This iconic video perfectly captures the humorous, everyman frustration of a divorce gone spectacularly wrong.
The Song
"She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" is a novelty country song released in 1982 by Jerry Reed. The track humorously details the woes of a man who loses everything in a divorce settlement, while his ex-wife walks away with all the assets, including the "goldmine". Written by Reed himself alongside Dick Feller, the song became one of Reed's signature tunes, blending his distinctive fingerstyle guitar work with his comedic storytelling prowess. Its witty lyrics and catchy melody resonated deeply with audiences familiar with the often-unfortunate realities of marital dissolution.
The Artist
Jerry Reed Hubbard (1937–2008) was an American country music singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actor. Known affectionately as "The Guitar Man," Reed was celebrated for his unique fingerstyle guitar playing, which blended country, bluegrass, and blues influences. Beyond his musical success, he also achieved considerable fame as an actor, most notably playing Cledus "Snowman" Snow in the popular "Smokey and the Bandit" film series alongside Burt Reynolds. Reed's charisma and down-to-earth humor were central to both his musical and acting careers, making him a beloved figure in American entertainment.
Chart Performance
"She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" was a massive success on the country charts. It soared to the number one position on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1982, marking one of Reed's most significant chart achievements. The single remained at the top for two consecutive weeks, solidifying its status as a major country hit of the era. While primarily a country success, its widespread popularity also gave it some crossover recognition.
Cultural Impact
The video for "She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" cemented the song's cultural footprint by visually enhancing its comedic narrative. It perfectly embodied the song's satirical take on divorce settlements, resonating with a wide audience that understood or sympathized with the protagonist's plight. The song and video became a common cultural reference for unfavorable splits, often quoted in jest when discussing unequal outcomes. Its humor and relatability ensured its lasting popularity, often featured on novelty song compilations and country music retrospectives.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" prominently features Jerry Reed's comedic acting skills, showcasing his expressive facial expressions and physical humor.
- The video humorously depicts the protagonist in increasingly dire situations following his divorce, including living in a rundown shack while his ex-wife enjoys a life of luxury.
- Reed's distinctive guitar playing is a central element of both the song and the video, with close-ups often highlighting his intricate fingerstyle technique.
- The song was referenced in later popular culture, including a nod in the 2000 film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" through its themes of escape and hardship, although not directly sampled.
- "She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" is one of Jerry Reed's most recognizable and requested songs, often serving as a highlight in his live performances.