About the song
Background
- Released in 1994, “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” was the lead single for Reba McEntire’s album “Read My Mind.”
- Written by Sandy Knox and T. W. Hale, the song became a hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Themes
The song explores the theme of a one-sided relationship. The narrator, a woman, is frustrated and hurt by the lack of communication from her romantic partner.
- Communication Breakdown: The lyrics center around the unanswered calls and lack of contact. The woman playfully lists all the ways the man could have reached her, suggesting the communication breakdown is intentional on his part.
- Excuses and Denial: The woman anticipates excuses and even entertains the idea of a natural disaster to explain the silence, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
- Frustration and Hurt: The playful tone gives way to frustration as the song progresses. The woman demands an explanation and closure.
Video
Lyrics
Back in 1876 an ol’ boy named bellInvented a contraption that we know so wellBy the 1950’s they were in everybody’s homeThat crazy little thing they call the telephoneNow there’s one on every corner, in the back of every barYou can get one in your briefcase, on a plane or in your car
So tell me why, haven’t i, heard from youTell me why, haven’t I heard from youDarlin’, honey, what is your excuseWhy haven’t I heard from you
There’s no problem gettin’ to meBaby you can dial directI got call forwarding, call waitingYou can even call collectThe service man he told me that my phone was workin’ fineAnd I’ve come to the conclusion the trouble isn’t with my lineI’m sure the operator will be glad to put you thruSo dial zero for assistance if this all confuses you
So tell me why, haven’t I, heard from youTell me why, haven’t I heard from youDarlin’, honey, what is your excuseWhy haven’t I heard from you
There better been a flood, a landslide of mudA fire that bruns up the wiresAnd thunder so loud with a black funnel cloudA natural disaster I know nothin’ about
So tell me why, haven’t i, heard from youTell me why, haven’t I heard from youDarlin’, honey, what is your excuseWhy haven’t I heard from you
Tell me why, haven’t i, heard from youTell me why, haven’t I heard from youDarlin’, honey, what is your excuseWhy haven’t I heard from you