Twenty Greatest Singles of the CU Era: Reba McEntire, “Just Like Them Horses”

“Just Like Them Horses”

Reba McEntire

Written by Liz Hengber and Tommy Lee James

2016

We’ve been enjoying a Reba renaissance since 2015.

An instant fan favorite since the release of its parent album, Love Somebody, “Just Like Them Horses” found Reba fully entering her venerated legend era. Part of the reason it works so well is that McEntire returns to the themes that dominated her best work. This track would’ve fit in perfectly on For My Broken Heart, her highwater mark as an artist and one of the best country albums of the twentieth century.

When Reba recorded that album, she was at the peak of her vocal power and range. A full quarter century later, much of that power and range was gone, but every ounce of expressiveness remained. The moment that still takes my breath away is when Reba takes that one breath before the final chorus. With just an exhale, she communicates grief and resilience with depth and conviction.

Reba does these kinds of songs better than anyone. She always has. That she was able to fully tap into her own mourning of her father adds an extra poignancy to “Just Like Them Horses.” Her faith never wavers, but her heart is no less broken. She celebrates her father’s liberation from his earthly body, but she will not hide that her joy for his release is coupled with her intense pain.

She mitigates her pain by standing in gratitude, understanding that to feel deep grief is to have experienced deep love. For at least one person in every relationship – parent to child, partner to partner, friend to friend – one must feel the loss of being left behind. “Just Like Them Horses” reminds us that the only way to get past our grief is to go through it, and gratitude is the vehicle that makes for a smoother ride.

Reba’s Love Somebody laid the groundwork for Stronger Than the Truth, her finest studio album since 1996’s What if it’s You. Both albums are highly recommended and worth seeking out.

Additional Listening:

More great Reba reflections on mortality