The Music Biz: I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me

Rosanne Cash: I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me

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At the 1983 Grammy Awards, Rosanne Cash was nominated for "Best Female Country and Western Vocal Performance" for the song "Ain't No Money." She lost... to Juice Newton. Rosanne had also been nominated the year before in the same category for her smash hit, "Seven Year Ache." That year she lost to Dolly Parton and "9 to 5."

Needless to say, Rosanne took the two losses pretty hard. At both award ceremonies she had gotten all dressed up with make-up, new shoes and a new dress. After her second loss in 1983, all she could think of was, "New shoes... new dress... I don't know why they don't want me." That pondering led to this song.

So while the song itself doesn't seem to have much to do with "the biz" on the surface, it was inspired by one of the industry's most high profile events. Ironically, the song, "I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me"... a song inspired by two previous Grammy snubs... finally netted Rosanne her first and only Grammy Award in 1986.

A young Vince Gill provides backing vocals on this track.