Introduction:
“If You Can Do Anything Else” is a song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. Released in 2001, it adds to Strait’s extensive catalog of hits and further solidifies his status as a leading figure in contemporary country music. The song explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, delivered with Strait’s characteristically smooth vocals and traditional country sound.
George Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country,” has had a long and incredibly successful career. Since the early 1980s, he has been a dominant force in country music, known for his commitment to traditional country sounds and his resistance to the pop-infused trends that have often swept through the genre. Strait’s music typically features classic country instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics, and his distinctive, Texas-influenced vocal style. His impact on the genre is immense, and he is credited with helping to revitalize the neotraditionalist country movement.
“If You Can Do Anything Else” was written by Billy Livsey and Don Schlitz. Don Schlitz is particularly well-known in the country music world for writing numerous hit songs, including “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. The collaboration between Livsey and Schlitz brought together their songwriting talents to create a song that resonated with Strait’s established audience.
The song was released as the third and final single from Strait’s self-titled album, George Strait. The album was released in 2000, and “If You Can Do Anything Else” followed the release of other singles from the album.
Upon its release, “If You Can Do Anything Else” performed respectably on the country charts. It reached number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in July 2001. While its performance on the pop charts was more modest, reaching number 51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, its success in the country genre is a testament to George Strait’s enduring appeal to country music fans.
“If You Can Do Anything Else” showcases George Strait’s ability to deliver songs that are both commercially viable and deeply rooted in traditional country music. The lyrics of the song offer a somewhat bittersweet perspective on love, where the singer acknowledges the potential hardships of a relationship and gives the other person the option to pursue a different path if they can, but expresses a desire for them to stay.
George Strait’s contribution to country music includes numerous hit songs and albums, and he has received many awards and honors throughout his career. He has been instrumental in preserving the traditions of country music while remaining relevant in the contemporary music landscape.