But here in Topeka
I have a long-standing love for Loretta Lynn. I love her music, her books, the movie about her - all of it. Which is funny really, since on the surface I have very little in common with a woman who is daughter of a coal miner and a famous country music star. But for some reason, Loretta's homey manner and enduring ways really appeal to me. So much so, that I made let Marty take me and some friends to see her.
We cowboyed up. Marty wore his finest cowboy dress shirt and I curled and sprayed my hair like imagined Loretta would want me to do.
Marty put on his cowboy boots.
And I wore a sequined top and my cowgirl belt.
We went out for a great dinner, then settled into our seats at the show, only eleven rows from the stage. Her twins Peggy and Patsy (named after Loretta's good friend Patsy Cline) started out the show, singing and talking about their mama's cookbook.
And before I knew it, there she was. Glittering in a floor-length light pink gown, covered from head to toe in sequins. Her hair just as big as I'd imagined it would be.
She sang a few songs, then was joined by her son Ernest Ray, whom she threatened to fire at least three times during the show.
She told the crowd to yell out what they wanted to hear, telling us that it was our show, and calling everbody honey. I'm pretty sure she was talking right to me.
And in case this isn't enough Loretta for you, here are some lyrics from her song "One's On the Way". It's my current favorite, and no, it's not because I have one on the way.
They say to have her hair done, Liz flies all the way to France
And Jackie's seen in a Discoteque doin' a brand new dance
And the White House social season should be glitterin' in gay
But here in Topeka the rain is a fallin'
The faucet is a drippin' and the kids are a ballin'
One of 'em a toddlin' and one is a crawlin'
And one's on the way
I'm glad Raquel Welch just signed a million dollar pact
And Debbie's out in Vegas workin' up a brand new act
While the t.v.'s showin' newly weds, a real fun game to play
But here in Topeka, the screen door's a bangin'
The coffee's boilin' over and the wash needs a hangin'
One wants a cookie and one wants a changin'
And one's on the way
Now what was I doin'? Jimmy get away from there
Darn, there goes the phone
Hello honey, what's that you say?
You're bringin' a few old army buddies home?
You're callin' from a bar?
Get away from there! No, not you honey
I was talkin' to the baby
Wait a minute, honey, the door bell
Honey, could you stop at the market and...hello?, hello?
Well, I'll be...
The girls in New York City, they all march for women's lib
And better homes and garden shows, the modern way to live
And the pill may change the world tomorrow, but meanwhile, today
Here in Topeka, the flies are a buzzin'
The dog is a barkin' and the floor needs a scrubbin'
One needs a spankin' and one needs a huggin'
Lord, one's on the way
Oh gee, I hope it ain't twins, again!
We cowboyed up. Marty wore his finest cowboy dress shirt and I curled and sprayed my hair like imagined Loretta would want me to do.
Marty put on his cowboy boots.
And I wore a sequined top and my cowgirl belt.
We went out for a great dinner, then settled into our seats at the show, only eleven rows from the stage. Her twins Peggy and Patsy (named after Loretta's good friend Patsy Cline) started out the show, singing and talking about their mama's cookbook.
And before I knew it, there she was. Glittering in a floor-length light pink gown, covered from head to toe in sequins. Her hair just as big as I'd imagined it would be.
She sang a few songs, then was joined by her son Ernest Ray, whom she threatened to fire at least three times during the show.
She told the crowd to yell out what they wanted to hear, telling us that it was our show, and calling everbody honey. I'm pretty sure she was talking right to me.
And in case this isn't enough Loretta for you, here are some lyrics from her song "One's On the Way". It's my current favorite, and no, it's not because I have one on the way.
They say to have her hair done, Liz flies all the way to France
And Jackie's seen in a Discoteque doin' a brand new dance
And the White House social season should be glitterin' in gay
But here in Topeka the rain is a fallin'
The faucet is a drippin' and the kids are a ballin'
One of 'em a toddlin' and one is a crawlin'
And one's on the way
I'm glad Raquel Welch just signed a million dollar pact
And Debbie's out in Vegas workin' up a brand new act
While the t.v.'s showin' newly weds, a real fun game to play
But here in Topeka, the screen door's a bangin'
The coffee's boilin' over and the wash needs a hangin'
One wants a cookie and one wants a changin'
And one's on the way
Now what was I doin'? Jimmy get away from there
Darn, there goes the phone
Hello honey, what's that you say?
You're bringin' a few old army buddies home?
You're callin' from a bar?
Get away from there! No, not you honey
I was talkin' to the baby
Wait a minute, honey, the door bell
Honey, could you stop at the market and...hello?, hello?
Well, I'll be...
The girls in New York City, they all march for women's lib
And better homes and garden shows, the modern way to live
And the pill may change the world tomorrow, but meanwhile, today
Here in Topeka, the flies are a buzzin'
The dog is a barkin' and the floor needs a scrubbin'
One needs a spankin' and one needs a huggin'
Lord, one's on the way
Oh gee, I hope it ain't twins, again!
LOVED this post! You and Marty look SO darling, what a great picture of you two. Good job on the hair, I'm sure Loretta was proud too.
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GREAT read and thanks for posting the pics of Ms.Loretta!!! So,glad you had a great time.
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I love that you did your hair... you're so cute!!!
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I LOVE "One's On The Way," but not as much as "The Pill". That is a darn good one too. Great lyrics. Was great seeing you at the concert, Jennie!
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Your hair? A VISION.
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Forgot to mention,I love Marty's boots!!Sharp..
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Really enjoyed reading about your night out to see the Queen Loretta Lynn. Great pictures too. If you ever get a chance be sure and go to Loretta's ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenneesse. Thanks for sharing your story.
Al
San Antonio, TX
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Thanks Jennie, for the wonderful writing on Ms. Lynn, for sharin the pics and about the concert. It is much appreciated. Loretta is just amazin!!
Vicki
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Jennie's my wife and I don't know of a better writer. I'm a bit hick I must admit - so my post might contain some misspelled words, etc. But let me tell you, seeing Loretta again was awesome. You see, my family's business had her out to perform for the 25th anniversary of our company’s existence. I was able to meet some of Ms. Loretta's gang but actually missed her. My Grandmother, who recently passed away, was lucky enough to get on stage with her and get a wonderful picture with just her and Ms. Lynn. My Grandmother LOVED Loretta! So she was in her glory that night even dressed up to the 'hilt for the occasion. Granny was my best of best friends and supporters. I miss her with all of my heart. Me, I just had my boots and jeans and was darn proud to have Ms. Lynn's entourage involved in our family's milestone. She had her grandkids to her son perform for us that night. She probably doesn't even remember. But what I wanted to do was bring this picture that I'm referring to with us to the show, but I wasn't able to get in touch with anyone in her group to see if she'd let me get another picture of me and the original picture but to no avail. Maybe I'll get lucky with a different pair of boots?? Yeah, that'll work.....Thanks for reading an extra long entry! Jr.
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Thats a great story Marty.I'm sure your Grandmother was happy as could be to get on stage with Ms.Loretta and have her picture made and I know you were and are proud of that..Thanks for sharin that with us.
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What a wonderful post, nothing wrong with your writing skills Marty!
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Thanks Marty for a wonderful story. I just took my 87 year old mother to see Loretta. It was one of the joys of her life. People relate to Loretta and I just want to say thanks to yall for the post.
Al
TX
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Thanks for sharing the great pics and story, it is always nice to hear from another Loretta Lynn Fan! God Bless Grandma also, she looked great on that stage!!
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I just came across this review and although it's a couple years old I wanted to post and tell you how great I think it is. So happy that you got to see Loretta; she's a true gem. I love that you did your hair and especially loved the part when you said you were sure she was talking right at you. I think you summed up what all of her fans feel at one of her shows. Great review.
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