With a contract to Mercury Records (1975), McEntire began her professional career singing heavily pop-influenced ballads, a far cry from the neotraditionalist movement she would help lead a few years later.
"I Don't Want To Be A One Night Stand" became her first charting single in 1976. Her first Top 10 hit "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" followed four years later, and in 1982 she scored her first #1 hit with "Can't Even Get The Blues."
Frustrated at her limited commercial success, McEntire left Mercury and signed with MCA Records in 1984. 1984's "Just A Little Love" wasn't much different form her Mercury material and was only moderately successful. However, another album followed later that same year, titled "My Kind of Country." This was a return-to-roots record, complete with fiddles and steel. It was comprised largely of covers of classic country songs, as well as original songs such as "How Blue" and the Harlan Howard-penned "Somebody Should Leave", both of which reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
In the early 1990s McEntire expanded her audience by adopting a softer, more pop-oriented sound. She became one of the best-selling country artists of all time, releasing three volumes of greatest hits collections.
Since that first #1 hit in 1982, she's forked out 21 more chartbusters, which are all recapped on "Reba #1s" released on November 22nd, 2005. The 2-disc compilation features all 22 number one singles (according to Billboard magazine) in chronological order, including two new tracks "You're Gonna Be" and "Love Needs A Holiday." "Reba #1s" also contains 11 singles that reached the #1 spot in publications other than Billboard.
She won the Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association four times in a row (a record she holds with Martina McBride), and had dozens of Top Ten hits during the 80s. For her contribution to the recording industry, Reba McEntire has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. In 1995, she was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She is one of only six solo women (others include Shania Twain, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Taylor Swift), to win the Country Music Association's highest honor, "Entertainer Of The Year". McEntire continued to hit the charts through the 2000s, as well as appearing in television and film, most notably Tremors, a cult horror movie series, Forever Love, and One Night at McCool's. She also starred as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.
From 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in the hit WB television show, Reba (with Texan actor Christopher Rich as her philandering ex-husband), even getting a visit from fellow country star Dolly Parton who played Reba's character's supervisor at a real estate firm.
I Got the Lord on My Side
Reba McEntire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm so happy I got the Lord on my side
If you see this big ol' happy grinnin' smile on my face
That's 'cause I'm happy I got the Lord on my side
I'm smilin' I got the Lord on my side
I'm smiling I got the Lord on my side
When you see this big ol' happy grinnin' smile on my face
You know I'm smilin' I got the Lord on my side
Stomp if you're happy
Clap if you're happy
Sing if you're happy
I got the Lord on my side
Stomp if you're happy
Clap if you're happy
Sing if you're happy
I got the Lord on my side
I got the Lord, got the Lord on my side
I'm so happy, got the Lord on my side
I'm so happy I got the Lord on my side
I'm so happy I got the Lord on my side
If you see this big ol' happy grinnin' smile on my face
That's 'cause I'm happy I got the Lord on my side
Stomp if you're happy
Clap if you're happy
Sing if you're happy
I got the Lord on my side
Stomp if you're happy
Clap if you're happy
Sing if you're happy
I got the Lord on my side
If you're happy you got the Lord on your side
If you're happy you got the Lord on your side
If I see that big ol' happy grinnin' smile on your face
I know you're happy you got the Lord on your side
You're smilin' you got the Lord on your side
Yes, you're smilin' you got the Lord on your side
When I see that big ol' happy grinnin' smile on your face
I know you're smilin' you got the Lord on your side
In the lyrics of Reba McEntire's song "I Got the Lord on My Side," the recurring theme of happiness and gratitude for having the Lord on one's side is vividly portrayed. The singer expresses their joy and contentment by repeatedly highlighting how happy they are because of their faith. The use of a "big ol' happy grinnin' smile" serves as a visual representation of their inner happiness, which is attributed to having the Lord with them. This joy is not only felt internally but is also outwardly visible, symbolizing the profound impact of their faith on their outlook and demeanor.
The repetition of the phrase "I got the Lord on my side" emphasizes the singer's unwavering confidence and belief in the presence and support of a higher power in their life. Through stomping, clapping, and singing as expressions of joy, the song encourages listeners to actively participate in celebrating this shared sentiment of happiness that stems from their faith. The call for engagement in these actions underscores the communal aspect of faith and the shared experience of finding happiness and fulfillment in the presence of the Lord.
The lyrics also acknowledge the connection between outward expressions of happiness, such as smiling and showing joy, and the inner satisfaction derived from having a strong faith foundation. The repetition of the chorus serves as a reaffirmation of the singer's happiness and gratitude for the Lord's presence in their life, reinforcing the message of faith-based joy. By prompting listeners to participate in stomping, clapping, and singing along, the song creates a sense of unity and celebration among those who share in the belief that having the Lord on their side brings happiness and fulfillment.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "I Got the Lord on My Side" convey a message of profound faith, joy, and gratitude for the blessings that come from having a spiritual connection. The imagery of smiling faces and communal expressions of happiness through music and movement showcase the transformative power of faith in bringing contentment and fulfillment to individuals. Through these verses, Reba McEntire captures the essence of finding joy and happiness in the presence of the Lord and invites listeners to join in celebrating the shared sense of peace and happiness that comes from having faith as a guiding force in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so happy I got the Lord on my side
Feeling immense joy because I have the Lord supporting me
I'm smiling I got the Lord on my side
Expressing joy through a smile knowing the Lord is with me
Stomp if you're happy
Show your happiness by stomping your feet
Sing if you're happy
Express your joy by singing
Clap if you're happy
Demonstrate your happiness by clapping your hands
I got the Lord, got the Lord on my side
Confidently declaring that the Lord is by my side
If you're happy you got the Lord on your side
When you are joyful because you have the Lord on your side
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scott Thomas
Great singer. She played @ Tanglewood on September 1, 2019. I would love to see Reba McEntire in concert & maybe even meet her.
Brenda Kemp
Omgoodness I didn't know you made this...I found the Lord again a year ago❤. When my year went through so much. 2019 started out on rebounding from the lose of My Aunt who was my best friend. To losing my car and almost my house due to fall on the ice January. To my Dad being diagnosed Stage 4 cancer with days to live. To losing him is Sept 2019. To Losing my best and dear friend New Year's to COPD. Now this Coronavirus got me praying harder than ever. Being a single women take care of business all by myself my strength comes from song n faith. Never losing faith through it all God will bring me through. Been trying to find gospel that I could feel and understand. I've always Loved you n Dolly both have such amazing stong and beautiful voices. And now both are back in my life with awesome gospel music. I absolutely Love your music and definitely will on my play list. Thank you, God is Great!
DRUM ON
Enjoyed this great song... By the awesome Reba
Damond Hinds
I love this new album it is amazing and beautiful
Linda Burns
Beautiful Reba!!! 🎸⚘💋🙂🎼🙏❤🎙🦋
Stuart Munro
Great song Great album
dhc rockburn
needed this.a friend and she called me dad passed at 1.00am this morning.
Cat Whisperer
Reba and her mother wrote this song!
MsBear Psalm 34
Psalm 91
Jeremy Cornwell
#Cake is a #lie