About the Song
Take It Back by Reba McEntire: A Country Music Masterpiece
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the power and grace of Reba McEntire. Her voice, a captivating blend of strength and tenderness, has earned her the title of “The Queen of Country Music,” a moniker she wears with humility and grace. Throughout her illustrious career, McEntire has delivered countless anthems that have resonated with millions, capturing the essence of love, loss, heartache, and the unyielding spirit of the human spirit. Among her vast repertoire of timeless classics, “Take It Back” stands as a beacon of empowerment and self-discovery, a poignant ballad that has cemented its place in the annals of country music history.
Released in 1990 as the lead single from her ninth studio album Rumor Has It, “Take It Back” marked a pivotal moment in McEntire’s artistic evolution. The song, penned by the acclaimed songwriting duo of Bob McDill and Gene McDdaniel, showcased a newfound depth and maturity in her artistry, moving beyond the traditional themes of heartbreak and longing to explore the complexities of self-worth and personal growth.
Take It Back opens with a gentle strum of the acoustic guitar, setting the stage for McEntire’s emotive vocals. Her voice, imbued with a palpable vulnerability, weaves a tale of a woman reclaiming her power and refusing to be defined by the mistakes of her past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman shedding the burdens of self-doubt and embracing her inner strength, declaring with unwavering conviction, “I’m taking back my heart, I’m taking back my soul.“
As the song progresses, the instrumentation swells, adding layers of emotional resonance to McEntire’s powerful delivery. The fiddle and steel guitar intertwine, creating a tapestry of melancholic beauty that underscores the song’s message of resilience and self-acceptance. The chorus, a soaring declaration of self-empowerment, echoes through the speakers, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s heart:
I’m taking back what’s mine, I’m taking back my life
I’m taking back my dreams, I’m taking back my fight
I’m taking back my heart, I’m taking back my soul
I’m taking back control
With its poignant lyrics, soaring melodies, and McEntire’s masterful vocals, “Take It Back” transcends the boundaries of genre, becoming a universal anthem of empowerment and self-discovery. It is a song that speaks to the hearts of those who have struggled with self-doubt and insecurity, offering a beacon of hope and a reminder that it is never too late to reclaim one’s power and embrace one’s true self.
Take It Back stands as a testament to Reba McEntire’s enduring legacy as a country music icon. It is a song that has touched the lives of millions, offering solace, inspiration, and a reminder of the strength that lies within each of us. As McEntire’s voice echoes through the final notes, fading into the ether, it leaves behind a profound message of self-acceptance and the unwavering belief in one’s own power to overcome adversity.
Video
Lyrics
You talked me into movin’ in and givin’ you my key
You said you’d be a mess now if it hadn’t been for me
You said, “I stole your heart away by lookin’ in your eyes”
I wonder now how many times you sold that pack of lies?
If this is how you act
When you give your heart away
Well, take it back
(Take it back)
Ahh, take it back
(Take it back)
You told me, I was everything you wanted and more
Then tell me, “What you’re doin’ now, sneakin’ out the back door?”
You’re bringin’ home flowers, and a bottle of Chablis
You forgot I don’t drink wine, I know that bottle’s not for me
If this is how you act
When you give your heart away
Well, take it back
(Take it back)
Ahh, take it back
(Take it back)
Oh, you must think I’m blind
And I don’t smell your new cologne
You don’t think I notice
All the nights I spend alone
Well, I’m not one for sittin’ ’round in some ol’ pity pool
You think you got a ticket, and I must be some kind of fool
I hate to steal your thunder, but your playin’ days are through
At least they are with me ’cause babe, I got no use for you
Tonight layin’ on the street
Babe, your bag is packed
So, take it back
(Take it back)
Ahh, take it back
(Take it back)
Oh, now you must think I’m blind
And I don’t smell your new cologne
You don’t think I notice
All the nights I spend alone
Well, I’m not one for sittin’ ’round in some ol’ pity pool
You think you got a ticket, and I must be some kind of fool
I hate to steal your thunder, but your playin’ days are through
At least they are with me ’cause babe, I got no use for you
Tonight layin’ on the street
Babe, your bag is packed
So, take it back
(Take it back)
Ahh, take it back
(Take it back)
(Take it back)
(Take it back)