About the Song
Reba McEntire, the undisputed queen of country music, has a knack for weaving stories of heartbreak and resilience into songs that resonate with listeners across generations. In “Til the Season Comes ‘Round Again,” a poignant ballad from her 1986 album Whoever’s in New England, she captures the bittersweet ache of a love lost as winter descends, leaving behind a landscape as barren as the protagonist’s emotional state.
The song opens with a mournful steel guitar that sets the melancholic tone. McEntire’s voice, rich and expressive as ever, paints a vivid picture of a woman grappling with loneliness in the aftermath of a relationship. Images of “empty chairs” and “silent rooms” evoke a palpable sense of emptiness, while the “wind howlin’ outside” mirrors the turmoil within her heart.
What makes this song particularly compelling is its refusal to wallow in despair. Even as she acknowledges the pain of the present, McEntire infuses the lyrics with a quiet strength, a glimmer of hope for the future. The changing seasons become a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and love, suggesting that just as spring inevitably follows winter, joy will eventually return. The chorus, with its soaring melody and message of resilience, serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of renewal.
“Til the Season Comes ‘Round Again” is a testament to McEntire’s ability to connect with her audience on an emotional level. She doesn’t shy away from the raw vulnerability of heartbreak, but she also offers solace and reassurance. This is a song for anyone who has ever endured the pain of loss and found the strength to carry on, knowing that time, like the seasons, has a way of healing all wounds.