She Thinks I Still Care

Background

“She Thinks I Still Care” is a country song on the first solo album of John Fogerty. He released it as The Blue Ridge Rangers. The song was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and engineered by Skip Shimmin and Russ Gary. The LP came out in April 1973. It peaked at #47 in the USA.

"She Thinks I Still Care" was originally recorded by George Jones. His version came out on April 14, 1962. Several other artists have recorded the song after that, including Merle Haggard whose version affected John Fogerty most.  (John Fogerty promotional interview, 1973)

Recording session

"She Thinks I Still Care" was one of those situations where the arrangements happened in the studio, rather than way before.  "I was knocked out when I found that little twinkling piano thing in the background.  It was just enough.  I didn’t have to come in with 29 violins or something, just to let you know there’s music behind it.  It’s one of those classic songs where the vocal and the content are more important than the music," told John Fogerty in the promotional inteview in 1973.  

Live versions

John Fogerty has never played the song live in concerts.    

Critical reception

"Fogerty learned "She Thinks I Still Care" from a Merle Haggard album and it reveals his knack for picking songs with striking lyrics. Its broad irony is enhanced by John's deadpan delivery." -Jon Landau, The Rolling Stone, July 5th, 1973

"Another famous country song, I think this is a bit slow, but Fogerty's bass is very nice. I can't decide if the title is sarcastic - does he still care for her?" -Matt Loewen.

Fans views

"'Just because I dialed her number by mistake today...' always liked how he delivered that line. Great job."

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