Dottie West – A Lesson In Leavin’

«A Lesson in Leavin'», also titled as «Lesson in Leavin»‘, is a song written by Randy Goodrum and Brent Maher. It was originally recorded in 1979 by American country music singer, Dottie West, for her Special Delivery album.

Dottie West was the first singer to release the song as a single and titled it «A Lesson in Leavin'». West’s version was recorded in country pop style that was apparent on most her singles in the 1980s. West’s version peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart the week of April 26, 1980, and was her first No. 1 hit as a solo artist, along with another No. 1 single shortly afterwards titled, «Are You Happy Baby?.» In addition the single was reached No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a minor hit on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. The song helped to revitalize West’s career, after having a series of unsuccessful solo singles in the 1970s. The song helped West endure popularity during the early 1980s.

From the album Special Delivery
B-side «Love’s So Easy for Two»
Released February 1980
Genre Country pop
Length 3:02
Label United Artists
Songwriter(s) Randy Goodrum Brent Maher
Producer(s) Larry Butler

Dottie West – A Lesson In Leavin’ Lyrics

Somebody’s gonna give you a lesson in leavin’
Somebody’s gonna give you back what you’ve been givin’
And I hope that I’m around
To watch ‘em knock you down

It’s like you to love ‘em and leave ‘em
Just like you loved me and left me
It’s like you to do that sort of thing, over and over again
You’re a fool-hearted man

I hear you’ve been askin’ about me
From some of my friends
Well, you’d better believe
I’m not goin’ through that again

You’re the kind of man
A woman thinks she can change
Oh, but the only thing changin’ is my way of thinkin’
And I’m thinkin’ that maybe someday

Somebody’s gonna give you a lesson in losin’
Somebody’s gonna do to you what you’ve been doin’
And I hope that I’m around
To watch ‘em knock you down

Somebody’s gonna give you a lesson in hurtin’
Somebody’s gonna leave you with your fire burnin’
And no way to put it out, baby, there ain’t no doubt
You’re a fool-hearted man

Yeah, you’re the kind of man
A woman thinks she can change
But the only thing changin’ is my way of thinkin’
And I’m thinkin’ that maybe someday

Somebody’s gonna give you a lesson in leavin’
Somebody’s gonna give you back what you’ve been givin’
And I hope that I’m around
To watch ‘em knock you down

It’s like you to love ‘em and leave ‘em
Just like you loved me and left me
It’s like you to do that sort of thing, over and over again
You’re a fool-hearted man

Somebody’s gonna give you a lesson in leavin’
Somebody’s gonna give you back what you’ve been givin’
And I hope that I’m around
To watch ‘em knock you down

Ohh, it’s like you to love ‘em and leave ‘em
Just like you loved me and left me
It’s like you to do that sort of thing, over and over again
You’re a fool-hearted man

Oh, a fool-hearted man
Oh, whoa
Oh, a fool-hearted man
Oh, whoa
Oh, a fool-hearted man