Lyrical Logic

My “Mama” Reba dropped an EP tonight. I stayed up late to listen. The new song of them? “One Night In Tulsa”

I won’t lie, I cried the first 10 listens to it. I just cried. The first time listening, I just heard the melody. I didn’t even hear the words. I cried for that 90s country sound I’ve been missing. I cried because Reba’s voice has never sounded better. Something about that deeper, mature, gravelly tone she has just makes me feel completely safe. I cried because of the lyrics. I know it’s a love song. I don’t hear it like a love song. I hear it as someone who would give anything for that unconditional motherly love.

I was planning on writing a reaction poem. I told myself after the first few listens that I couldn’t. But then I started really hearing Reba’s words. And I knew I could.

So this is my reaction, my take, on “One Night In Tulsa” by Reba McEntire. Enjoy. Or don’t.

If I could have one more night
with that kind of love again.
If I could have one more goodbye hug
that smelled like old books and vanilla
to send me on the road. 
If I could have one more
"I love you," 
that sounded like the opening chords
of a Reba song.

I'd walk through hell and back
on my way to the house,
and then walk through hell and back
again on my way out.
I'd be the first one volunteering
to ride the buck wild mustang
through the desert without water
all the way home.