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.
Oklahoma Swing
Reba McEntire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She tears my heart out when she starts to sing
She's from the right side of Red River and she's pretty as a picture
Don't you know she's this ole cowboy's dream
There's a boy from Okie City and I sure think he's pretty
But I know he's trying to steal my heart away
Oh my mama tried to warn me he's done time in California
There's a dance we do in Oklahoma
A dnace like you've never seen
Sit back and we're gonna show ya
How to do that Oklahoma swing
Well when two Okies get together man there's nothin' they like better
Than to hold each other on a dawdust floor
Oh I love it when we're swayin' to those sweet twi fiddles playin'
Come on boy what are we waitin' for
There's a dance we do in Oklahoma
A dnace like you've never seen
Sit back and we're gonna show ya
How to do that Oklahoma swing
Yeah there's a dance we do in Oklahoma
A dnace like you've never seen
Sit back and we're gonna show ya
Yeah how to do that Oklahoma swing
How to do that Oklahoma swing
The lyrics of Reba McEntire's song "Oklahoma Swing" tell a story of love and dance within the vibrant setting of Oklahoma. The first verse introduces a lively and captivating redheaded woman from the singer's hometown, who has a talent for singing and a captivating presence. Despite being from different sides of the Red River, she captures the heart of the cowboy with her beauty and talent, becoming his dream woman.
In the following verse, the lyrics shift to talking about a boy from Oklahoma City who catches the singer's eye. Though the singer is attracted to him, there is a sense of competition and warning as the boy has a troubled past having done time in California. Despite this, the boy's loyalty and identity as an Okie shines through, suggesting a complexity in his character and the potential for a deeper connection.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the unique and lively dance culture in Oklahoma, describing a special dance that Oklahomans engage in with passion and flair. The imagery evokes a sense of community and celebration, showcasing the joy and unity found in joining together to partake in this traditional dance style. It demonstrates a sense of pride and tradition tied to Oklahoma's rich musical and dance heritage.
The final verse expresses the singer's fondness for dancing with his fellow Okies, highlighting the joy and connection felt when they come together on the dance floor. The mention of sweet twin fiddles playing adds to the setting's atmosphere and brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the scene. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the importance and significance of this unique Oklahoma swing dance, showcasing its ability to bring people together and create memorable moments of joy and camaraderie.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a redhead from my hometown that loves to let her hair down
There is a vibrant and free-spirited woman from my hometown who enjoys having a good time.
She tears my heart out when she starts to sing
Her singing is so emotional and captivating that it deeply moves me.
She's from the right side of Red River and she's pretty as a picture
She hails from a desirable area and is beautiful in every way.
Don't you know she's this ole cowboy's dream
She is the ideal woman that this cowboy dreams of.
There's a boy from Okie City and I sure think he's pretty
There is a handsome boy from Oklahoma City that catches my eye.
But I know he's trying to steal my heart away
I am aware that he is attempting to win my affection.
Oh my mama tried to warn me he's done time in California
My mother cautioned me that he has a past in California's penal system.
But he'll be an Okie til his dyin' day
Despite his past, he will always consider himself an Oklahoman.
Well when two Okies get together man there's nothin' they like better
When two Oklahomans come together, there is nothing they enjoy more.
Than to hold each other on a dawdust floor
They relish dancing together on a rustic wooden floor.
Oh I love it when we're swayin' to those sweet twi fiddles playin'
I adore dancing to the melodious tunes of twin fiddles.
Come on boy what are we waitin' for
Encouraging the boy to join in the dance without delay.
Yeah there's a dance we do in Oklahoma
There is a unique dance tradition in Oklahoma.
A dnace like you've never seen
A dance unlike any other you have witnessed.
Sit back and we're gonna show ya
Relax and let us demonstrate it for you.
How to do that Oklahoma swing
The steps to perform the iconic Oklahoma swing dance.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tim Dubois, Vincent Grant Gill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind