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Introduction
Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job” is a tender country ballad that captures the unwavering devotion of a father to his child, released on November 14, 1987, as the third single from his Borderline album. Written by acclaimed songwriter Gary Burr, the song spent several weeks climbing the charts and ultimately peaked at number six on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks, confirming Twitty’s enduring appeal in the genre. From the very first notes, listeners are drawn into a narrative where comfort and sacrifice intertwine, showcasing Conway’s warm baritone and heartfelt delivery.
Conway Twitty first recorded “That’s My Job” in November 1986, polishing its arrangement with producers Jimmy Bowen, Conway himself, and Dee Henry before its album debut in March 1987. The single’s B-side, “Lonelytown,” provided a poignant contrast, balancing themes of solitude with the central message of paternal responsibility. Issued by MCA Records, the track showcased Twitty’s willingness to explore deeply personal storytelling, a hallmark of his late-career repertoire.
The song unfolds from the perspective of a young boy startled by a nightmare, racing into his father’s arms in search of reassurance. Conway delivers each line with gentle conviction, answering the boy’s quiet question—“Why do you always take care of me?”—with a loving refrain: “That’s my job, that’s what I do, everything I do is because of you”. This refrain transforms a simple melody into a universal testament of parental love, resonating with listeners who recall similar moments of childhood vulnerability.
Although “That’s My Job” didn’t reach the number-one slot—peaking at #6 on the U.S. Hot Country chart—it became a fan favorite and remains one of Twitty’s most emotionally impactful recordings. In Canada, the song climbed to number four on the RPM Country Tracks chart, further solidifying its international appeal. Critics praised the track’s understated production and Twitty’s authentic vocal delivery, noting how the song bridged traditional country storytelling with contemporary 1980s sensibilities.
Decades after its release, “That’s My Job” continues to be celebrated at Father’s Day events, family gatherings, and on social media, where fans share personal stories of how the song touched them during formative moments. Its enduring resonance lies in its simplicity: a father’s promise wrapped in a melody that feels both intimate and universal. For many, Conway Twitty’s voice still echoes as the reassuring presence of every “superman” dad who quietly makes sacrifices so their children can feel safe
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Lyrics
I woke up crying late at night
When I was very young
I had dreamed my father
Had passed away and gone
My world revolved around him
I couldn’t lie there anymore
So I made my way down the mirrored hall
And tapped upon his door
And I said “Daddy, I’m so afraid
How will I go on with you gone that way?
Don’t want to cry anymore, so may I stay with you?”
And he said “That’s my job
That’s what I do
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me
That’s my job you see”
Later we barely got along
This teenage boy and he
Most of the fights it seems
Were over different dreams
We each held for me
He wanted knowledge and learning
I wanted to fly out west
Said, “I could make it out there
If I just had the fare
I got half, will you loan me the rest?”
And I said “Daddy, I’m so afraid
There’s no guarantee in the plans
I’ve made and if I should fail
Who will pay my way back home?”
And he said “That’s my job
That’s what I do
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me
That’s my job you see”
Every person carves his spot
And fills the hole with light
And I pray someday I might
Light as bright as he
Woke up early one bright fall day
To spread the tragic news
After all my travel, I settled down
Within a mile or two
I make my living with words and rhyme
And all this tragedy
Should go into my head and out instead
As bits of poetry
But I say “Daddy, I’m so afraid
How will I go on with you gone this way?
How can I come up with a song to say I love you?”
That’s my job, That’s what I do
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me
That’s my job you see
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me