What Are We Doin’ in Love – The Story Behind the Hit by Dottie West with Kenny Rogers

Why did «What Are We Doin’ in Love» become such a huge hit—and what made this duet so unforgettable? The story behind this Country Music classic is more than just a chart-topper. It’s a turning point in the careers of two legendary artists: Dottie West with Kenny Rogers.

A Powerful Country Duet with Pop Appeal

«What Are We Doin’ in Love» was recorded in 1980 and released as a single in March 1981. It was written by Randy Goodrum, produced by Brent Maher, and featured on Dottie West’s album «Wild West.» This track marked one of the final duets between Dottie West with Kenny Rogers, and it became one of their most successful collaborations.

The single quickly climbed the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Country chart and #3 on Canadian RPM Country, #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #7 on the Adult Contemporary chart. That crossover success helped introduce a new audience to Country Music in the early ’80s.

What Is «What Are We Doin’ in Love» About?

The song explores the confusion and vulnerability that come with unexpected love. Two people, unsure of their feelings and afraid of getting hurt, ask themselves: «What are we doin’ in love?.» The lyrics reflect hesitation, but also the undeniable chemistry between the two. The honesty in the lyrics, combined with the emotional delivery by Dottie West and Kenny Rogers, made the song relatable for many listeners.

What Are We Doin’ in Love

The Legacy of Dottie West with Kenny Rogers

Dottie West was a trailblazer in Country Music, known for her songwriting and heartfelt performances. She started her career in the 1960s and became the first female Country artist to win a Grammy. Her duets with Kenny Rogers in the late ’70s and early ’80s gave her a second wave of success.

Kenny Rogers, already a massive star with hits like «The Gambler» and «Lucille,» brought mainstream attention to their collaborations. Together, Dottie West with Kenny Rogers «What Are We Doin’ in Love» showed that Country could be personal, polished, and crossover-ready.

«What Are We Doin’ in Love» isn’t just another duet—it’s a time capsule of Country Music’s golden era. It highlights the emotional strength of the genre and the powerful connection between two of its brightest stars. If you’re diving into classic Country, this is a must-listen.

COUNTRYPEDIA

Dottie West with Kenny Rogers – What Are We Doin’ in Love Lyrics

[Verse 1]
We’re like summer and winter
We’re not one bit alike
We’re like satin and cinders
I’m definitely not your type

[Chorus]
Well, then what are we doin’ in love?
What are we doin’ in a mess like this?
What are we doin’ in love?
Why were you someone I couldn’t resist?
What are we doin’ in love?

[Verse 2]
We’re like paper and matches
We’ll probably have our share of fights
We’re like roses and switches
It’s gonna be hard but we’ve got to try

[Chorus]
So what are we doin’ in love?
What are we doin’ in a mess like this?
What are we doin’ in love?
And what are we gonna tell all our friends?

[Bridge]
You don’t have to like someone to love someone
That rule was made to be broken
But if we have to say goodbye to a life we’ve gotten used to
What are we doin’ in love then?

GENIUS