Rock/country band Kevin Costner & Modern West has a reputation for storytelling traditions, deeply influenced by the actor’s background in film and narrative art. And their 2010 track “Let Me Be The One” off their sophomore album Turn It On is no exception to that.
Yes, you read that right. Costner is not only Yellowstone’s John Dutton. He is also a singer, songwriter, and bandleader. He said that becoming one had always been more than just an idea for him. “For a long time now, I have felt the need to connect with people in a more meaningful way than just the autograph.” He continued, sharing that he always thought music could build a stronger, more personal moment for him.
Meaning Behind the Song
“Let Me Be The One,” which he penned with Teddy Morgan and John Coinman, is a single ballad (and sort of a duet) featuring Sara Beck. As Costner and Beck traded in the first two verses, it has become a two-handed testimonial between two people, making promises to each other and asking to be accepted as partners for life. Essentially, it’s a vow in music form, and it’s beautiful.
Kevin Costner opens the song with a strong starter line, singing, “Let me be the name you whisper when you’re dreaming in the night / Be the hang you reach for every time you need to hold on tight.” It’s a sweet plea to be that person who’d stand by their side through the worst of all the troubles that may come.
Beck then answers with a promise of her own, “Let me be the place you hide away when you need somewhere to go / The keep of all your secrets that no one else should know.” She then goes on to coax him into letting her ride along to the wandered road he was heading for.
They join in heavenly harmony in the chorus, repeating again and again, “Let me be the one.”
For You
In the fourth verse, Costner continues to convince her to be her true companion, her protector, and hero. He wanted to be that person who would stand and fight for her. Beck’s voice melodiously joins him as he does so, creating a really emotional moment – especially for those who made the same vows in their lives. And the instrumental that came right after that made it even better.
They then go on to sing, asking each other if they knew how they felt for each other or did they just realize it. Nevertheless, they promise to love each other, whatever moments come.
Listen to Kevin Costner & Modern West’s “Let Me Be The One” below.
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