Charley Pride – Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger

About The Song

“Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger” is a song written by Jerry Crutchfield and Don Robertson, recorded by American country artist Charley Pride. It was released in August 1967 as the first single from Pride’s album The Country Way. The song was recorded on June 23, 1967, at RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Jack Clement alongside Chet Atkins and Felton Jarvis.

This track marked Charley Pride’s fifth single and became his third major hit. Although the single’s A-side was “Spell of the Freight Train,” radio stations favored “Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger,” which led to its commercial success. The song spent 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at number four in August 1967, making it Pride’s highest-charting single at that time. It also reached number three on the Canadian RPM Country Singles chart.

The lyrics of “Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger” explore themes of doubt and insecurity within a romantic relationship. The narrator questions whether the wedding ring he gave his partner causes her discomfort or unhappiness, suggesting concerns about the state of their marriage. The song’s emotional depth is conveyed through Pride’s smooth vocal delivery, which was instrumental in establishing his reputation as a leading country singer.

The song was released under the RCA Victor label, but with a notable error: Pride’s name was mistakenly credited as “Country Charlie Pride” instead of “Charley Pride.” Despite this, the song’s popularity helped solidify his presence in the country music scene during the late 1960s.

“Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger” was later included on Pride’s 1967 studio album The Country Way, which further showcased his blend of traditional country and countrypolitan sounds. The song has since appeared on various greatest hits and compilation albums, maintaining its status as a classic in Pride’s catalog.

Critical reception of the song highlights its strong songwriting and Pride’s emotive performance. The combination of heartfelt lyrics and polished production helped the song resonate with audiences, contributing to Charley Pride’s breakthrough as one of country music’s first African-American stars.

Video

Lyric

Does my ring hurt your finger
When you go out at night?
When I bought it for you, darling
It seemed to fit just right

Should I take it to the jeweler
So it won’t fit so tight?
Does my ring hurt your finger
When you go out at night?

Did the lady at the party
Make you feel like a king?
Did she hang on every promise
That you told her with your ring?

Does my ring hurt your finger
When you go out at night?
When I bought it for you, darling
It seemed to fit just right

(Instrumental break)

Did the smile on her face
When she took your hand
Tell her that your ring was
Stolen from another band?

Does my ring hurt your finger
When you go out at night?
When I bought it for you, darling
It seemed to fit just right

Does my ring hurt your finger
When you go out at night?