About The Song
In the vibrant landscape of country music, Reba McEntire’s Cathy’s Clown, released in April 1989, stands as a bold and masterful reimagining of a classic. Originally a 1960 chart-topper by The Everly Brothers, this song—written by Don Everly—found new life through McEntire’s distinctive lens on her Sweet Sixteen album. Her version, which soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart on July 29, 1989, showcases her ability to transform a timeless hit into a fresh narrative of longing and defiance. For those who cherish country’s storytelling tradition, this track is a compelling journey, evoking memories of resilience and the complexities of love. Its spirited tempo and Reba’s commanding vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may recall its airwave dominance or its evocative music video set in an Old West saloon.
The song kicks off with a lively guitar riff and a driving rhythm, produced by Reba herself alongside Jimmy Bowen, setting a tone that’s both assertive and emotionally charged. Reba’s voice, infused with her signature Oklahoma twang, delivers the lyrics with a mix of heartache and conviction, backed by a tight ensemble featuring Brent Rowan’s electric guitar and John Jarvis’ piano. Unlike the Everlys’ harmony-driven original, which was sung from a man’s perspective rejecting a manipulative lover, Reba shifts the narrative to a third-person tale of a woman yearning for a man ensnared by another—reframing “Cathy’s Clown” as a love triangle. For those who first heard it on a 1989 radio or caught its video on CMT, it’s a nostalgic nod to Reba’s rise as a country titan.
Lyrically, Cathy’s Clown is a study in emotional nuance. Reba’s version rewrites the original’s defiance into a plea: “I want your loving more and more / I want your kisses, that’s for sure / I die each time I hear the sound / They’re saying here he comes / He’s Cathy’s Clown.” The narrator watches a man diminished by a toxic relationship, urging him to “stand tall” while confessing her own unrequited devotion: “When you see me shed a tear / Then you know that I’m sincere.” These lines, as noted by American Songwriter, nudge the Everlys’ lyrics into a new context, creating a story of empathy and unfulfilled desire that resonates with older listeners who’ve navigated love’s tangled paths. The song’s emotional weight is amplified by Reba’s delivery, which balances strength with vulnerability.
Musically, the track is a showcase of 1980s country polish, blending traditional elements like steel guitar with a contemporary edge. The arrangement, with its steady drumbeat from Matt Betton and subtle backing vocals, supports Reba’s vocal prowess without overshadowing it. The music video, directed by Jon Small and starring Bruce Boxleitner as the titular “clown,” sets the story in a dusty Western saloon, adding a cinematic flair that Wide Open Country praised for its narrative depth. Its chart success—Reba’s 13th No. 1, as per Taste of Country—and inclusion on compilations like Reba’s Number 1’s affirm its enduring appeal. A Billboard review from 1989 lauded its “fresh take on a classic,” noting Reba’s ability to make the song her own.
For fans who’ve followed Reba’s journey—from her rodeo roots to her The Voice coaching—this track is a pivotal moment, marking her ascent as a crossover star who could tackle iconic covers with confidence. Whether you’re revisiting it through a cherished 45 or streaming it today, Cathy’s Clown invites you to savor its blend of heartache and hope. It’s a testament to Reba’s artistry and country music’s power to reframe timeless stories, offering a melody that lingers like a memory of love’s enduring pull