DZ - Reba's Hits (W3) "You Lie" WINS!!!

[bboat11]

49: "How Blue"

Album: My Kind Of Country (Single #1 of 2)

Chronology: Reba's 22nd single

Year: 1984

Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Live Version:


How blue (how blue) can you make me?
How long ’til I heal?
How can I go on lovin’ you when you’re gone?
How blue (how blue) can I feel?

Oh, honey, why did you leave me?
Ain’t you got a heart left in your chest?
I swear to you that I’m dyin’
‘Cause my mind won’t let my body rest.

How blue (how blue) can you make me?
How long ’til I heal?
How can I go on lovin’ you when you’re gone?
How blue (how blue) can I feel?

If I sink any lower, I’ll go under.
If I cry any more, I’ll go blind.
Lord, there ain’t no relief for this missin’-you grief.
How long can you torture my mind?

How blue (how blue) can you make me?
How long ’til I heal?
How can I go on lovin’ you when you’re gone?
How blue (how blue) can I feel?

How can I go on lovin’ you when you’re gone?
How blue (how blue) can I feel?


Reba's 3rd #1! This song sounds very dated, but I do love the way she harmonizes with herself in the chorus. It has never been one of my favorites from her, so I am not surprised to see it stopped just inside the top 50, but I enjoy it well enough.

[bboat11]

48: "Somebody's Chelsea"

Album: All The Women I Am (Single #4 of 4)

Chronology: Reba's 91st single

Year: 2011

Billboard Airplay Peak: 44

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


I met an old man yesterday,
Next to me on a west-bound plane.
He said, “I was married sixty years.
I swear it feels like she’s still here.”
Then he took out her picture.

Staring at that black and white,
The tears filled up in his eyes.
I said, “You were a lucky man.”
He said, “I feel like I still am.”
When he told me her name,
I heard myself say,

“I wanna be somebody’s Chelsea,
Somebody’s world.
Somebody’s day and night,
One and only girl.
A part of a love story that never has an end.
You know that’s what every woman wants to be:
Somebody’s Chelsea.”

He made me laugh when he talked about
Their first date, and her father’s doubts.
He said, “Even as her hair turned gray
She still took my breath away,
And that never changed with time.”
That’s when I closed my eyes.

I wanna be somebody’s Chelsea,
Somebody’s world.
Somebody’s day and night,
One and only girl.
A part of a love story that never has an end.
You know that’s what every woman wants to be:
Somebody’s Chelsea.

And when we finally said goodbye,
I hugged him and said, “I’ll never forget
How you showed me what it means

To be somebody’s Chelsea,
Somebody’s world.
Somebody’s day and night,
One and only girl.
A part of a love story that never has an end.
You know that’s what every woman wants to be.

And I wanna be somebody’s Chelsea.”
Somebody’s Chelsea.
Somebody’s Chelsea.
Somebody’s Chelsea.


This is such a sweet song. I love the overall message behind it, seeing how much somebody loves their recently-passed significant other and wishing that somebody was around to love you that much. Heck, I can even embrace that feeling whole-heartedly! I think everybody wants to be somebody's Chelsea! The fact that this song did not do better on the charts is just criminal.

[bboat11]

47: "Love Will Find Its Way To You"

Album: The Last One To Know (Single #2 of 2)
Chronology: Reba's 32nd single
Year: 1988
Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Live Version:


Another mornin’, another day in your life
Without someone there by you.
You had a dream again last night.
You wonder why the dream just won’t come true.

So what you gonna do?
Walk around with your head hung down?
Maybe that’s the reason you’ve never found the one for you,
So you’ve got to let your love shine through
Your eyes, your smile.
You’ve got to let somebody know how you feel inside
Your heart. You’ll find
Somebody wants to be a part of your life.
And if you just believe,
And say that’s what you’re gonna do,
One day love will find its way to you.
Yes, it will.
One day love will find its way to you.

Another party, and all your friends are smiles.
Oh, you might meet someone new.
Bein’ close would be so nice.
In this life, the chances are so few.

So what you gonna do?
Walk around with your head hung down?
Maybe that’s the reason you never found the one for you,
So you’ve got to let your love shine through
Your eyes and your smile.
You’ve got to let somebody know how you feel inside
Your heart. You’ll find
Somebody wants to be a part of your life.
If you just believe,
And say that’s what you’re gonna do,
One day love will find its way to you.
Oh, yes it will.
One day love will find its way to you.

Don’t you ever think you’re the only one.
Oh, somewhere in the world there’s a lonely heart lookin’ for someone.

You got to let your love shine through
Your eyes, your smile.
You’ve got to let somebody know how you feel inside.
You’ll find
Somebody wants to be a part of your life.
‘Cause your eyes, your smile.
You’ve got to let somebody know how you feel inside.
Somebody wants to be a part of your life.


Another hopeful song about love that I can totally relate to... Lol! This song is like the epitome of Reba's '80s uptempo sound. It is very similar sonically to both "Little Rock" and "Walk On". It is catchy and fun, and has an excellent message. We cannot lose hope; if we remain the best person we can possibly be, somebody will notice us. Thank you, Reba! I can live that kind of life!

[bboat11]

46: "I'll Be"

Album: So Good Together (Single #2 of 3)
Chronology: Reba's 72nd single
Year: 2000
Billboard Airplay Peak: 4

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


When darkness falls upon your heart and soul,
I’ll be the light that shines for you.
When you forget how beautiful you are,
I’ll be there to remind you.
When you can’t find your way,
I’ll find my way to you.
When troubles come around,
I will come to you.

I’ll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter when you
Need someone to see you through.
I’ll be there to carry you.
I’ll be there.
I’ll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you
When you feel that rain fallin’ down.
When there’s nobody else around,
I’ll be.

And when you’re there with no one there to hold,
I’ll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is runnin’ low,
I’ll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies,
I’ll be the truth you need.
When you need someone to run to,
You can run to me.

I’ll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter when you
Need someone to see you through.
I’ll be there to carry you.
I’ll be there.
I’ll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you
When you feel that rain fallin’ down.
When there’s nobody else around,
I’ll be.

I’ll be the sun
When your heart’s filled with rain.
I’ll be the one
To chase the rain away.

I’ll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter when you
Need someone to see you through.
I’ll be there to carry you.
I’ll be there.
I’ll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you
When you feel that rain fallin’ down.
When there’s nobody else around,
I’ll be.

I’ll be.


This is one of my very favorite songs from Reba. I am shocked that with how many #1s she has, this one did not manage to become one of them! I love the echoey production and deeply layered background vocals in the chorus the most of all. It has a pretty different sound from most of the other ballads that came before this point in her career.

[bboat11]

45: "Turn On The Radio"

Album: All The Women I Am (Single #1 of 4)
Chronology: Reba's 88th single
Year: 2010
Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


(Oh. Oh oh.)

No-good two-timin’ lies
Comin’ out of your mouth.
Cheatin’ mistreatin’ games
That you played brought you down.
Broke my heart, tore it apart,
Look who’s got the last laugh now.
Don’t you come crawlin’ back
Beggin’ please on your knees.
Baby, if you’re missin’ me,

Well, you can hear me on the radio (radio).
You wanna turn me on,
Turn on your stereo (stereo).
You can sing along while they’re playin’ our song
How you done me wrong.
Baby, crank it up (crank it up)
Until you blow the speakers
Out your Chevy truck (Chevy truck).
So listen, Romeo, when you’re feelin’ kinda low
Let me tell you where to go:
Turn on the radio.

(Oh. Oh oh.)

Try to call, twitter me,
Text until your fingers bleed.
Oh, the deejay’s the only way
You’re ever gonna hear from me.
If you’re reminiscin’
And you’re missin’ me this much,
And you really wanna stay in touch,

Well, you can hear me on the radio (radio).
You wanna turn me on,
Turn on your stereo (stereo).
You can sing along while they’re playin’ my song
How you done me wrong.
Baby, crank it up (crank it up)
Until you blow the speakers
Out your Chevy truck (Chevy truck).
So listen, Romeo, when you’re feelin’ kinda low
Let me tell you where to go:
Turn on your radio.

Woah, turn on the radio (turn on the radio).
Turn on the radio-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho, oh!

Oh, you can hear me on the radio.
You wanna turn me on,
Turn on your stereo.
You can sing along while they’re playin’ my song
How you done me wrong.
Baby, crank it up (crank it up)
Until you blow the speakers
Out your Chevy truck (Chevy truck).
So listen, Romeo, when you’re feelin’ kinda low
Let me tell you where to go.

When you’re feelin’ kinda low
Let me tell you where to go.
Turn on the radio.

Turn on your radio.
Turn on, turn on the radio (Turn on the radio, turn on the radio).
Turn on the radio (Turn on the radio-o-o).
Turn on the radio-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho,
Turn on the radio!


What a freaking killer song. I slightly disliked it when it first came out, and now I can't get enough of it!!! This is sassy Reba at her best. I am so glad this managed to be such a huge hit for her. I am shocked that this got eliminated so early from this competition. Like in my opinion this song is miles better than "Strange", which just about made the top 10... In my opinion, the two songs probably should have been swapped!

[bboat11]

44: "The Last One To Know"

Album: The Last One To Know (Single #1 of 2)
Chronology: Reba's 31st single
Year: 1987
Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


I didn’t see the fire burn to ashes.
I couldn’t feel the winds of change.
I was lost inside the passion,
Blinded by the memory of a flame.

I guess I should’ve felt it when you touched me.
I should’ve seen it in your eyes.
But I believed you really loved me.
Why can’t I believe you said goodbye?

Oh, why is the last one to know
The first one to cry
And the last to let go?
Why is the one left behind
The one left alone
With no one to hold?
The last one to know.

It would be easier to face the mornin’
If you were holdin’ me tonight.
But you left me without a warning,
Holdin’ onto a heartache while she’s holdin’ you tight.

Tell me why is the last one to know
The first one to cry
And the last to let go?
Why is the one left behind
The one left alone
With no one to hold?
The last one to know.


This is personally my favorite Reba song of the '80s (other than New England). I just LOVE the guitar/bass line which follows the choruses!! The chorus is pretty catchy too. And DAMN that live video is freaking perfect!

[bboat11]

43: "Somebody Should Leave"

Album: My Kind Of Country (Single #2 of 2)
Chronology: Reba's 23rd single
Year: 1985
Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Live Version:


It sure gets quiet
When the kids go to bed.
We sit here in the silence
Putting off what must be said.
I read a book, you watch TV,
As our love dies quietly.
I’m so sad,
I don’t know what I’ve just read.

Somebody should leave,
But which one should it be?
You need the kids
And they need me.
Somebody should leave,
But we hate to give in.
We keep hopin’ somehow
We might need each other again.

You say goodnight
And turn and face the wall.
We lie here in the darkness
And the tears start to fall.
If it was only you and me
Goodbye might come more easily.
But what about
Those babies down the hall?

Somebody should leave,
But which one should it be?
You need the kids
And they need me.
Somebody should leave,
But we hate to give in.
We keep hopin’ somehow
We might need each other again.

Somebody should leave,
But we hate to give in.
We just keep hopin’
We might need each other again.


Such a wonderful, heartbreaking song. And I believe this live video captures all the emotions of this song perfectly. It is actually slower than the original, allowing her to rip our hearts out for even longer. And to top it all off, she gets a standing ovation, and starts crying. #stahp!! I'm going to start sympathy-crying!

[bboat11]

In honor of the next song, watch this cute little interview with Reba!!



I just LOVE listening to her tell stories. She is a hoot and a half :)

[bboat11]

42: "Does He Love You"

ft. Linda Davis

Album: Greatest Hits Volume Two (Single #1 of 2)

Chronology: Reba's 51st single

Year: 1993

Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version: (Here is the performance to which that previous interview alluded :) )


I’ve known about you for awhile now.
When he leaves me, he wears a smile now.
As soon as he’s away from me,
In your arms is where he wants to be.

But you’re the one he rushes home to.
You’re the one he gave his name to.
I never see his face in the early mornin’ light.
You have his mornings, his daytimes,
And sometimes I have his nights.

But does he love you?
Does he love you?
Like he loves me?
Like he loves me?
Does he think of you
Does he think of you
When he’s holdin’ me?
And does he whisper
Does he whisper all his fantasies?
Does he love you,
Does he love you,
Like he’s been lovin’ me?

But when he’s with me he says he needs me.
And that he wants me, that he believes in me.
And when I’m in his arms, oh, he swears there’s no one else.
Is he deceivin’ me, or am I deceiving myself?
Am I deceivin’ myself?

Oh, does he love you?
Does he love you?
Like he loves me?
Like he loves me?
Does he think of you
Does he think of you
When he’s holdin’ me?
And does he whisper
Does he whisper all his fantasies?
Does he love you,
Does he love you,
Like he’s been lovin’ me?

Oh, shouldn’t I lose my temper?
Oh, and shouldn’t I be ashamed?
‘Cause I have everything to lose,
And I, I have nothin’ to gain.

Oh does he love you?
Does he love you?
Like he loves me?
Like he loves me?
Does he think of you
Does he think of you
When he’s holdin’ me?
And does he whisper
Does he whisper all his fantasies?
Does he love you,
Does he love you,
Like he’s been lovin’ me?

Oh, does he love you?


This song is the epitome of an epic duet. I enjoy it because of that. That being said, I do not enjoy this song as much as its hype would suggest. It ranks somewhere in the middle of Reba's singles for me. I would honestly probably love it if it were to be released today, but as it stands right now it sounds pretty dated. The best part of this song though is watching it be performed. The feigned animosity on stage between Reba and Linda is always darkly hilarious and perfect.



And just for fun, here is an EPIC video of Martina and Kelly Clarkson honoring Reba on the CMT Giants special by singing this song. This is one of my favorite performances of this song!!! Both Martina and Kelly are amazing vocalists with personality and charisma, which means they can just about meet the precedent set by Reba and Linda rather than the whole thing falling flat. Also, though it is a tad rarer than Sassy-Reba, I LOVE LOVE LOVE when Sassy-Martina happens! In this performance you can totally tell she is channeling her inner Reba. It is a beautiful, awesome thing :) The feigned animosity I discussed earlier MAKES this performance!

[Sean]

I am loving this! I love all of the videos you're picking too! Some of my favorites! I can't wait for more to come! :)

Jan 11, 2016 2:26:19 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

I just LOVE listening to her tell stories. She is a hoot and a half :)

Hahaha I love you!

[bboat11]

41: "Little Rock"

Album: Whoever's In New England (Single #2 of 2)

Chronology: Reba's 27th single

Year: 1986

Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Live Version:


I married to the good life.
I said I’d be a good wife
When I put on this ring.
I drive a new Mercedes,
Play tennis with the ladies,
And buy all the finer things.
But all that don’t mean nothin’
When you can’t get a good night’s lovin’.

Woah, little rock,
Think I’m gonna have to slip you off.
Take a chance tonight and untie the knot.
There’s more to life than what I got.
Woah, little rock,
You know this heart of mine just can’t be bought.
I’m gonna find someone who really cares a lot
When I slip off this little rock.

Well, I wonder if he’ll miss me.
He doesn’t even kiss me
When he comes home at night.
He never calls me honey,
But he sure loves his money,
And I’m the one who pays the price.
But when he finds this ring he’ll see
He keeps everything but me.

Oh, little rock,
Think I’m gonna have to slip you off.
Take a chance tonight and untie the knot.
There’s more to life than what I got.
Oh, little rock,
You know this heart of mine just can’t be bought.
I’m gonna find someone who really cares a lot
When I slip off this little rock.

Woah, little rock,
Think I’m gonna have to slip you off.
Take a chance tonight and untie the knot.
There’s more to life than what I got.
Oh, little rock,
You know this heart of mine just can’t be bought.
I’m gonna find someone who really cares a lot
When I slip off this little rock.

Oo, yeah.
Mm, yeah.
Little rock, yeah.


One of her funnest-sounding songs, despite being not about a funny topic at all. It definitely gets stuck in one's head quite easily! This song is definitely worthy of being one of her many #1 hits. I also think it placed about in just the right spot in this countdown. Which says a lot about the quality of her catalog!

[bboat11]

40: "I'm A Survivor"

Album: Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm A Survivor (Single #1 of 2)

Chronology: Reba's 74th single

Year: 2001

Billboard Airplay Peak: 3

Studio Version:


Live Version:


I was born three months too early.
The doctor gave me thirty days.
But I must’ve had my momma’s will
And God’s amazing grace.
I’ll guess I’ll keep on livin’
Even if this love’s to die for,
‘Cause your bags are packed and I ain’t cryin’.
You’re walkin' out and I’m not tryin’
To change your mind, ‘cause I was born to be.

The baby girl without a chance.
A victim of circumstance.
The one who ought to give up,
But she’s just too hard-headed.
A single mom who works two jobs,
Who loves her kids and never stops
With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter.
I’m a survivor.

I don’t believe in self-pity.
It only brings you down.
May be the queen of broken hearts,
But I don’t hide behind the crown.
When the deck is stacked against me,
I just play a different game.
My planted are planted in the past,
And though my life is changin’ fast,
Who I am is who I wanna be.

The baby girl without a chance.
A victim of circumstance.
The one who ought to give up,
But she’s just too hard-headed.
A single mom who works two jobs,
Who loves her kids and never stops
With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter.
I’m a survivor.

Oh, a single mom who works two jobs,
Who loves her kids and never stops
With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter.
I’m a survivor.

But I must’ve had my momma’s will
And God’s amazing grace.
(I’m a survivor.
I’m a survivor.
Oo hoo hoo.)


If this isn't the world's anthem for girl power, I don't know what is! What an amazing song to kick off her sitcom, and even better that it became such a huge hit for her. The only problem with this song is that it never got a music video... Otherwise, it is pretty much flawless :)

[bboat11]

39: "Walk On"

Album: Sweet Sixteen (Single #4 of 4)

Chronology: Reba's 39th single

Year: 1990

Billboard Airplay Peak: 2

Studio Version:


Live Version:


Oh, ain’t life wonderful
When everything is right?
But sometimes wonderful
Can fall apart sometimes.
And when your troubles knock you down,
Pick yourself up off the ground

And walk on, walk on.
Nothin’ ever stays wrong that long.
Walk on, walk on.
Don’t just stand there in the storm.
Walk toward the light ’til you find the sun.
You’ll be better off in the long run,
And walk on.

Oh, it’s a heartache
When love comes to an end.
But even though your heart breaks,
You know it’s gonna mend.
Keep the faith right through goodbye.
Don’t you ever break your stride.

And walk on, walk on.
Nothin’ ever stays wrong that long.
Walk on, walk on,
Don’t just stand there in the storm.
Walk toward the light ’til you find the sun.
And you’ll be better off in the long run,
Walk on.

Oh, walk on, walk on.
Nothin’ ever stays wrong that long.
Walk on, walk on,
Don’t just stand there in the storm.
Walk toward the light ’til you find the sun.
And you’ll be better off in the long run,
Walk on, walk on.

Walk on, walk on,
Walk on, walk on.


I have always loved the instrumentation to this song. It is catchy, sounds slightly less outdated than her other '80s material (I consider this '80s because that's when the album came out), and has an excellent message. But the best part of it all is that it is one of the MOST EPIC tenor saxophone features of any country music song EVER!!! It ain't fiddle or steel, but it still slays me!! Undoubtedly because I myself am a player of the baritone sax :)

[bboat11]

ACK!!! I'm trying to do "Just Like Them Horses", but it looks like the studio versions of all songs from Love Somebody have been blocked from YouTube except the two singles thus far :(  There is a slowed-down version of it, but I REFUSE to use that nonsense... I guess that means I need to go to bed and hope Nash Icon puts out an approved mp3 for YouTube while I slumber...

At the very least, we'll have the music video by Tuesday

[someguy]

Jan 16, 2016 2:26:34 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

ACK!!! I'm trying to do "Just Like Them Horses", but it looks like the studio versions of all songs from Love Somebody have been blocked from YouTube except the two singles thus far :(  There is a slowed-down version of it, but I REFUSE to use that nonsense... I guess that means I need to go to bed and hope Nash Icon puts out an approved mp3 for YouTube while I slumber...

At the very least, we'll have the music video by Tuesday

I know! I'm having the same problem in the 'Upcoming Singles' thread in the country forum. I refuse to use the slowed down nonsense too, haha.

I'm just hoping to use the video (assuming it gets uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday).

[sbp17]

Well, while we wait on the official video for Just Like Them Horses, I'll comment on the most recent batch of songs you posted, bboat. Love your commentary!!

I love I'll Be. Yeah, it's full of cliches but I like the melody. I seem to recall an interview where Reba was contemplating a full album of Diane Warren tunes. That might've been too much but I would definitely enjoy hearing more from them two considering how much I like What If and I'll Be.

Not sure I've ever seen that live performance of The Last One To Know. I prefer her material starting with Rumor Has It but there's something about the clarity in her tone with her 80s music and this is a perfect example. If someone had played that live version, I would have assumed it was a studio recording.

I hate to admit it but there's a string of some of my least favorite Reba singles in this batch...Somebody Should Leave, Little Rock and I'm A Survivor. Of those, I should like Somebody Should Leave but something about the arrangement just doesn't appeal to me. However, there was one performance on a tribute to Harland Howard that just blew me away....the tempo was slowed down and it was just a piano...I felt that arrangement better fit the lyrics.



I love, love Walk On. She took a great song and made it epic when she gospeled it up on tour.

[Sean]

Oh sbp17, I forgot how much I loved that specific rendition of "Somebody Should Leave"!! <3

Also that performance of "Walk On" is one of my absolute favorite Reba performances in general! I feel like I was cheated in life for being too young to see her live in the mid 90s! Ugh! </3

[sbp17]

Oh and where have I been....while I was researching some of Reba's old songs, I discovered that Michelle Wright first recorded Do Right By Me, New Fool At An Old Game, and I Wish I Were Only Lonely. I did not know this.

[someguy]

Jan 16, 2016 17:23:26 GMT -5 sbp17 said:

Oh and where have I been....while I was researching some of Reba's old songs, I discovered that Michelle Wright first recorded Do Right By Me, New Fool At An Old Game, and I Wish I Were Only Lonely. I did not know this.

Yeah. She also recorded "Safe In The Arms Of Love" before Martina McBride and "We've Tried Everything Else" before Pam Tillis.

[bboat11]

38: "Just Like Them Horses"

Album: Love Somebody (Single #3 of ?)

Chronology: Reba's 94th single

Year: 2016

Billboard Airplay Peak: We'll see!

Music Video:


Live Version:


She held him close, then she kissed his face.
He said, “It just has to be this way.
Yours is the heart I’ll always keep.
I’m not gone even if I leave.

If you love me, don’t you be afraid
To look in my eyes and open up the gate,
Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun
Just like them horses when it’s time to run.”

He said, “Chockie Mountain is callin’ me.
Gonna take a walk up where I can see.
Turn and face that western wind,
Oh, and I’ll be home again.

If you love me, don’t you be afraid
To look in my eyes and open up the gate,
Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun
Just like them horses when it’s time to run.”

Oh, just like them horses.

She held his hand. He took one last breath.
Then she walked out to the front porch step.
Stared at the sky, tears on her face,
And she swore she could hear him say,
[Sigh]

“If you love me, don’t you be afraid
To look in my eyes and open up the gate,
Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun
Just like them horses when it’s time to run.”

Just like them horses when it’s time to run.
When it’s time to run,
When it’s time to run.
Now it’s time to run.

Just like them horses, ooo.
Just like them horses, mmm.
Oh, now it’s time to run.


What an amazing song this is. I hope it is going to be a success for Reba despite the fact that significant radio airplay is unlikely. I also hope we get a better live performance of this! So far all that exists are a couple digital camera videos. How about at the 2016 ACMs??! Anyway, this is a beautiful song, with a perfect music video. I am so glad that Reba has found a song that is able to speak to how she feels about her father, and that she will always get to see her mom in the video as well.

[bboat11]

37: "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter"

Album: Read My Mind (Single #4 of 5)

Chronology: Reba's 56th single

Year: 1995

Billboard Airplay Peak: 1

Studio Version:


Live Version:


She came in lookin’ good and lookin’ around.
She’s checkin’ out every man in the room right now.
Don’t go tellin’ her about right or wrong.
She’s been alone way too long.

Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
With only one desire:
To find some lastin’ comfort
In the arms of a lover’s fire.
Driven by a desperate hunger
To the dark of a neon light.
Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
When there’s no sign of love in sight.

She hears him say, “Hey, can I buy you a drink?”
Then sees the pale white circle where he wears his ring.
She knows he’s dealin’ her a dangerous hand:

The consequences of a one-night stand.

But the heart is a lonely hunter
With only one desire:
To find some lastin’ comfort
In the arms of a lover’s fire.
Driven by a desperate hunger
To the dark of a neon light.
Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
When there’s no sign of love in sight.

(Oo) From somewhere deep inside, she tells him no.
(Oo) Before she starts to cry, she turns to go.

Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
With only one desire:
To find some lastin’ comfort
In the arms of a lover’s fire.
Driven by a desperate hunger
To the dark of a neon light.
Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
When there’s no sign of love in sight.

Oh, the heart is a lonely hunter
When there’s no sign of love in sight.


Love love LOVE this song! I am honestly surprised this one did not make it into the top 15 of our competition! It is one of my favorite Reba songs. The guitar work is epic, and the imagery is amazing as well. This song rocks! I wonder what traditionalists thought about the electric guitar when this came onto their radios in the mid-90s... That is such a funny thought to me, because this sounds like perfect country music from my perspective!

[bboat11]

36: "Because Of You"
ft. Kelly Clarkson

Album: Reba: Duets (Single #1 of 3)

Chronology: Reba's 82nd single

Year: 2007

Billboard Airplay Peak: 2

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


I will not make
The same mistakes that you did.
I will not let myself
Cause my heart so much misery.
I will not break
The way you did, you fell so hard.
I’ve learned the hard way
To never let it get that far.

Because of you,
I never stray too far from the sidewalk.
Because of you,
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.
Because of you I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me.
Because of you, I am afraid.

I lose my way,
And it’s not too long before you point it out.
I cannot cry,
Because I know that’s weakness in your eyes.
I’m forced to fake
A smile, a laugh, every day of my life.
My heart can’t possibly break
When it wasn’t even whole to start with.

Because of you,
I never stray too far from the sidewalk.
Because of you,
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.
Because of you I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me.
Because of you, I am afraid.

I watched you die, I heard you cry
Every night in your sleep.
(I watched you die in your sleep.)
I was so young,
You should have known better than to lean on me.
(I was too young for you to lean on me.)
You never thought of anyone else,
You just saw your pain.
(You never saw me.)
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For that same damn thing.

Because of you,
I never stray too far from the sidewalk.
Because of you,
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.
Because of you I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me.
Because of you, I am afraid.

Because of you. Mm, mm.
Because of you. Mm, mm.


This song is in my top 5 favorite Reba songs. I'm pretty sure I am in the minority with how much I love it, but I really truly do not care. This song was already amazing as a Kelly Clarkson song, and adding Reba to it made it even better! This song proves that Reba, in the twilight years of her career, could still sing alongside one of the best vocalists of the 21st century and more than hold her own. In fact, I would argue that she sounds even better than ever at this point in her career! And yes, this song is in the same key as Kelly's version. The only regret I have with this song is that it did not have the epic 3rd-chorus key change that Kelly's version has. But honestly, it doesn't really need that to still be an awesome song. And that it got stopped short of #1. What a shame.

Also, I know a lot of people complained about the production of this one, but I personally think it is great! The orchestra is an excellent feature, and the choruses are big and dramatic like they should be. And I do not understand complaints from anyone who thinks they cannot hear Reba in the bridge, because she comes through loud and clear on every set of speakers I have ever listened to this song on...

[bboat11]

35: "I Keep On Lovin' You"

Album: Keep On Loving You (Single #3 of 3)
Chronology: Reba's 87th single
Year: 2010
Billboard Airplay Peak: 7

Studio Version:


Music Video:


Live Version:


Love takes the patience of Job;
That’s what my momma always said.
Faith is the belief in somethin’ more than what you know;
That’s what the Good Book says.
You gotta play the cards you got.
Who knows what fate is holdin’?
At times you gotta go
Without knowin’ where you’re goin’.

That’s why I keep on lovin’ you.
I keep on lovin’ you.
Through the baby-don’t-leave-me’s,
And never-will-again’s, and I-promise-to’s,
I keep on lovin’ you.

Lord knows we’ve had our share of fights,
Our sleepless nights, our ups and downs.
We’ve had plenty and then some
Of baby-I’m-gone’s and turn-arounds.
Sometimes I swear it might be easier to throw in the towel.
Someday we’re gonna look back
And say, “Look at us now.”

That’s why I keep on lovin’ you.
I keep on lovin’ you.
Through the baby-don’t-leave-me’s,
And never-will-again’s, and I-promise-to’s,
I keep on lovin’ you.
Keep on lovin’ you.
Through the I-take-it-back’s,
I-didn’t-mean-it-like-that’s, I’d-never-hurt-you’s,
Oh, I keep on lovin’ you.

Oh, I keep on lovin’ you.
I keep on lovin’ you.
Through the baby-don’t-leave-me’s,
And never-will-again’s, and I-promise-to’s,
Oh, I keep on lovin’ you.
I keep on lovin’ you.
Through the I-take-it-back’s,
I-didn’t-mean-it-like-that’s, I’d-never-hurt-you’s,
Oh, I keep on lovin’ you.

I keep on lovin’ you.
I keep on lovin’ you.


This is one of those songs where I should theoretically love it more than I do. I mean, it's basically a power ballad. It's Reba. And it is absolutely littered with steel guitar! But unfortunately, I always think of this song as being good but not great. I think there were some much better options left on the album ("Maggie Creek Road", anyone?) that would have probably been bigger hits, but now that I look back I guess this was a bigger hit than I remembered it being (I thought it was top 20 but not top 10). However, when I watch her absolutely nail that live performance, it makes me feel some more love for this song starting to trickle into my heart... It is definitely an excellent song for her. And how about that dress!!! DAMN! Forget the red dress, why wasn't THIS dress the talk of the industry after her performance???

[someguy]

I'm the same....I like the song, but I've always thought that it's spot as a single should have gone to either "I'll Have What She's Having" or "Just When I Thought I Stopped Loving You". I think either of those would have been bigger. And then of course "Maggie Creek Road" could have been a big hit too.

[Sean]

I would have loved nothing more than to have the Keep On Loving You era go like this:

01. "Strange" (Perfect lead single, made a huge comeback for her on the charts, wonderful)
02. "Consider Me Gone" (I mean what more is there to say. Perfect single and stayed at #1 for 4 weeks...all was going perfectly)
03. "Just When I Thought I Stopped Loving You" (I really think this could have kept the momentum really high after the success of CMG! I can understand if they wanted a ballad to send to radio and "I Keep ON Loving You" is one of my favorites and the only ballad on the album that could have done anything, but still!)
04. "Maggie Creek Road" (With the most EPIC music video ever...RIP)
05. "I'll Have What She's Having" (If they wanted to extend to a fifth single this would have been perfect! I'm glad I got to see her sing this live though! <3)

[Sean]

Oh while I'm at it, the All The Women I Am era should have gone like this:

01. "Turn On The Radio" (Perfect lead single, huge success)
02. "Cry" (I can get why they wanted to go with "If I Were A Boy", but it totally ruined the era. "Cry" was the much better ballad to go with, and the production of IIWAB should have stayed the same from the CMT Unplugged because the album version is no where near as good as that was)
03. "The Bridge You Burn" (I'd be fine with this as the second single too, but personally liked the idea of going from upbeat to ballad to upbeat again!
04/05. "When Love Gets A Hold Of You"/"Somebody's Chelsea" (Both are amazing. Both deserved to be released so I'm glad they did. Both should have done much better.