Introduction:
Don’t Rock the Jukebox, Jackson’s sophomore album, was a critical and commercial success, solidifying his position as a rising star in the genre. But Someday stood out, resonating deeply with audiences. The song, co-written by Jackson himself alongside Jim McBride, perfectly encapsulates the complexities of relationships and the weight of unfulfilled promises.
Jackson, a native of Newnan, Georgia, emerged in the late 1980s with a sound that defied the more pop-oriented trends infiltrating country music at the time. He championed a neotraditional approach, drawing inspiration from the likes of Merle Haggard and George Strait. His traditional sensibilities, coupled with his own charismatic stage presence, struck a chord with listeners yearning for a return to country music’s roots.
Someday is a prime example of this neotraditional approach. The instrumentation is simple yet evocative, featuring a lonesome steel guitar that weaves its melancholic melody throughout the song. The steady rhythm section, anchored by a prominent acoustic guitar, provides a foundation for Jackson’s heartfelt vocals. The production, overseen by Scott Hendricks and Keith Stegall, is understated, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the song’s emotional core.
Someday charted within the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Jackson’s place as a hitmaker. But the song’s true legacy lies in its enduring popularity. It continues to be a fan favorite, requested at concerts and covered by other artists. This enduring appeal speaks to the song’s universality – the regret of missed opportunities, the longing for change, and the bittersweet pang of “someday” never arriving.
Someday is a masterclass in country songwriting. It’s a ballad that transcends genre, a testament to the power of simple truths delivered with sincerity. As the song unfolds, we find ourselves invested in the narrative, drawn in by Jackson’s relatable storytelling. It’s a song that lingers long after the final note fades, a reminder of the promises we make to ourselves and others, and the weight they carry.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Someday”
I can’t take this heartache, anymore
She said don’t tell me lies and try to please me
I’ve heard it all so many times beforeAnd I took her by the arm and said don’t leave me
There’s nothin’ in this world, I wouldn’t do
Just give me time, I’ll be the man you’ve needed
She said I wish that I could take that, for the truth
And I said someday, I’ll get my life straight
And she said it’s too late, what’s done is done
And I told her someday, she said I can’t wait
‘Cause sometimes someday, just never comes
She said all I’ve ever wanted, was to love you
And somewhere deep inside me I still do
But now I think it’s time I stopped believin’
‘Cause I’m never gonna see a change in you
And I said someday, I’ll get my life straight
And she said it’s too late, what’s done is done
And I told her someday, she said I can’t wait
‘Cause sometimes someday just never comes
Sometimes someday just never comes