Introduction:
Contrary to popular belief, “No Charge” is not a song written and solely performed by country music legend Tammy Wynette. While Wynette did record a version of the song, it has a more complex history that reveals interesting details about both popular music and artistic credit.
The origins of “No Charge” can be traced back to songwriter Harlan Howard, a Country Music Hall of Famer known for numerous hits like “I Fall to Pieces” and “Heartaches by the Number.” However, the exact year of composition remains unclear. Some sources suggest it was written in the early 1970s, while others claim it could be even earlier.
Billy Sherrill, a prominent country music producer who had frequent collaborations with Wynette, is another key figure in the story. Sherrill not only produced Wynette’s version of “No Charge”, but there’s also speculation that he might have had a hand in refining or even co-writing the song with Howard. This collaboration between Wynette and Sherrill was not uncommon, as they were a successful musical partnership throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
While Wynette’s rendition of “No Charge” was released in 1975 on the album “George Jones & Tammy Wynette & Tina”, it wasn’t her only interpretation. George Jones, a country music icon and Wynette’s then-husband, is also featured on the album, providing a duet version of the song. This reflects a common practice in country music during that era, where married couples would record songs together.
The question of chart performance for Wynette’s specific version of “No Charge” is a bit murkier. While some sources don’t differentiate between versions, it appears “No Charge” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Wynette’s other songs. However, “George Jones & Tammy Wynette & Tina” was a successful album overall.
“No Charge” did find a different kind of success with another artist. British singer J.J. Barrie released his version in 1976, and it became a surprising number one hit on the UK Singles Chart. Barrie’s “No Charge” overshadowed Wynette’s version in the UK, showcasing how a song can travel internationally and resonate with audiences in unexpected ways.
In conclusion, “No Charge” is a song with a complex history, involving multiple artists, producers, and even some ambiguity about its origins. While Tammy Wynette’s rendition may not have been the biggest hit, it highlights an interesting chapter in her career and the collaborative musical landscape of country music during the 1970s.
Video:
Lyrics:
My little girl came up to me in the kitchen this evenin’While I was fixin’ supper. And she handed meA piece of paper she’d been writing on, andAfter wiping my hands on my apron I read itAnd this is what she said.
For mowing the yard, five dollarsFor making my own bed this week, one dollarGoing to the store, fifty centsPlaying with my sister while you went to the storeTwenty-five centsTaking out the trash one dollarGetting a good report card, five dollardsAnd for raking the yard, two dollarsTotal of fourteen dollas and seventy-five cents.
Well, I looked at her standing there expectantlyAnd a found memory flashed through my mindAnd so I picked up the pen and turning the paperOver this is what I wrote.
For the nine months I carried youGrowin’ inside of me no chargeFor the nights I sat up with youDoctored and prayed for you no chargeFor the toys that you choseAnd for wiping you nose there’s no chargeWhen you add it all up the full cost of my loveIs no charge.
Well, when she finished reading she hadGreat big old tears in her eyes and she lookedUp at me and said mommy I sure do love youThen she took the pen and in great big lettersShe wrote, paid in full.
When you add it all up the cost of real loveIs no charge.