Introduction
“Just Like Them Horses,” a heartfelt ballad delivered by the legendary Reba McEntire, is a song steeped in both grief and a comforting peace. The song’s origins lie in the experiences of songwriter Liz Hengber, who began writing it in response to a friend battling cancer [Wikipedia: Just Like Them Horses]. The raw emotions surrounding loss proved overwhelming, leading Hengber to enlist the help of fellow songwriter Tommy Lee James to complete the song.
The lyrics resonated deeply with Reba McEntire, who was personally dealing with the impending loss of her father [The Country Note: Reba McEntire’s “Just Like Them Horses” Tells a Sad, Yet Comforting, Story of Letting Go]. McEntire’s own experiences with grief imbued the song with a profound authenticity, making it a powerful testament to the bittersweet emotions that accompany loss.
Released in 2016 as part of McEntire’s album “Love Somebody,” “Just Like Them Horses” became a critical and commercial success. The country music community lauded the song for its poignant lyrics and McEntire’s masterful delivery [Country Universe: Single Review: Reba McEntire, “Just Like Them Horses”]. More importantly, the song struck a chord with listeners facing their own goodbyes, offering a poignant yet ultimately hopeful reflection on the cycle of life and the enduring power of love.
So prepare yourself for a journey through a landscape of emotions. “Just Like Them Horses” uses the evocative imagery of untamed horses to explore the themes of letting go, the beauty of a life well-lived, and the belief in a comforting hereafter.