“That’s How I Can Count on You” was written by Bob Newman and Shorty Long. It was first recorded in 1955 by Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers, a brief but fruitful partnership that produced several admired bluegrass sides for RCA Victor.
The song is a bitter heartbreak number. The singer has learned that the one thing he can rely on from his sweetheart is betrayal — the title turns the language of trust against itself, counting on a partner only to be let down.
The song stayed in the bluegrass repertoire, sung in the high, close harmony the original recording established.
Assisted by AI.
Spot something off? Help us fix it.
