Throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties Dottie pumped out chart toppers like no other. she was selling out concerts, selling millions of records, staring in movies, winning Grammies, Clieos and any other kind of awards you can think of. There is no doubt that the little girl from Tennessee came a long way. Dottie West earned herself the respect of everyone in the music industry and countless fans. If not for her music, most people remember her for either her stage presence or overall good nature. She was always looking out for others and going out of her way to do things for fans, family and friends. Despite Dottie's constant chart presence and sold out concerts her foundation fell out from under her when she discovered that she was a victim of a sneaky accountant and was overpowered by the IRS to give up all she owned. And ALL is ALL. The list of Dottie's personal momentous included the rights to all her music (I believe she wrote well over 400). All Dottie did was look out for others and this is how she was treated...disgusting if you ask me! But Dottie had dignity and started to rebuild her empire.
On august 30, 1991 Dottie was scheduled to appear at The Grand Old Opry. Her car broke down and, determined to keep her promise, she flagged down a passing driver and got a ride. On the way the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Battered, beaten and suffering from the wreck, Dottie pulled the driver from the car herself. She died due to injuries from the accident days later while in the hospital.
Reno
Dottie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When Reno brought me to this land
He was after the wild ones, the mustangs, the shy ones
And hoping that I'd understand
But there's too many long nights, a wife should have some rights
It seems that it's so plain to see
Reno my husband, oh, he loves the wild ones
He's riding somewhere out there with his raven black hair
And a heart that is loving and wild
He's too much afire with ambitious desire
To be tied to a wife and a child
The horses are cunning, they soon will be running
And Reno will always be gone
These things I'm knowing, the Rio is flowing
And Reno, I'm goin' back home
'Cross the Mexican border, my house all in order
I wait for a knock on my door
Little Juan, the small one, the son of the tall one
So peacefully plays on the floor
But what are these yearnings that always keep burning?
I feel so deeply inside
My love for Reno, my flashing young gringo
Has suddenly vanquished my pride
He's riding somewhere out there with his raven black hair
And a heart that is loving and wild
He's so much afire and with too much desire
To be alone without a wife and a child
The horses are cunning, they soon will be running
And Reno will quickly be gone
There's no more waiting, no more hesitating
Oh, Reno, I'm coming back home
Wait Reno, I'm coming back home
The song "Reno" by Dottie West tells the story of a woman who follows her husband, Reno, to the wild Texas border, where he is after the wild horses. She struggles with the long, lonely nights and the fact that her husband seems to love the wild horses more than her. She longs for a normal life, with a husband who loves her and a home to call her own. However, she realizes that Reno's love for the wild horses and his ambition will always come first.
As the song progresses, the woman decides to leave Reno and return home with her son. She questions her own feelings for Reno, wondering whether they are simply strong yearnings or actual love. Ultimately, she decides that she does love him and cannot bear to be away from him, so she heads back to find him.
"Reno" is a poignant song that explores themes of love, loss, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about. It showcases Dottie West's powerful voice and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
Line by Line Meaning
Along the wild Texas border, was no law and order
The Texas border was a lawless place.
When Reno brought me to this land
Reno brought me to this wild and dangerous place.
He was after the wild ones, the mustangs, the shy ones
Reno was in search of wild horses, elusive and shy creatures.
And hoping that I'd understand
He hoped that I would understand his passion for capturing wild horses.
But there's too many long nights, a wife should have some rights
Being a wife to Reno was very difficult with long nights and no rights.
It seems that it's so plain to see
It’s clear that Reno loves wild horses more than he loves his wife.
Reno my husband, oh, he loves the wild ones
Reno is passionate about wild horses, but not about his wife.
Much more than he'll ever love me
Reno will never love his wife as much as he loves wild horses.
He's riding somewhere out there with his raven black hair
Reno is out somewhere, riding his horse with his black hair flowing in the wind.
And a heart that is loving and wild
Reno’s heart is full of love and wildness for horses.
He's too much afire with ambitious desire
Reno is too passionate and driven to be tied down to a wife and child.
To be tied to a wife and a child
He can't be committed to a wife and child because he's so passionate about capturing wild horses.
The horses are cunning, they soon will be running
Wild horses are very difficult to catch and they will soon be running again.
And Reno will always be gone
Reno is always out chasing wild horses and away from his wife.
These things I'm knowing, the Rio is flowing
I know that the river is flowing and time is passing by.
And Reno, I'm goin' back home
I'm going back home without Reno.
'Cross the Mexican border, my house all in order
I crossed the Mexican border, everything is ready at home.
I wait for a knock on my door
I wait for someone to knock on my door.
Little Juan, the small one, the son of the tall one
My son Juan is playing peacefully on the floor.
So peacefully plays on the floor
My son is so peaceful and content playing on the floor.
But what are these yearnings that always keep burning?
I keep having these strong feelings that don't go away.
I feel so deeply inside
These feelings are very intense and powerful.
My love for Reno, my flashing young gringo
My love for Reno is still strong even though he loves wild horses more than me.
Has suddenly vanquished my pride
My pride has been defeated by how much I love Reno.
He's so much afire and with too much desire
Reno is so passionate and ambitious for horses that he doesn't want to be alone without them.
To be alone without a wife and a child
Reno doesn't want to be without his love for horses, even if it means he's alone without his wife and child.
The horses are cunning, they soon will be running
Wild horses are tricky to catch and won't be caught for long.
And Reno will quickly be gone
Reno is going to be away from me very soon because of his dedication to horses.
There's no more waiting, no more hesitating
I'm done with waiting for Reno to change, and it's time to move on with my life.
Oh, Reno, I'm coming back home
I'm coming back home without Reno.
Wait Reno, I'm coming back home
I want Reno to come back home with me, but he loves horses more than his family.
Contributed by Levi W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Francis McNally
I love Dottie sing ing Reno, I would like to hear her sing more songs like this one.
Al Lackner
The song was written by Ruby Allmand, I believe. Although never publicized as such, the song was an answer to Marty Robbins' "Tonight Carmen". My favorite song by Dottie West!
Ella Lena
Incredible breath control.
Michael Segnitz
I just loved this song, but haven't heard it for many years. Thanks for sharing.
Daniel Burns
this song went to #19 on the country charts in 1968!!!
garryut
One of her best songs....I have the 45.
Don Hawkins
...I was living in Costa Mesa Ca in 1968...and this got a lot of plays on KFOX from LA... Dottie West was very popular...yet not a huge star..
Julie Reyes
Wonderful song and Artist she is !
Fred Foreman
This girl was the best ever
bob giles
One of the best