About The Song
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the enduring power of Loretta Lynn. Her songs, often deeply personal and unflinchingly honest, have chronicled the joys and sorrows of life for generations of listeners. Among her vast repertoire of hits, “One’s on the Way” stands out as a beacon of hope and anticipation, capturing the transformative power of new beginnings.
Released in 1971, “One’s on the Way” marked a turning point in Lynn’s career. Having established herself as a formidable voice for women in country music, she embraced a softer, more introspective tone with this song. The lyrics, penned by the celebrated songwriter Shel Silverstein, paint a vivid picture of a young woman’s anticipation as she awaits the arrival of her first child.
A Song of Motherhood’s Joys and Uncertainties
The song opens with a gentle melody, accompanied by Lynn’s warm and reassuring vocals. She sings of the physical changes she experiences, her body preparing to nurture a new life. The lyrics are filled with simple, everyday details that resonate deeply with listeners, evoking a sense of shared experience and empathy.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the mother’s emotional journey. She grapples with the uncertainties of the future, wondering what kind of parent she will be and how this new life will transform her world. Yet, amidst these doubts, there is an undercurrent of excitement and anticipation. The mother feels a profound connection to the growing child within her, and she embraces the unknown with a mix of trepidation and hope.
A Timeless Anthem of Hope and New Beginnings
“One’s on the Way” is more than just a song about motherhood; it is a universal anthem of hope and new beginnings. The lyrics speak to anyone who has ever faced the prospect of change, whether it be the arrival of a child, the start of a new career, or a fresh chapter in life. The song reminds us that even in the face of uncertainty, there is always the promise of new beginnings, filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth.
Loretta Lynn’s delivery of “One’s on the Way” is nothing short of masterful. Her voice, imbued with years of experience and genuine emotion, conveys the full range of feelings that accompany the anticipation of new life. She sings with tenderness and vulnerability, yet there is also a strength and determination in her voice that reflects the resilience of the human spirit.
A Legacy of Enduring Music
“One’s on the Way” remains one of Loretta Lynn’s most beloved and enduring songs. It has been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the timeless lyrics. The song’s popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
In a world that often glorifies the grand gestures and larger-than-life moments, “One’s on the Way” serves as a gentle reminder of the profound beauty and significance of life’s ordinary moments. It is a song that celebrates the miracle of new life, the transformative power of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Lyric
They say to have her hair done, Liz flies all the way to FranceAnd Jackie’s seen in a Discotecque doin’ a brand new danceAnd the White House social season should be glitterin’ an’ gayBut here in Topeka the rain is a fallin’The faucet is a drippin’ and the kids are a bawlin’One of them a toddlin’ and one is a crawlin’And one’s on the wayI’m glad that Raquel Welch just signed a million dollar pactAnd Debbie’s out in Vegas workin’ up a brand new actWhile the TV’s showin’ newlyweds, a real fun game to playBut here in Topeka, the screen door’s a bangin’The coffee’s boilin’ over and the wash needs a hangin’One wants a cookie and one wants a changin’And one’s on the wayNow what was I doin’, Jimmy get away from thereDarn, there goes the phoneHello honey, what’s that you sayYou’re bringin’ a few old army buddies homeYou’re callin’ from a barGet away from there, no, not you honeyI was talkin’ to the babyWait a minute, honey, the door bellHoney, could you stop at the market and hello, helloWell, I’ll beThe girls in New York City, they all march for women’s libAnd better homes and garden shows the modern way to liveAnd the pill may change the world tomorrow, but meanwhile, todayHere in Topeka, the flies are a buzzin’The dog is a barkin’ and the floor needs a scrubbin’One needs a spankin’ and one needs a huggin’Lord, one’s on the wayOh gee, I hope it ain’t twins, again