Marty Robbins – Ain’t I Right

About the song

“Ain’t I Right” is a provocative country song written, produced, and sung by Marty Robbins in June 1966. This song is a scathing critique of the counterculture movement and anti-war activism of the 1960s, as well as the American Left. Robbins’ lyrics are heavily anti-communist, accusing counterculture activists and anti-war protesters of being communists and socialists who aim to undermine American values and the war effort in Vietnam.

The song’s narrative is set in a small town in the Southern United States, where leftist activists visit to spread their ideologies. However, instead of winning over the townspeople, they cause trouble and misery, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Robbins’ lyrics are laced with vitriol, describing the activists as “a bearded bathless bunch” and “tramps,” including ministers, priests, nuns, rabbis, and educated men who have been converted to leftism.

Robbins also targets “two-faced politicians” who support draft-card burning and disagree with the U.S. government. He specifically mentions a politician who suggested sending American blood to North Vietnam, and suggests that this politician should instead go to Vietnam himself to fight and die. The song concludes by advocating for the removal of these politicians and the election of “strong and able leaders” who can defeat North Vietnam and the American Left, win the Cold War, and prevent an invasion of the United States by the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc.

Despite its provocative nature, “Ain’t I Right” was initially refused release by Columbia Records, which deemed it too political. However, the song has since been covered by other artists, including Bobby Sykes and Autry Inman. The song’s reception is a testament to the enduring controversy surrounding the counterculture movement and anti-war activism of the 1960s, and its continued relevance in today’s political landscape.

Video

Lyrics

Ain’t I the lucky one
Look what I’ve gone and done
I let her steal my heart
I know we’ll never part

She brings me joy, so much fun
(Ooh ooh)
Ain’t I the lucky one

Well ain’t I a happy man
She lets me hold her hand
And when the lights are low
She never tells me no

She’s so sweet, so much fun
(Ooh ooh)
Ain’t I the lucky one

Well ain’t I a doin’ fine
I’m gainin’ all the time
I like to hang around
After the sun goes down

Big blue eyes, hair of blonde
(Ooh ooh)
Ain’t I the lucky one

Ain’t I the lucky one
(Lucky one)
Feel like a son of a gun
(Son of a gun)
I’ve got a perfect doll
(Perfect doll)
She really drives me wild
(Drives me wild)

She’s so sweet, so much fun
(Ooh ooh)
Ain’t I the lucky one

Well ain’t I the lucky one
(Lucky one)
Look what I’ve gone and done
(Gone and done)
I let her steal my heart
(Steal my heart)
I know we’ll never part
(Never part)

She brings me joy, so much fun
(Ooh ooh)
Ain’t I the lucky one
(Lucky one)