Introduction
While there isn’t a definitive backstory available about the inspiration behind “Write It In Red,” clues can be found scattered throughout the country music world. The song itself tells the story of a betrayed lover, urging their partner to confess their infidelity in a permanent way – “Just take out your lipstick and write it in red.”
The song appeared on Alan Jackson’s 2006 album “Like Red on a Rose.” This album, though commercially successful, didn’t have any chart-topping hits. However, “Write It In Red” struck a chord with fans, likely due to its relatable theme of betrayal and the raw emotion in Jackson’s vocals.
There’s an interesting detail about the song’s origin that some speculate on. The venue Billy Bob’s Texas claims that after a particularly enthusiastic performance by Jackson, he was inspired to write his hit song “Dallas.” This story comes from the liner notes on a greatest hits album. An interesting addition to this is that Billy Bob’s Texas also mentions Jackson saying, “Listening in the booth, the fiddle and steel stuff just about killed me.” This quote could potentially be referencing the recording of “Write It In Red,” given its prominent use of fiddle and steel guitar.
Regardless of its exact origin, “Write It In Red” became a signature song for Alan Jackson. It’s a poignant ballad about the pain of infidelity, delivered with Jackson’s signature baritone and traditional country instrumentation.