About the song
“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is a poignant country song that captures the emotional turmoil of a woman facing the collapse of her marriage. Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, and recorded by Tammy Wynette, this song was released in May 1968 as the title track from her album *D-I-V-O-R-C-E*. It quickly became a number one hit on the country charts and earned Wynette a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.
The song’s narrative is told from the perspective of a mother who spells out words related to the impending divorce to shield her young son from the harsh realities of the situation. This clever use of spelling is a technique often employed by parents to discuss sensitive topics without the children understanding fully. In this case, words like “divorce,” “Joe” (the child’s name), and “custody” are spelled out to protect the boy’s innocence while underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Tammy Wynette’s rendition of “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is especially notable for its emotional depth. Her personal experiences with troubled relationships lent authenticity to her performance. As country music historian Bill Malone pointed out, Wynette’s own tumultuous life, including five marriages, gave her a deep understanding of the song’s themes. This personal connection is evident in her sincere and heartfelt delivery, making the song resonate deeply with listeners.
The song was a significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in June 1968 and also making a minor impact on the pop charts, peaking at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the song gained renewed attention and reached number 12 on the British pop chart in 1975, further establishing Wynette’s international appeal.
Critical acclaim for “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” endures, with Rolling Stone ranking it at #59 on their list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time in 2024. The song’s poignant storytelling and Wynette’s emotional performance make it a timeless classic in the country music genre, reflecting both personal and universal themes of heartbreak and resilience.
Video
Lyrics
Our little boy is four years old and quite a little man
So we spell out the words we don’t want him to understand
Like T-O-Y or maybe S-U-R P-R-I-S-E
But the words we’re hiding from him now
Tear the heart right out of me.Our D-I-V-O-R-C-E; becomes final today
Me and little J-O-E will be goin’ away
I love you both and this will be pure H-E double L for me
Oh, I wish that we could stop this D-I-V-O-R-C-E.Watch him smile, he thinks it Christmas
Or his 5th Birthday
And he thinks C-U-S-T-O-D-Y spells fun or play
I spell out all the hurtin’ words
And turn my head when I speak
‘Cause I can’t spell away this hurt
That’s drippin’ down my cheek.Our D-I-V-O-R-C-E; becomes final today
Me and little J-O-E will be goin’ away
I love you both and this will be pure H-E double L for me
Oh, I wish that we could stop this D-I-V-O-R-C-E.