We Didn't See a Thing
Ray Charles;George Jones;Chet Atkins Lyrics
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Drinkin' beer and a-dancin' to that western swing
And I didn't see you kiss her and leave that barroom with her
No, I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
George, I know I didn't hear you tell that blonde that you weren't married (no, uh-uh)
I know I didn't see you hidin' your weddin' ring either, did I?
And I know I couldn't have heard you call your wife and tell her that you were working
No, no, uh-uh, I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
We've got to stick together to keep our stories straight
Now, don't forget Ray, I was down in Atlanta, sure you were and I was workin' late
Yeah you know it's always good to see you, George, it's good to see you too
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
Hey Ray by the way do you leave that hundred bucks you owe me
I don't know what you're talkin' about George
Well, I'm sure you recall our bet on last night's football game
No, I don't but you know if I had seen you I certainly would've paid ya
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
We've got to stick together to keep our stories straight
Don't forget I was down in Atlanta and don't you forget I was working late
But you know it's always good to see you, George, it's good to see you too
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
The song "We Didn't See A Thing" by George Jones featuring Chet Atkins is a humorous take on the concept of maintaining a unified front in front of an authority figure. The lyrics revolve around two friends, who, faced with the possibility of lying to cover up each other's infidelities, conspire to maintain their innocence by claiming they saw "nothing" happening. The song serves as an amusing reflection on the lengths that people will go to in order to save face and protect a friendship.
Throughout the song, there are subtle hints that both men are, in fact, guilty of the very things they are trying to deny. For example, when George asks Ray if he left the hundred dollars he owed him, Ray insists he doesn't know what George is talking about. This seems to suggest that Ray is trying to avoid paying off a bet he lost but doesn't want to admit it. Similarly, when George asks Ray if he saw him with another woman, it's heavily implied that he did but is trying to maintain their fictional story.
The playful banter between the two men in the song showcases the charm and wit of both George Jones and Ray Charles, making it a fan-favorite among country and blues enthusiasts. The inclusion of Chet Atkins's signature guitar work adds to the song's upbeat and catchy feel, making it a hit with audiences of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I swear I didn't see you with your wife's best girlfriend
I am denying having seen you with your wife's best friend.
Drinkin' beer and a-dancin' to that western swing
You were enjoying your time with her, drinking beer and dancing to western swing music.
And I didn't see you kiss her and leave that barroom with her
I did not witness you kissing her and leaving the bar with her.
No, I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
I am reiterating that we are on the same page and that we did not witness anything together.
George, I know I didn't hear you tell that blonde that you weren't married (no, uh-uh)
I am sure that I did not hear you telling that blonde lady that you are not married.
I know I didn't see you hidin' your weddin' ring either, did I?
I am certain that I did not see you hiding your wedding ring.
And I know I couldn't have heard you call your wife and tell her that you were working
I am assured that I did not hear you call your wife to lie and tell her that you were working.
No, no, uh-uh, I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
I am reiterating that we are both clear that we did not witness anything.
We've got to stick together to keep our stories straight
We have to support each other and stay consistent in the story we tell.
Now, don't forget Ray, I was down in Atlanta
I am reminding Ray that I was away in Atlanta during the time of the incident.
sure you were and I was workin' late
You were certainly in Atlanta while I was working late.
Yeah you know it's always good to see you, George, it's good to see you too
We acknowledge each other's presence and express pleasantries.
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
As a final reminder, we did not witness anything.
Hey Ray by the way do you leave that hundred bucks you owe me
I am asking you if you left me the money you owe me.
I don't know what you're talkin' about George
I am expressing confusion about the money you are referring to.
Well, I'm sure you recall our bet on last night's football game
I am reminding you about the bet we made on the football game from the night before.
No, I don't but you know if I had seen you I certainly would've paid ya
I am denying having seen you and therefore not paying you but also stating that I would have paid you if I did.
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
As a final statement, we did not witness anything.
We've got to stick together to keep our stories straight
We reiterate the importance of supporting each other and keeping a consistent story.
Don't forget I was down in Atlanta and don't you forget I was working late
We remind each other of our alibis and make sure we are on the same page.
But you know it's always good to see you, George, it's good to see you too
We express pleasantries and mutual appreciation.
But I didn't see you and I didn't see you and we didn't see a thing
As a final reminder, we did not witness anything together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GARY LEE GENTRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michelle Martinez
Well we know Ray didn’t see a thing! 😆
myhattrick
Great old tune, also on Ray Charles Friendship Album
deb scutchfield
great tune by three cool cats!!!
Kevin Burcham
Happy Birthday to the Possum!
Kenny Dobbins
Why did you call them devils?
dangervich
It's not an insult to either man. I guess I got it from an obit on RayCharles called "The Lord's music, the Devil's lyrics," which I thought was apt. I would have thought its applications to George Jones, the bad boy of Country, would be obvious.