Gene Watson – I Never Go Around Mirrors

Introduction:

I Never Go Around Mirrors, a poignant country ballad, was released in 1982 by American country music singer Gene Watson. The song appears on Watson’s studio album, Old Town Flicks, produced by industry heavyweight Billy Sherrill.

Sherrill, known for his work with country legends like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, helped craft a signature country sound that resonated with audiences. This production style is evident in I Never Go Around Mirrors, which features a melancholic melody and Gene Watson’s distinctive baritone vocals.

The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and loss. The narrator, a man grappling with the aftermath of a relationship, expresses his emotional vulnerability. He cannot bear to see himself in the mirror, a reflection that now serves as a constant reminder of his loneliness and despair.

I Never Go Around Mirrors struck a chord with country music fans, becoming a major hit for Gene Watson. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1982, a significant achievement that solidified Watson’s place among the genre’s leading artists.

I Never Go Around Mirrors is not just a song that charted well; it became a signature tune for Gene Watson. The song continues to be a fan favorite, requested at concerts and featured on compilation albums. It has also been covered by other country artists, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Beyond its commercial success, I Never Go Around Mirrors resonates with listeners for its relatable portrayal of heartache. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics capture the universality of emotional pain, making it a song that transcends time and continues to connect with audiences today.

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Lyrics

I can’t stand to see a good man go to waste
One who never combs his hair or shaves his face
A man that leans on wine over love that’s told a lie
Oh, it just tears me up to see a grown man cry

And I never go around mirrors
I can’t stand to see me without you by my side
I never go around mirrors
‘Cause I’ve got a heartache to hide

I can’t stand to be where heartaches hang around
It’s so easy for the blues to get me down
To see a grown man crawl is more than I can stand
I can’t look into these eyes of half a man

And I never go around mirrors
I can’t stand to see me without you by my side
No, I never go around mirrors
‘Cause I’ve got a heartache to hide

And it tears me up to see a grown man cry