About The Song
“I Gotta Right to Know” is a track that speaks to the kind of vulnerability that Buck Owens often expressed through his music. Released in 1967, the song showcases Owens’ gift for blending personal pain with a sense of honesty that resonated with his audience. The title says it all—sometimes, in relationships, you just need answers, and this song is all about demanding the truth, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it might be. Owens’ delivery of the song is understated, but the emotion behind it feels powerful, giving it a raw, relatable quality that so many of his listeners could understand.
The song was released during a particularly interesting time in Owens’ career. By the late 1960s, he was already well established in the country music scene. But while his career was thriving, his personal life wasn’t always as smooth. Owens had been married and divorced several times, and his relationship struggles were often reflected in the themes of his songs. “I Gotta Right to Know” is no exception—it’s a song about seeking clarity, about wanting answers that can bring some kind of resolution. But more than that, it’s about the painful realization that sometimes, the truth isn’t something you can easily come by, no matter how hard you try to dig for it.
Owens had a way of writing songs that captured the feeling of being stuck in emotional limbo. In a way, “I Gotta Right to Know” shows that frustration, that feeling of being in a relationship where things are unclear, and the only way to move forward is by asking the tough questions. It’s not a song full of anger or bitterness—it’s more of a quiet plea for honesty. This speaks to the kind of vulnerability that was rare in country music at the time. While many country songs leaned into traditional themes of loss and heartbreak, Owens was able to bring a more introspective, questioning angle to his music.
Interestingly, although “I Gotta Right to Know” didn’t reach the same heights of popularity as some of his biggest hits like “Act Naturally” or “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” the song still became a fan favorite. It’s a perfect example of the kind of subtle storytelling that made Owens stand out in the world of country music. The track didn’t need flashy hooks or loud instrumentation to make an impact—it was all about the honesty of the message. And that’s what made Buck Owens’ music so enduring. Whether he was singing about love, loss, or seeking the truth, listeners could always hear the authenticity in his voice.
The song also stands as a reflection of Owens’ personal character. He wasn’t a man to hide behind his public persona. He often wrote about real emotions, and those emotions were often drawn from his own life experiences. “I Gotta Right to Know” is just another example of how Owens was able to turn personal struggles into art, creating songs that resonated deeply with people who had experienced similar emotions. It’s a reminder that no matter how many hits an artist has, it’s the songs that are the most emotionally honest that stand the test of time.
In the end, “I Gotta Right to Know” is a song about seeking answers and demanding clarity. It’s the kind of track that feels as relevant today as it did when it was first released. Buck Owens may have been singing about love and relationships, but the universal desire for truth and understanding is something everyone can relate to. In this way, Owens was able to speak not just to his own time, but to generations of listeners who still find comfort in his music.
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Lyric
I’ve tried so hard for so long to be part of your plan
But I can’t go no longer not knowing where I stand
If your heart beats for someone else and our love has grown cold
Oh darling, if I’m losin’ you, I’ve got a right to know.I’ve got a right to know just where I stand
I’ve got a right to know if I’m your man
If fate has changed the plans we’ve made the happiness I know
Oh darling, if I’m losin’ you I’ve got a right to know.I’ve tagged along through right and wrong because I worship you
To prove my love there’s not a thing that I wouldn’t do
Yes, I’ve stood by through tear dimmed eyes and hoped it didn’t show
Oh darling, if I’m losin’ you I’ve got a right to know.I’ve got a right to know just where I stand
I’ve got a right to know if I’m your man
If fate has changed the plans we’ve made the happiness I know
Oh darling, if I’m losin’ you I’ve got a right to know…