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 bell
Invented a contraption that we know so well By the 1950’s they were in everybody’s home That crazy little thing they call the telephone Now there’s one on every corner, in the back of every bar You can get one in your briefcase, on a plane or in your carSo tell me why, haven’t i, heard from you
Tell me why, haven’t I heard from you Darlin’, honey, what is your excuse Why haven’t I heard from youThere’s no problem gettin’ to me
Baby you can dial direct I got call forwarding, call waiting You can even call collect The service man he told me that my phone was workin’ fine And I’ve come to the conclusion the trouble isn’t with my line I’m sure the operator will be glad to put you thru So dial zero for assistance if this all confuses youSo tell me why, haven’t I, heard from you
Tell me why, haven’t I heard from you Darlin’, honey, what is your excuse Why haven’t I heard from youThere better been a flood, a landslide of mud
A fire that bruns up the wires And thunder so loud with a black funnel cloud A natural disaster I know nothin’ aboutSo tell me why, haven’t i, heard from you
Tell me why, haven’t I heard from you Darlin’, honey, what is your excuse Why haven’t I heard from youTell me why, haven’t i, heard from you
Tell me why, haven’t I heard from you Darlin’, honey, what is your excuse Why haven’t I heard from you