper and matches
We'll probably have our share of fights
We're like roses and switches
It's gonna be hard but we've got to try
Oh, what are we doin' in love
What are we doin' in love in a mess like this
What are we doin' in love
What are we gonna tell all our friends
You don't have to like someone to love someone
That rule was made to be broken
But if we have to say goodbye to a life we've gotten used to
What are we doin' in love then.
We're like sun up and sun down
People say we're never gonna last
We're like uptown and downtown
You like it slow and I like it fast
So what are we doin' love
What are we doin' love in a mess like this
What are we doin' love
What are we gonna tell all our friends
You don't have to like someone to love someone
That rule was made to be broken
But if we have to say goodbye to a life we've gotten used to
What are we doin' love then.
In Dottie West's song What Are We Doin' In Love, the lyrics showcase the uncertainty and confusion of being in a relationship with someone who is the complete opposite. West uses metaphors such as summer and winter, paper and matches, roses and switches, sun up and sun down, and uptown and downtown to show that she and her partner are very different from each other. The singer acknowledges that they might not be a perfect match and might face conflicts and difficulties in their relationship (we'll probably have our share of fights), but she still can't resist her partner (why were you someone I couldn't resist).
The chorus of the song questions the very reason for them being together. West asks what are we doin' in love in a mess like this and what are we gonna tell all our friends. She further adds that while it is not necessary to like someone to love someone, breaking up will mean saying goodbye to a life they have gotten used to. Thus the conflict within the song is resolved with the idea that love ultimately triumphs over differences and that they will find a way to make it work.
Overall, the lyrics of the song highlight the challenges that come with being in a relationship with someone very different from oneself. The song ends on an optimistic note where the singer accepts that love is worth fighting for even if they are like paper and matches or roses and switches.
Line by Line Meaning
We're like summer and winter
We are two completely different people
We're not one bit alike
We don't have much in common
We're like satin and cinders
We are polar opposites
I'm definitely not your type
We are not compatible
Well, then what are we doin' in love
Why are we in love if we are so different?
What are we doin' in a mess like this
How did we end up in this complicated situation?
What are we doin' love
Why do we love each other despite our differences?
Why were you someone I couldn't resist
Why did I fall for someone who is so different from me?
What are we gonna tell all our friends
How are we going to explain our relationship to others?
You don't have to like someone to love someone
Love does not always make logical sense
That rule was made to be broken
Rules about love are not always reliable
But if we have to say goodbye to a life we've gotten used to
If our relationship ends, we will have to adjust to a new way of life
We're like paper and matches
We are volatile and likely to have conflict
We'll probably have our share of fights
We will likely have conflicts in our relationship
We're like roses and switches
We have contrasting personalities
It's gonna be hard but we've got to try
Our relationship will be challenging, but we need to make an effort
We're like sun up and sun down
We have different lifestyles and schedules
People say we're never gonna last
Others don't believe our relationship will work out
We're like uptown and downtown
We have different preferences and priorities
You like it slow and I like it fast
We have different paces in our lives and in the relationship
What are we doin' love then.
Why are we still in this relationship despite these challenges?
Lyrics © MIRANDA MILLSAP D/B/A IRONSIDE MUSIC
Written by: RANDY GOODRUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@josefigueroa1066
A jewel of country music!! ❤❤
@charlieunderwood3778
This sadly underated and unappreciated country duet has more talent and heart than all the So-called country music put together to come outa Nashville TN put together A time I barely remember but sorely miss...
@dougfredricks2017
Graduated in 80s. I find this hauntingly nostalgic. Furthermore I remember hearing this on radio AM and FM and fell in love with it early on. A great era indeed. RIP Dottie
@Greg-pq9so
And Kenny too as March 2020
@bravobravoh1344
The country music from the late 1970's to early 80's was hard to beat, it was just straight up class.
@robertwhite9898
I agree 💯%💯% ! These two are the bomb 💣
@bobbender2922
I heard them and others, Juice Newton, Eddie Rabbit, Dolly, Glen, Wille, and my Wife to be fail in Love watching Urban Cowboy.
@TopCountrySongs2024
I escape into another mood and separate myself from all life issues
@josefigueroa1066
Love this timeless classic!!;) A true jewel of pop and country music!
@nancyhickman9850
Saw them in person once.Awsome. Could have listened all night. Dottie was gone too soon. RIP.💕