Guilty (The Statler Brothers song)

"Guilty" is a song written by J.D. Souther and first recorded by Linda Ronstadt in 1980 on her album Mad Love. However, the song is perhaps best known for The Statler Brothers' rendition, released in 1983.

The Statler Brothers' version of "Guilty" is a country ballad that tells the story of a man confessing his love and commitment to his partner. He acknowledges past mistakes and flaws, but declares himself "guilty" of loving her deeply and intending to remain dedicated to the relationship. The lyrics express a willingness to accept the consequences of this "guilt," suggesting that his love is a lifelong sentence he is willing to serve.

The Statler Brothers' recording was released as a single and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It remains a popular song in their discography and is often cited as one of their most recognizable hits. The song's appeal lies in its straightforward expression of devotion and its relatable theme of accepting imperfection within a loving relationship. While Linda Ronstadt's version is considered a more rock-oriented take on the song, The Statler Brothers' performance solidified "Guilty" as a country standard.