Shelton released his debut album, Wild-Eyed Dream, in 1987, and his first-ever single, "Crime of Passion," hit the country Top Ten. Its follow-up, "Somebody Lied," went all the way to number one; so did the album, and so did another single, "Life Turned Her That Way." Shelton quickly recorded a follow-up album, Loving Proof, which appeared in 1988 and also topped the country charts; it spun off three number one hits in "I'll Leave This World Loving You," "From a Jack to a King," and "Living Proof," while "Hole in My Pocket" made the Top Five. While readying his third proper album, Shelton also completed two specialty projects: the 1989 holiday album Ricky Van Shelton Sings Christmas and the 1990 gospel record Don't Overlook Salvation. Meanwhile, his official follow-up to Loving Proof, RVS III, was released in 1990 and became his third number one album. "I've Cried My Last Tear for You" gave him another number one single, while "I Meant Every Word He Said" and "Statue of a Fool" both topped out at number two; "Life's Little Ups and Downs" also made the Top Five. In 1991, Shelton teamed up with Dolly Parton for the chart-topping duet "Rockin' Years" and subsequently issued another album, Backroads. Though it just missed the top of the country charts, Backroads kept his hit streak going strong, producing two more number ones in "Keep It Between the Lines" and "I Am a Simple Man" (giving him a total of nine) and a number two hit in the title track.
Musical tastes can shift quickly, and by the time Shelton conquered the alcohol abuse that had begun to take a toll on his personal life, Garth Brooks was completely altering the contemporary country landscape. To hold fans over, he released Greatest Hits Plus in 1992, and its newly recorded track, "Wild Man," hit the Top Five. He returned in 1993 with A Bridge I Didn't Burn, but the album didn't spawn any huge hits, as had been expected; it went gold, but it was the only Ricky Van Shelton album to date that ultimately failed to go platinum. 1994's Love and Honor continued his commercial downturn, and tensions with Columbia led Shelton to part ways with his label a couple years later. He busied himself with, among other projects, a series of children's books centered around the character Quacker the Duck that he'd begun several years earlier. He also formed his own label, RVS, and recorded an album on his own called Making Plans, which he distributed via an exclusive agreement with the Wal-Mart store chain in 1997. The following year, Vanguard stepped in to give the record a wider release. Shelton subsequently signed with the Audium label, home to many veteran country artists, and recorded a new album, Fried Green Tomatoes, in 2000.
Somebody Lied
Ricky Van Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well it ain't true
I was here most all last night
I got over you the day you left
Could it be somebody lied
They said what?
That I was cryin'?
I haven't shed a tear in years
Well that's insane
I hardly noticed your not here
That I showed your picture
To some stranger
Don't you think I got no pride
They've been here at home
Face down on a shelf
Lord I bet somebody lied
But if they were true
What would it matter to you?
Would it change the way you feel?
If the rumors were right
Would you be here tonight?
To help this old heart heal
Well don't worry
It wasn't me
Just someone who's world
Was torn in two
Someone who looks a lot like me
And loves someone like you
So forget the tears
I never cried
Lord I bet somebody lied
The song Somebody Lied by Ricky Van Shelton tells the story of a man who has moved on from a past relationship, but rumors and lies spread about him still being attached to his former partner. He denies all the allegations and explains that he has not shed any tears or even noticed the absence of his former love. He even denies showing her picture to anyone. Despite these statements, he still ponders what would happen if the rumors were true and how it would change the way his ex feels.
The lyrics convey the idea that rumors can hurt a person's reputation and relationships. The singer in the song argues that it was not him but someone who looks like him that was caught up in these rumors. This highlights the fact that people's perception of others can be largely based on hearsay and false information.
The theme of the song is relatable as everyone, at some point in their lives, may have been the subject of untrue rumors and lies. It is a reminder to take the time to get to know a person before believing what others say about them.
Line by Line Meaning
You heard what?
Did someone tell you something about me?
Well it ain't true
It's not accurate or correct.
I was here most all last night
I spent most of my time here last night.
I got over you the day you left
I moved on from you the same day you left.
Could it be somebody lied
Is it possible that someone deceived you?
They said what?
What did they say about me?
That I was cryin'?
Did they say I was crying?
I haven't shed a tear in years
I haven't cried in a long time.
That I spoke your name?
Did they say I said your name?
Well that's insane
That's crazy or ridiculous.
I hardly noticed your not here
I haven't really paid attention to the fact that you're not here.
That I showed your picture
Did they say I showed someone a picture of you?
To some stranger
To someone I don't know.
Don't you think I got no pride
I have some self-respect.
They've been here at home
The pictures have been here at home.
Face down on a shelf
They're lying face down on a shelf.
Lord I bet somebody lied
I'm pretty sure someone wasn't truthful.
But if they were true
But if the rumors were accurate.
What would it matter to you?
Why would it concern you?
Would it change the way you feel?
Would it alter your emotions?
If the rumors were right
If the rumors were accurate.
Would you be here tonight?
Would you be with me tonight?
To help this old heart heal
To help me move on from the past.
Well don't worry
Don't be concerned.
It wasn't me
I didn't do it.
Just someone who's world
Just someone who's life.
Was torn in two
Who has been emotionally destroyed.
Someone who looks a lot like me
Who looks similar to me.
And loves someone like you
Who also has affection for you.
So forget the tears
Don't focus on the sorrow.
I never cried
I didn't shed any tears.
Lord I bet somebody lied
I'm pretty sure someone wasn't truthful.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE CHAMBERS, LARRY ALLEN JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jenny edwards
I just love his voice. I can play his songs over and over again and again and listen to his voice forever.
Kenard Azeez
This guy can belt it out with the very best! True country voice...but better is that his songs has real meaning, and you can relate to the words!👌✌👍
Cynthia Turner
So good looking
Billie
You said it! Abslutely beautiful!!!! 🎶🎶💕💕💕💕
Jaimie G
You can feel every word go right through to your heart!!!
hazel maker
I totally agree ❤👍
Ann Bolyn
What a gorgeous voice, filled with emotion, singing a REAL country song, and you can understand the lyrics. Just beautiful.
Greg Normal
Hello!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe.
Juanita Melton
Yea me waiting I need you baby ❤❤❤❤❤
Billie
I absolutely LOVE his voice and every song he sings. We need more of his music... more more more!🕺🎶🎸🎵💥😍💯💗💗💗💗💗