About The Song
While often presented together, either in live performances or in a medley format, “Take It Back” and “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” are distinct songs in Reba McEntire’s extensive and celebrated catalog. Examining them individually before considering their combined impact offers a deeper appreciation for each track’s unique qualities.
“Take It Back” was initially released in 1992 on Reba McEntire’s nineteenth studio album, It’s Your Call. Written by Kristy Jackson, this song delivers a powerful message of female empowerment and reclaiming one’s agency after a relationship has soured. The lyrics depict a woman who has had enough of being mistreated and is determined to take back everything she invested in the relationship – not just material possessions, but also her emotional energy and sense of self.
McEntire’s vocal performance in “Take It Back” is assertive and unwavering, reflecting the protagonist’s newfound resolve. Her voice carries a sense of righteous anger and firm determination, making it clear that she will no longer tolerate being taken for granted. The song’s production, typical of the early 90s country sound, features a strong instrumental arrangement with prominent guitar work and a driving rhythm that underscores the woman’s decisive actions. “Take It Back” resonated with audiences for its empowering message and McEntire’s commanding delivery, becoming a solid hit and a staple in her live shows.
Fast forward to 1994, and Reba McEntire released her album Read My Mind, which featured the fiery and impatient track “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.” Written by Sandy Knox and T.W. Hale, this song presents a different, yet equally compelling, perspective on relationship frustrations. Here, the protagonist is not ending a relationship but is instead exasperated by the lack of communication from her partner. The lyrics are filled with a sense of urgency and playful annoyance as she demands an explanation for his silence.
McEntire’s performance in “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” is brimming with energy and a touch of sass. Her vocal delivery perfectly captures the impatience and frustration of someone waiting by the phone for a call that never comes. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with McEntire’s dynamic vocals, made it an immediate fan favorite and a significant commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The music video for the song, featuring McEntire and a group of women in a beauty parlor waiting for calls from their tardy partners, further amplified the song’s playful and relatable theme.
When these two songs are presented as a medley, as they often are in Reba McEntire’s live performances, they create a fascinating narrative arc. The progression from the assertive declaration of independence in “Take It Back” to the frustrated demand for communication in “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” showcases different stages of a woman’s experience in relationships. It highlights the spectrum of emotions, from the strength to walk away to the exasperation of being left waiting and wondering.
McEntire’s ability to seamlessly transition between the empowered anger of “Take It Back” and the impatient energy of “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” in a medley setting is a testament to her vocal prowess and her understanding of the emotional nuances within each song. The combined performance offers a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, showcasing two distinct facets of Reba McEntire’s artistry and her ability to connect with listeners through relatable and emotionally charged storytelling. The medley often becomes a high-energy moment in her concerts, demonstrating her enduring appeal and her mastery of the country music stage.