Alan Jackson – Who’s Cheatin’ Who: A Playful Swing at Love’s Oldest Game
Released in 1997 on Alan Jackson’s Everything I Love album, “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” is one of the most infectious, good-time songs in his catalog. Originally written and recorded by Jerry Hayes and made a hit by Charly McClain in 1980, Jackson revived the song nearly two decades later, giving it a fresh jolt of energy and his unmistakable neo-traditional flair.
At its core, the song is pure country fun—a sly, lighthearted take on the age-old dance of infidelity. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak, the lyrics flip the perspective: if everybody’s fooling around, then maybe nobody really knows who’s cheating who, who’s being true, and who don’t even care anymore. It’s not a song about devastation—it’s about wry amusement, shrugging off drama with a grin and a swing.
Jackson’s performance is a perfect fit. With his easygoing baritone and knack for turning classic country themes into everyday conversation, he delivers the lines with just the right mix of humor and resignation. There’s no bitterness in his tone—just a knowing wink, as if he’s seen enough of life to recognize that love isn’t always as tidy as people want it to be.
Musically, “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” is pure honky-tonk joy. Jackson’s version is driven by a bouncy rhythm section, steel guitar flourishes, and especially its standout electric guitar solo—a jazzy, extended break that became one of the highlights of his live shows. The arrangement has a dance-hall feel, tailor-made for two-stepping across a hardwood floor. It’s traditional in spirit but polished enough for 1990s country radio.
The song became another Top 10 hit for Jackson, climbing the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and cementing his reputation as the keeper of country’s classic sound. By re-introducing a song from the 1980s, Jackson also showed his deep respect for country’s recent history, bridging eras while keeping the music fresh for new audiences.
“Who’s Cheatin’ Who” may not be the most emotionally heavy song in Alan Jackson’s career, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s witty, fun, and irresistibly danceable—a reminder that country music doesn’t always have to break your heart. Sometimes it just needs to make you laugh, grab a partner, and spin around the floor while the band plays on.