Though Mitchum continued to use his singing voice in his film work, he waited until 1967 to record his follow-up record, That Man, Robert Mitchum, Sings. The album, released by Nashville-based Monument Records, took him further into country music, and featured songs similar to The Ballad of Thunder Road. "Little Old Wine Drinker Me," the first single, was a top ten hit at country radio, reaching #9 there, and crossed over onto mainstream radio, where it peaked at #96. Its follow-up, "You Deserve Each Other," also charted on the Billboard Country Singles Chart.
You Deserve Each Other
Robert Mitchum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sendin' you back from where you came, dame
Sendin' you back to your mother, lover
Sendin' you back to the world, girl
Yes, you deserve each other, baby
Sendin' your clothes back in a sack, Jack
Sendin' your junk back in a trunk, hunk
Sendin' you back to your world, girl
You deserve each other, baby
You deserve each other, baby
It's the same old story told
You deserve each other, baby
You're cut out from the same mold
I'm returning all your kisses, missus
'N here's your watered down hugs, love
I'm sendin' you back to your pals, gal
I'm sendin' you back to your world, girl
'Cause you deserve each other, baby
The lyrics to Robert Mitchum's song "You Deserve Each Other" are sung from the perspective of a person who is sending their partner back to their world. The repeated refrain "You deserve each other, baby" underscores a sense of resignation and a recognition that these two people are meant to be together, even if the relationship is dysfunctional. The singer is returning their partner's clothes and possessions, and even returning their affection in the form of "watered down hugs." The final line, "I'm sending you back to your world, girl," highlights the idea that the relationship didn't belong in the world of the singer, and that they are better off apart.
The song seems to be commenting on the idea of two people who are wrong for each other, but somehow can't stay apart. The repetitive nature of the song reinforces the sense of inevitability and the idea that the two people are stuck in a cycle. The use of rhyming phrases in the verses, such as "sack, Jack" and "trunk, hunk," gives the lyrics a catchy rhythm, but also underscores the idea that these two people are trapped in a pattern that has become predictable and almost comical.
Overall, "You Deserve Each Other" is a song about recognizing the end of a relationship, but acknowledging that there was a certain logic to the pairing. The singer is resigned to the fact that they and their partner were simply not meant to be together, but nonetheless wishes the best for them as they return to their own worlds.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sendin' you back to your world, girl
I am returning you to your original place of existence.
Sendin' you back from where you came, dame
Returning you to your origin, which is the female gender.
Sendin' you back to your mother, lover
Returning you to the person who gave birth to you, whom you love.
Sendin' you back to the world, girl
Returning you to the world you exist in.
Yes, you deserve each other, baby
Both of you are deserving of each other's company.
Sendin' your clothes back in a sack, Jack
Packaging and returning your clothes in a bag, Jack.
Sendin' your junk back in a trunk, hunk
Deporting your worthless things, hunk.
Sendin' you back to your daddy, fatty
Returning you to the person who is your father, that you refer to as fatty.
You deserve each other, baby
You both are just right for each other.
You're cut out from the same mold
You both possess similar qualities or are similar in nature.
I'm returning all your kisses, missus
Giving back all the kisses that were given to me, missus.
'N here's your watered down hugs, love
And here are some unenthusiastic hugs, love.
I'm sendin' you back to your pals, gal
Returning you to your friends, gal.
I'm sendin' you back to your world, girl
returning you to the world you exist in.
'Cause you deserve each other, baby
Because both of you are perfect for each other.
Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Muzikgirl67
PURE COUNTRY GOLD!!.. Thank you soooo very much for posting and sharing this "lost and rarely heard anymore" lil' country gem that became Robert's 2nd (and final) single to make it onto the country charts for him, when it peaked at #55 back in November 1967...I thoroughly enjoyed listening...and the sound quality is TOP-NOTCH too! Take Care! Elizabeth :-)
Jarski J.
+Muzikgirl67 Thank you Elizabeth for your support and kind words :)
Veda Starr
never heard this one. Great actor and singer. Looked like my dad. RIP to both.
Jarski J.
My condolences to your dad. I also really like these Robert Mitchum's recordings from his brief country - era.
elpoderdelasgalaxias
Peerless,