1982 (Randy Travis song)

"1982" is a song written by Lisa Silver, and originally recorded by Skip Ewing. It gained significant popularity when covered by country music artist Randy Travis, appearing on his 1986 album Storms of Life. Travis's version became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1986. The song tells the story of a woman who frequents honky-tonks despite her husband's disapproval, seeking fleeting pleasure and numbing her pain with alcohol. The lyrics paint a picture of a troubled relationship and the allure of escaping reality through nightlife. The song's title, "1982," doesn't directly relate to the narrative's events but provides a timestamp, grounding the story in a specific era and potentially hinting at the socio-economic realities or cultural trends of that time impacting the characters' lives. Travis's rendition is notable for its traditional country sound and his distinctive baritone vocals, contributing to its commercial success and enduring appeal within the country music genre.