“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something about a song that can take you back to a specific moment in time, a feeling, a memory. “It Turns Me Inside Out” by Lee Greenwood is one of those songs. It’s a classic country ballad that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you reflecting on love, loss, and the complexities of life. For many, it’s a song that resonates deeply, not just because of its poignant lyrics, but because of the way it captures the raw emotion of a heart in turmoil.
About The Composition
- Title: It Turns Me Inside Out
- Composer: Kenny O’Dell
- Premiere Date: 1981
- Album: Inside Out
- Genre: Country
Background
“It Turns Me Inside Out” was the debut single of Lee Greenwood, released in 1981. Written by Kenny O’Dell, a talented songwriter known for his ability to craft emotionally charged lyrics, the song marked the beginning of Greenwood’s successful career in country music. The song quickly gained popularity, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its success helped establish Greenwood as a powerful new voice in country music, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
The song’s inception was rooted in the classic themes of heartbreak and unrequited love. O’Dell’s lyrics capture the pain and confusion of a love that seems to tear you apart from the inside out, a sentiment that resonated with listeners everywhere. At the time, the early 1980s, country music was evolving, and Greenwood’s powerful voice brought a fresh, yet authentic, sound to the genre, making “It Turns Me Inside Out” a significant milestone in his career.
Musical Style
“It Turns Me Inside Out” is a quintessential country ballad, characterized by its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Greenwood’s rich baritone to take center stage. The instrumentation, featuring gentle guitar strums and subtle strings, complements the song’s melancholic tone without overwhelming it. The pacing of the song is deliberate, giving each line of the lyrics the space it needs to resonate with the listener. This musical style not only highlights Greenwood’s vocal prowess but also enhances the emotional depth of the song, making it a memorable and impactful piece of music.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “It Turns Me Inside Out” delve deep into the pain of loving someone who may not love you back in the same way. The recurring theme is the internal struggle and the emotional turmoil that love can bring. Lines like “If you can take my heart and run, why do you turn around and hurt me?” encapsulate the sense of betrayal and confusion. The song’s narrative is a familiar one in country music—one of heartbreak, yet there’s a subtle undercurrent of hope that keeps it from being entirely despairing.
Performance History
Since its release, “It Turns Me Inside Out” has been performed by Lee Greenwood on numerous stages, solidifying its place in the annals of country music history. Its popularity during live performances is a testament to its enduring appeal. Greenwood’s live renditions often bring a new layer of emotion to the song, as he connects deeply with the lyrics each time he performs it. Over the years, the song has remained a staple in Greenwood’s setlists, cherished by fans old and new alike.
Cultural Impact
Though “It Turns Me Inside Out” may not have had the wide-reaching cultural impact of some of Greenwood’s later works, such as “God Bless the USA,” it has nonetheless made its mark. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, each bringing their own interpretation to the timeless theme of heartbreak. Its influence extends beyond just the realm of country music, as it captures a universal experience that many people, regardless of genre preference, can relate to.
Legacy
“It Turns Me Inside Out” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of country music fans. It’s a song that represents the early days of Lee Greenwood’s career, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Decades after its release, the song remains relevant, with its themes of love and loss still resonating with audiences today. The song’s legacy is also a testament to Kenny O’Dell’s songwriting prowess, proving that a well-crafted song can endure the test of time.
Conclusion
Listening to “It Turns Me Inside Out” is like taking a journey through the highs and lows of love. It’s a song that speaks to the soul, reminding us all of the vulnerability that comes with opening our hearts to someone else. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lee Greenwood or new to his music, this song is a must-listen. It’s more than just a country ballad—it’s a timeless piece of music that continues to turn listeners inside out, one heartfelt note at a time. If you haven’t yet, take a moment to listen to “It Turns Me Inside Out” and let it transport you to a place where the raw emotions of love are laid bare for all to see.
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Lyrics
In a way I’m glad it’s over
Even though it’s gonna hurt me once you’re gone
But I can learn to live without you
Give me time and I can make it on my own
Lovin’ you to me came easy
Now losin’ you will change my life no doubt
In a way I’m glad it’s over
In another way it turns me inside out
In a way I guess it’s better
Even though there’s nothin’ good about goodbye
But I know I couldn’t hold you
Now you’ve found the wings and you’ll be groomed to fly
It’s for sure I’m gonna miss you
But I guess that’s what goodbye is all about
In a way I’m glad it’s over
In another way it turns me inside out
On the one hand I know I’ll be better off once you’ve gone
But I find a lot of heartaches on the other
And I can’t say, I’ll look forward to those nights, I’ll be alone
And I wonder will there ever be another
‘Cause lovin’ you to me came easy
Now losin’ you will change my life no doubt
In a way I’m glad it’s over
In another way it turns me inside out
In a way I’m glad it’s over
In another way it turns me again inside out