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45 single, Side A. Columbia (38-68760) (1989)
Image credit: Graham7 at 45cat.com
"Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" is a single by Dolly Parton. It was released on April 24, 1989, by Columbia Records as the first single from Dolly's twenty-ninth solo studio album, White Limozeen. The song was written by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas. It was produced by Ricky Skaggs. The single peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Dolly's twenty-second song to top the chart.

Track listing

Side A
  • Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That (Bob Carlisle, Randy Thomas) 2:28
Side B
  • Wait 'Til I Get You Home (duet with Mac Davis) (Dolly Parton, Mac Davis) 2:56

Music video

​A music video directed by Jack Cole was released to accompany the single.

Critical reception

The single was reviewed in the May 6, 1989 issue of Billboard magazine. The review said, "From the wham-bam intro to the end-of-the-runway finish, Parton is pure yowling energy. Vivid lyrics, supercharged delivery, and sizzling production."

Cashbox reviewed the single in the May 13, 1989 issue. it said, "In this toe-tappin', hand-clappin' tune, Dolly admonishes her man for looking so good and for reminding her that he is no longer hers. Dolly's energy and versatility comes right off the record at you. Ricky Skaggs' expert production skills give this one a sure shot at the top of the charts and brings Dolly back to country."
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Billboard review, May 6, 1989.
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Cashbox review, May 13, 1989.

Commercial performance

"Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated May 6, 1989. It peaked at number one on the chart dated August 5, its fourteenth week on the chart. It charted for 20 weeks. The single also peaked at number one on the Cashbox Country Singles chart. It peaked at number one in Canada on the RPM Country Singles chart.

Accolades

​​"Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" was nominated for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1990. Its music video was nominated for Music Video of the Year at the 25th Academy of Country Music Awards in 1990, the 23rd Annual Country Music Association Awards in 1989, and the 1989 CMT Music Awards (known as the Music City News Awards at the time).

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the White Limozeen liner notes.
"Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That"
  • Eddie Bayers – drums
  • Barry Beckett – piano
  • Mike Brignardello – bass
  • Mark Casstevens – acoustic guitar
  • Steven Gibson – electric guitar, rhythm guitar
  • Doug Johnson – mixing
  • Albert Lee – electric guitar solo
  • Dolly Parton – lead vocals
  • Denny Purcell – mastering
  • Ricky Skaggs – harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle, triangle, producer
  • Jo-el Sonnier – cajun accordion
  • Curtis Young – harmony vocals
"Wait 'Til I Get You Home"
  • Eddie Bayers – drums
  • Mac Davis – duet vocals
  • Richard Dennison – background vocals
  • Paul Franklin – steel guitar
  • Steven A. Gibson – electric guitar
  • John Jarvis – piano
  • Doug Johnson – mixing
  • Mac McAnally – acoustic guitar
  • Craig Nelson – bass
  • Dolly Parton – lead vocals
  • Denny Purcell – mastering
  • Lisa Silver – background vocals
  • Ricky Skaggs – producer
  • Curtis Young – background vocals
  • Lianna Young – background vocals

Alternate artwork

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Netherlands 45 single, picture sleeve. CBS (654903 7) (1989)
Image credit: jimmyx at 45cat.com
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UK 45 single, picture sleeve. CBS (DOLLY 2) (1989)
Image credit: musicman56 at 45cat.com