While the passing of a loved one is never easy, no words can truly explain the pain of watching a loved one suffer. But, sometimes, there comes a moment when the person knows that the time to say goodbye is near, and his or her concern turns to the loved ones who will be left behind. They want them to know that everything will be okay and that it is time to let them go. The lyrics of Reba McEntire’s new single “Just Like Them Horses” describe that conversation so eloquently, while her voice amplifies the heartbreaking emotion of the situation.
Reba’s father had been ill for five years before passing away in October 2014 and when Liz Hengber’s “Just Like Them Horses” crossed her path, Reba knew she wanted to play the song at her father’s funeral when that day came – a wonderful tribute to her father. But her producer, Tony Brown, convinced her to record it as well for her upcoming album, and the world is forever in debt to him for doing so.
The complicated emotions – love, sadness, grief, release – can all be heard in Reba’s voice as she bravely tells this sad, yet promising, story of comfort (albeit it may not seem comforting at the time). Because of her personal experience and attachment to the song, her vocals add depth and value to lyrics that are extremely visual, allowing the listener to picture this conversation between Reba and her father, or put themselves in the song.
In the chorus, her father assures her that when the time has come, she has to let him go; let him be free:
If you love me, don’t you be afraid
To look in my eyes and open up the gate
Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun
Just like them horses
When it’s time to run
The musicality of very simple piano and violin are just enough to allow Reba’s vocals to carry the story, especially the power behind her long notes, suggesting the release of internal anguish that she, and anyone else who has gone through such a painful loss, has felt. One could even make the case that is the moment when she’s abiding by her dad’s wish and letting go.
“Just Like Them Horses” tells a story that is not only important during the moment, but important to return to when one needs reassurance from their loved ones that they are still with us, and Reba conveys that story with such truth and love.
“Just Like Them Horses” is the third single off Reba’s 27th studio album Love Somebody. Both are available on all outlets.