Introduction:
In the world of Country music, few songs resonate with themes of love, longing, and missed connections quite like “The One You’re Waiting On” by country music icon Alan Jackson. Released in 2015 on his album Angels and Alcohol, the song struck a chord with listeners, becoming a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Alan Jackson: A Country music mainstay, Alan Eugene Jackson (born 1958) has been a household name in the genre since the late 1980s. Known for his smooth baritone vocals, traditional Country sound, and relatable lyrics that often explore themes of love, loss, and small-town life, Jackson has amassed numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. “The One You’re Waiting On” exemplifies Jackson’s signature style, delivering a poignant narrative with a touch of honky-tonk flair.
The Song’s Narrative: “The One You’re Waiting On” paints a vivid picture of a woman at a bar, seemingly lost in thought as she nurses a glass of wine. The song unfolds from the perspective of an onlooker, a man who observes her dejection and missed connections. The lyrics delve into the woman’s internal struggle, questioning if the person she’s waiting for is truly worth it. The observer subtly critiques this absent figure, highlighting the woman’s loneliness and suggesting she deserves better.
Production and Musical Style: The production of “The One You’re Waiting On” was overseen by veteran Country music producer Keith Stegall. Stegall, known for his work with artists like Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, and George Strait, opted for a classic Country instrumentation that complements the song’s melancholic mood. The track features a prominent steel guitar line, a steady drumbeat, and a warm acoustic guitar foundation that perfectly underscores Jackson’s heartfelt vocals.
Critical Reception and Legacy: “The One You’re Waiting On” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its relatable storytelling and Jackson’s masterful vocal delivery. While the song didn’t garner any major awards, it resonated with fans, becoming a staple on Jackson’s live setlist and a fan favorite. “The One You’re Waiting On” continues to be a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and the heartache of waiting for someone who may never come. It stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s ability to capture universal emotions through evocative lyricism and classic Country soundscapes.
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Lyrics:
Is he tall? Is he handsome?Does he make enough and then some?Does he miss you every minute that he’s gone?Is he funny? Is he witty?Does he tell you that you’re pretty?Did he hang the moon? Can he do no wrong?Is he Mr. Right?I wonder what he’s likeThe one you’re waiting on‘Cause there’s an empty seat beside youAnd every guy here’s trying to buy youSomething to drink, but you just keep brushing them offYou’re watching whatever’s on cableSwirling your glass on the tableWondering how long is too longIs he working late? Is he worth the wait?The one you’re waiting onHow many glasses of Cabernet?How many minutes slip away?How many times were you gonna check your phone?I’m telling you if you were mineYou wouldn’t be sitting here counting the timeYou’d never spend a single moment aloneI bet he don’t get how lucky he isThe one you’re waiting onHow many glasses of Cabernet?How many boys can you turn away?How long ’til you turn off your phoneAnd look up at me?I’d be happy to beThe one you’re waiting onI’d be happy to beThe one you’re waiting on