If I Ever Get to Heaven, it’s a Doggone Shame

Oh Mama, the way that i’m livin.’ Lying & cheating & I just can’t change.

I’m going to bet that y’all are familiar with Lee Ann Womack. I’m sure you have heard I Hope You Dance...you every graduation, funeral, going away party, wedding, etc. Don’t get me wrong, that song is great, an early 2000’s classic for sure. BUT, I think she sometimes gets put in the “one-hit wonder” box for that one. Which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

I’ll never forget the time I went to see one of the greatest shows of my lifetime..King George, Reba, Lee Ann Womack. There were legitimately NO OPENERS. It was a 4 hour revival that my soul needed. The group I was with wanted to slip in a little late because they had no interest seeing “that lady who sings I Hope You Dance” Ummm...EXCUSE ME? No. Unacceptable behavior.

She is one of those that has had hit after hit, but is looked over in the industry, and it blows my mind:
¥A Little Past Little Rock
¥The Fool
¥You’ve Got to Talk to Me
¥I’ll Think of a Reason Later
¥Ashes By Now
¥I May Hate Myself in the Morning
¥He Oughta Know That by Now
¥Twenty Years and Two Husbands Ago

What a list?! This is recaps my adolescence. With the exception of I Hope You Dance that crossed over into pop, Lee Ann has stuck to that beautiful & golden traditional Country sound. Though I wholeheartedly believe she deserves so much more than the industry has given her, I do love that she is that steady, undertone that remains underrated. Wee can always count on Lee Ann to give us something different than everyone else & she does it with such grace. I applaud her professionalism to put it out there, but not show discouragement when the industry stomps on her at times. May we all have that poise, grace, and character.

This week features her album The Way I’m Livin.’ All of her albums are phenomenal, but this one has always stood out to me. She had left a label & taken a couple of years off before this one came out. I think she came into this one ready to give us some damn good music. This album mixes Classic Country, Bluegrass, Americana, & Roots. It tells an important story rather than being put together based on potential singles, as the best albums do.
So here we go!


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The way I’m Livin’

Prelude: Fly
Love that this album starts with a prelude. It really sets the tone for the album. The album really focuses on owning our sins & demons. It is such a simple & preaceful tune, reminds me of a lullaby, with such a deeper meaning. Beautiful use of 2:32 minutes.

All His Saints
Lee Ann isn’t shy about her sins, but she uses this one to show that God’s redemption is bigger than our transgressions. It’s hopeful & upbeat without being cheesy.

Chances Are
Love this reflective glance at past decisions, while wondering about the current & future possibilities. Classic Country sound at its best. The whine of that steel guitar...its doesn’t get better than that. Past backage with hope of new beginnings...what its all about.
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The Way I’m Livin’
I’m all about a good rhythm while discussing about being bad. My favorite song on this album for sure. Does it really get better than using the word “doggone?” I don’t think so.

Send It On Down
This one is so stripped down. Depression is real. Drinking problems are real. Demons are real. Sometimes we need Jesus to send some hope on down. I love that this song shows the hope, even in our lowest moments that there is something to save us. This one is deep, a most of the album is. Lee Ann’s brilliant voice makes everything sound so sweet, no matter no dark the subject matter is. I am so thankful she chose to address theses ugly truths.
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If you got SOMETHING, why don’t you send it on down, while I’m still able to be found

Chills.

Nightwind
Some of the best songs are about unresolved heartbreak, & this one is no exception. Sometimes you have to let someone go, not because you don’t love them, but because they deserve better. This one is sad & beautiful; that violin makes the sound exceptional.
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Sleeping With the Devil
Classic sound, can’t get enough. We all have our vice, may as well be honest about it. Our vices literally take our souls away & we try to hide the pain. This song sounds happy, but it’s dark & real. That steel guitar. BLESS. Good ole’ Country music.

Not Forgotten You
Moving on is difficult. One step forward, two steps back. One step at a time, someday the blues will go away. Or so they say. But forgetting is challenging none the less.

Tomorrow Night in Baltimore
Because what is better than a good ole’ Roger Miller throwback?! Lee Ann does this classic its rightful justice. Bless Classic Country.

Lee Ann took us to church with this one. There was sort of a revival undertone, with the sadness, guilt and depression mixed in. I love that she isn’t afraid to leave the hard stuff unresolved. The raw, honest, and ugly truth. We need that. Always. Thanks for sticking with us, Lee Ann. Your voice, art, talent, & soul are such an important part of this industry. You help keep the classic alive. Bless you.

xoxo,
​Faith

Lee Ann & Kacey singing classic Alan. Does it get any better than this? So much love for this performance.