Comments on: Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”

By: Kevin J. Coyne

Kevin J. Coyne — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:28:59 +0000

I’m planning on featuring another Womack single in this series during the build-up to the CMA’s, and I suspected that one might cause a couple of raised eyebrows. But I never would’ve expected “I Hope You Dance” being questioned. It’s one of the definitive singles of the decade.

By: Blake Boldt

Blake Boldt — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:27:36 +0000

Fair point. I will note, though, that “I Hope You Dance” is Lee Ann Womack’s only #1 single. If Womack would’ve stayed on the traditional path, I feel she still would have struggled commercially in the 2000s. She’s just not as easy of a sell to radio as other female artists.

By: Jim Malec

Jim Malec — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:16:21 +0000

It’s a classic that also somewhat derailed her career, as it built a bridge between two very distinct kinds of music–a more traditionally tinged country and a more pop based country. She hasn’t had a #1 single since.

By: Chris N.

Chris N. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:58:21 +0000

It’s a classic, folks. This song is never going to die.

By: Blake Boldt

Blake Boldt — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:47:43 +0000

After posting this archive piece last night, I was curious to see what conversation it would prompt. While writing about “Stand By Your Man” or “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is rewarding, it often leads to the same conclusion. Those songs are seen as timeless. This song, for all its quality, can stir up some debate.

The term “classic” is dangerous admittedly, but I do believe “I Hope You Dance” will still be important 30-40 years from now. There’s a certain poeticism to which people connected. (Also, the Sons version is the best.) I will leave the pop-or-country argument alone. It’s obviously not traditional country and was not intended to be.

Paul, I’m not convinced that Womack’s career took a long-term downturn due to this song. Although it influenced her next album, I think a variety of factors were at play. The album I Hope You Dance only secured one Top Ten single besides the track, and she’s only had one more Top Ten since then. Womack is likely never going to settle on one style, and she will always have an uphill battle at radio, especially now with her age (!) and her distinct musical personality. That was never more true than in 2002-2004 (the period I assume you reference), when radio was very fickle towards her recordings and women in general (not just Womack) failed to enjoy much commercial success.

I also was in the minority in that I felt Something Worth Leaving Behind wasn’t a disaster and that There’s More Where That Came From, although deserving of its CMA award, had a few minor shortcomings.

On a side note, Rascal Flatts did a nice job of staying out of the way of “Bless the Broken Road”. It’s probably the best song they have released so far.

By: Marc

Marc — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:25:14 +0000

Yeah, not a criticism, but its quite the pop song for the “classic country” selection ;)

I think the song was ruined a little for me by the incredibly heavy rotation it got. Does bring it a bit of cheez.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:15:49 +0000

I agree with Matt that age need not be a requirement for a song to be considered a classic. While it’s not among my favorite songs either (because I’m heartless), I recognize the great impact that it had on people. Since I’m sure it will be a song that endures for many years to come, I’d say it’s a classic. I’m pretty sure Simpson’s “Come On Over” will have no lasting effect like Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” So, the comparison of the two isn’t quite fair.

By: Eleven

Eleven — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:42:58 +0000

Not a bad song, I suppose but it really, really (IMHO) tinkers on the edge of cheeziness. Perhaps it was better before it became so commercialized, ie. a pop version, accompanying book, etc.

I agree that while it brought Ms Womack a much deserved spotlight, it’s not really indicative of her greatest talent… singing real country.
Love Ms Womack tho and MUCH prefer her newest song, “Last Call”.

By: Dan Milliken

Dan Milliken — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:56:35 +0000

Ooooh, I forgot about that. Good point.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:35:00 +0000

Dan, to be fair, “Broken Road” is a song written in the early 1990s and recorded by it’s writers (Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon) on their own albums in 1995-ish.