THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

by @jerrypettit · @billwhite51

Liner Notes

Well, it wouldn't be FAWM for me if I didn't do my collaboration--my only collaboration every year--with the always amazing @billwhite51.

And this is what we came up with this year! I hope you enjoy it!

Lyrics

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE Lyrics by Bill White Music by Jerry Pettit

When we dated in high school I kept you a secret from my friends, And when I went away to college I told you it was the end.

I couldn't keep going back and forth From the rich to the poor side of town. I had a big future ahead of me And I couldn't have you hanging around.

CHORUS: I couldn't be seen With a girl in a second hand cotton dress and a dime store hat. I'd fall off the social ladder If my name was linked with a girl like that. I took another woman for my wife, But you will always be THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.

So I married the mayor's daughter Had a bright political career. But when I ran for president My past came into the clear.

And I fell though the elevator shaft All the way to the basement floor. Now I'm asking your forgiveness Won't you please open up your door?

CHORUS: I couldn't be seen With a girl in a second hand cotton dress and a dime store hat. I'd fall off the social ladder If my name was linked with a girl like that. I took another woman for my wife, But you will always be THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.

© 2025, Bill White & Jerry Pettit

Comments

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The insightful longing and love in the lyric is perfectly delivered by the country rock feel of the music. The storytelling is perfectly done and the melody is gorgeous, especially with the lovely vocals. Great guitar.

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Bruce Springsteen type story telling in these lyrics. A tragic story well told. The opening lines in the chorus really work great. Great weighty song.

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Classic story. I like how the distorted guitar layer from the between sections continues into the verses after the first chorus. My favorite line is the elevator shaft/basement floor line.

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Sad story. Vivid images. Love the rocking guitar mixed with country vibes… like a mix of Neil Young’s acoustic songs but also him on lead guitar.

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Well done you two. I find this story heartbreaking. That second hand dress and dime store hat…who needs anything more. Great work with the music and vocals. The lyrics are great but the fact that stories like this actually happen makes me sad 😔

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This is a nice story of the love of someone’s life. The one that got away. I enjoyed it and the guitar effects sprinkled throughout. Thanks for sharing, you two.

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Great story telling on this one, your vocals remind me of the beach boys

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Yup very relatable story! Right in the spot for classic Jerry! Well written and performed! A perfect choice for you guys to collab on!

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Funny, it’s trendy now to get your clothes from a charity shop etc. ‘Second hand vintage’! A solid handshake between Bill and Jerry on this nostalgic song.

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@billwhite51 writes such interesting and diverse lyrics and @jerrypettit has done this set proud! 👏👏👏

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@hbusse

Great story song! One of my favorite lines: “And I fell through the elevator shaft all the way to the basement floor.”

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@sheslin

Nice story telling in these lyrics with an interesting twist. I am not rooting for this guy however, but I hope she found the love of her life. Beautiful musical interpretation, love how you sing the title line. Cool guitar lines throughout. Great collab!

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Wonderful lyrics and I love how well they came together! More please!

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@jeff9

So touching. The lyrics sort of bring back memories of Dickie Lee's "Patches", Johnny Rivers doing "Poor Side of Town" and maybe "Rag Doll" by The Four Seasons, although with more of a twist at the end. The music and Jerry's vocal give it exactly the sweet but plaintive touch it deserves.

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I like the tenor of your voice in this. And @billwhite51's lyrics tell a very relatable story. Yeah, that social ladder seems so important till we grow up and learn it isn't! Nice work.

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@sbs

I hope she gave the guy the kiss off - lol! Production sounds cool in my headphones.

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Bill is lucky to have you as the collaborator, and you are lucky to have Bill as cltye collaborator. The only collaborator is super special. You might like to add Bill in the song collaborator on a drop down menu :) Pop song at its best.

Beautiful nostalgic loving ❤️ song. Moving and memorable. Memories which live forever 🎶🎵✨️💕

[FAWM]