"You Don't Count the Cost" is a song written by Tom Shapiro, Chris Waters and Bucky Jones, and originally recorded by American country music artist Ricky Skaggs on his 1991 album My Father's Son. The song was recorded later that year by American country music artist Billy Dean. It was released in September 1991 as the first single from the album Billy Dean. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Chart performance Year-end charts References 1991 singles Ricky Skaggs songs Billy Dean songs Songs written by Bucky Jones Songs written by Tom Shapiro Songs written by Chris Waters Capitol Records Nashville singles Song recordings produced by Tom Shapiro 1991 songs