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It’s Love Over Luxury in Reba McEntire’s Hit Song “Little Rock”

It’s Love Over Luxury in Reba McEntire’s Hit Song “Little Rock”
Riley Johnson
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  • Riley Johnson covers country music’s legends, tributes, and the stories behind the songs for Country Thang Daily.
  • Her beat includes the Grand Ole Opry, Hall of Fame moments, gospel and faith in country music, and the artists who built the genre.
  • When a legend is honored, remembered, or back in the spotlight, Riley is usually the one writing it.
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In 1986, Reba McEntire released the neo-traditional hit song “Little Rock” from her album Whoever’s in New England. 

Upon its release, the song immediately climbed up the charts landing at no. 1 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and no. 2 on Canada RPM Country Tracks. 

Since she started her career in 1976, Reba has continually grown her fan base by singing relatable songs about love and heartbreak. As her career started to grow during the mid-80s, Reba started changing up her musical techniques, trying a new tone for this amazing hit. 

However, acquiring this song wasn’t easy for Reba, considering “Little Rock” was initially pitched to Janie Fricke. But since Reba wanted to add this song to her new album, her team decided to work things out with Janie’s team, eventually causing Reba to get the song for herself—and it seems like their hard work paid off since it is now considered one of Reba McEntire’s greatest hits. 

Meaning Behind the Song 

Written by Pat McManus, Bob DiPiero, and Gerry House, the song can simply be described as a “cheery cheating song.”

Despite the flowering words in the lyrics, the song is actually about a woman who is planning to leave her husband, who is rather neglectful of her feelings. Although the protagonist is not deprived of material things, she starves for affection—so much so that she is willing to give up her luxurious life just to feel what true love is. 

It is a song that causes everyone to question whether money is the root of happiness or despair. But the major lesson one can get from this masterpiece is that we should look for a partner who makes us feel “loved.”

So, if work is affecting your marriage, listen to Reba McEntire’s amazing performance of “Little Rock” below. It will remind you not to take the little things for granted. 

It’s Love Over Luxury in Reba McEntire’s Hit Song “Little Rock”

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