This Reba McEntire song is included on her new album “Stronger Than the Truth.” This was just released early this month and was hugely loved by her audience. Let us have a breakdown of the song and the story behind it.
The song was penned by Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore and Shelley Skidmore. And when Reba heard of the song, she said:
“This is a Tammy Wynette kind of pain, so you can just imagine how this lady is hurtin’.”
Reba McEntire’s Inspiration
Reba McEntire is for sure a huge Tammy Wynette fan. For her to reference some of the first ladies of country music must mean something.
The song describes a heart-breaking moment in its most painful form. The lyrics breakdown will be discussed later but we have to talk about the references first.
“Stand by Your Man” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” were mentioned early on in the song. Reba must have wanted to really portray a love that is so heartbreaking that the only option is to break it up with your partner.
This is a relatable song for all women out there who deal with a cheating husband. As Tammy had put it, you may stand by your man but that does not mean you let him hurt you again and again. Although it is painful, Tammy Wynette –painful, know that you are not alone and you have the power to change the situation.
Lyrics Breakdown
This ain’t a little mascara running down my cheek
And this ain’t a little scratch that’ll heal in a couple of weeks
This is more than a little smile I’m having to fake
‘Cause this ain’t no little girl heartache
Hearing the lyrics, you know that the songwriters are not joking around. The pain that they want to convey is legitimate heartbreaking. They want to acknowledge that it is the kind of pain that will not heal in a couple of days.
It is a kind of pain that may only heal through time. A kind of betrayal in a long term marriage comes into mind. It is when you “think” you have fully known the person and then he or she betrays you. That is the kind of pain that Reba sings about.
It is fine to live through our pain and struggles in life. Some people even wear it as a badge of honor. This is maybe due to the fact that it is in pain where we grow. In experiencing pain, it is where we change to become a better person.
Listen to the beautiful song here:
Tags
Reba McEntire