What do Reba McEntire, 1986, and country music have in common? An undeniable blend that sparked the creation of "What Am I Gonna Do About You," a song that resonates even with today’s unpredictable emotional landscapes. This single was a hallmark in Reba McEntire's burgeoning career and it was released as part of her tenth studio album, aptly titled the same. Residing in the period when country music was undergoing significant transformations, Reba's voice carved a unique path both in sound and in lyrical storytelling.
Released by MCA Nashville, this song captures the essence of wistful romance, painting a picture that’s rich in its simplicity. Co-written by By Byrd, Sandy Knox, and Doug Gilmore, the track beautifully aligns with Reba’s powerful yet gentle vocal delivery. It’s almost like she sings with a question mark lingering on every note, inviting listeners into her story.
The central theme of "What Am I Gonna Do About You" is woven around the struggle between heart and mind, a dilemma many can relate to. This song is a question—one that speaks to those moments when parting ways with a loved one is both a source of relief and sorrow. These are the contradictory emotions that connect generations, echoing even in Gen Z's quest for both authenticity and connection. The struggle for harmony between personal independence and romantic entanglement is evergreen.
Reba McEntire, the ‘Queen of Country,’ is much admired not only for her musical achievements but also for her resilience and adaptability. At the time of this song's release, she was quickly rising high on the country charts, which led her to become a household name across America. Her music has always been rooted in conveying genuine emotion, standing in the intersection of traditional and contemporary sounds. She makes her stories accessible to everyone—old and young, conservative or liberal.
Why does this song still ring a bell for today’s youth? Perhaps, it’s because its themes transcend time: the universal heartbreak, vulnerability, and unanswered questions about navigating relational dynamics. Gen Z, so often characterized as tech-savvy and forward-thinking, experiences these emotions, especially in a digital world flush with fleeting connections. Reba’s song brings a sense of grounding, a reminder that the wrestling with these feelings is neither new nor unique.
Listening to "What Am I Gonna Do About You" in 2023 might feel like hearing your own melancholic diary pages sung aloud. The longing behind McEntire’s delivery is undeniable. And yet, for all this emotional resonance, there's a maturity in the track—a call to acknowledge and embrace uncertainty.
From a politically liberal standpoint, one could examine how McEntire’s music doesn’t shy away from hinting at social changes or nodding to more progressive ideals wrapped in cowboy boots and a country twang. Her songs often suggest an empowerment narrative, even when wrapped in themes typically found in country music—you know, love, loss, and longing.
Sure enough, not everyone is equally entranced by country music, especially given the stereotype surrounding it as being enmeshed in traditional ideals. It often appears to clash with modern, progressive outlooks. Yet, tracks like "What Am I Gonna Do About You" bridge this very divide, showing that authentic storytelling and emotional resonance know no political bounds.
For those who might not initially gravitate towards country, Reba's work, particularly this song, can still offer a perspective shift. It’s about letting go, the emotions that come along with it, and the bravery hidden in vulnerability.
As Gen Z continues to look for their place in a rapidly changing world, the importance of connecting with past narratives only grows. Reba McEntire’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” offers a reflection—a moment of pause in an ever-hastening world. She encourages listeners, including those who might not be traditional country fans, to explore the depth of their emotions and to find peace within uncertainty.
Understanding how a song from the late 80s can still be relevant shows that genuine human experiences are timeless. Even as cultures evolve, stories that speak to the heart remain ever potent, cutting through barriers whether they are generational, political, or cultural.
In the end, Reba’s question “What Am I Gonna Do About You” is not just a line from a song; it becomes an invitation. It’s for anyone feeling the weight of love’s complexities or wrestling with personal questions that seem unanswerable. Through each listen, there is a shared experience—a reminder that vulnerability is a common bond across time and communities. And perhaps, it is this shared vulnerability that fosters empathy, allowing us to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with a bit more grace and understanding.