She released her self-titled debut in 1987, and released "Mountain Soul II" on September 29, 2009.
Following throat surgery to repair her vocal chords, she released the album Only What I Feel in 1993 to the best reviews of her career and won multiple awards.
Patty Loveless has been one of the most popular country singers. According to her website, as of 2019 she has had 21 album releases, including 4 that went platinum and 3 that went gold, and nine #1 hits.
Big Chance
Patty Loveless Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I like sittin' on his lap
I'm his gal and he's my man
We been makin' weddin' plans
Brought him home to meet my ma
She raised Cain and dropped her jaw
"Girl, you're crazy as a bat, you ain't gonna marry that"
Looka here mama, looka here daddy
This is my true love, we're gonna get married
Ain't a gonna hem-haw, ain't a gonna tarry
This is my big chance, we're gonna get married
Oh, mama, daddy, can't you see
Holler's closin' in on me
Cousins pourin' down like rain
They're runnin' out of given names
It's so crowded I can't breathe
You need one less mouth to feed
Forty dozen here at home
You won't miss me when I'm gone
Looka here mama, looka here daddy
This is my true love, we're gonna get married
Ain't a gonna hem-haw, ain't a gonna tarry
This is my big chance, we're gonna get married
Oh, he's the prettiest in these hills
I don't hitch him, some gal will
You just messed up my big chance
For married bliss and true romance
Two things y'all don't realize
Shelby boys is mighty shy
And courtin' life is extra hard
If I can't keep 'em in the yard
Oh, another one gone
The song "Big Chance" by Patty Loveless tells the story of a young woman who has found the love of her life and wants to get married. She tells her parents about her plans to marry the boy from Shelby Gap, but her mother disapproves of the relationship and doesn't want her to marry him. However, the girl is determined to marry her true love and have a better life.
The lyrics express the girl's frustration and desperation to break free from the crowded and oppressive surroundings of her hometown. She feels suffocated by her family and the pressure to conform to the norms of the community, and sees marriage as her only chance to escape. The lyrics also touch upon the difficulties of courtship in Shelby Gap, where the boys are shy and the competition for eligible suitors is high.
In conclusion, "Big Chance" is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped and desperately searched for a way out. The song conveys a positive message of love and determination, and encourages listeners to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, there's a boy down Shelby Gap
There is a boy whom I love in Shelby Gap.
And I like sittin' on his lap
I enjoy sitting on his lap.
I'm his gal and he's my man
I am his girlfriend and he is my boyfriend.
We been makin' weddin' plans
We are planning to get married.
Brought him home to meet my ma
I brought him home to introduce him to my mother.
She raised Cain and dropped her jaw
My mother was extremely angry and shocked.
"Girl, you're crazy as a bat, you ain't gonna marry that"
"You are insane to want to marry him, you cannot marry him."
Looka here mama, looka here daddy
Listen up mother and father.
This is my true love, we're gonna get married
I love him and we are going to get married.
Ain't a gonna hem-haw, ain't a gonna tarry
I am not going to waste any time.
This is my big chance, we're gonna get married
This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, and we are getting married.
Oh, mama, daddy, can't you see
Mother and father, please understand.
Holler's closin' in on me
The valley is getting too crowded and I need to leave.
Cousins pourin' down like rain
There are too many cousins and relatives around.
They're runnin' out of given names
They have no more names to give the children.
It's so crowded I can't breathe
I feel suffocated by the number of people around me.
You need one less mouth to feed
You need to have one less person to take care of.
Forty dozen here at home
There are many people living here.
You won't miss me when I'm gone
You will not feel my absence.
Oh, he's the prettiest in these hills
He is the most attractive man in this area.
I don't hitch him, some gal will
If I do not pursue him, another girl will.
You just messed up my big chance
You have ruined my chances of getting married.
For married bliss and true romance
To have a happy and loving marriage.
Two things y'all don't realize
There are two things that you do not understand.
Shelby boys is mighty shy
The men from Shelby Gap are very introverted.
And courtin' life is extra hard
It is difficult to find a partner in this area.
If I can't keep 'em in the yard
If I cannot keep him interested in me.
Oh, another one gone
Another chance at love is gone.
Lyrics © PAULDIN COUNTY PRODUCTIONS D/B/A CLAY ROOT MUSIC
Written by: EMORY GORDY JR, PATTY LOVELESS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind