One’s on the Way: A Poignant Look at the Challenges of Rural Motherhood in the Early 20th Century
Loretta Lynn’s “One’s on the Way,” released in 1971, isn’t just a song; it’s a slice of life, a raw and unvarnished portrait of a reality that was all too familiar for many women of a certain generation. It’s a poignant and surprisingly humorous chronicle of a mother’s journey, from the incessant demands of a growing family to the relentless cycle of pregnancy and childbirth. This track, a quintessential example of Lynn’s groundbreaking style, resonated deeply with audiences, climbing the charts to a well-deserved No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its success was a testament to the fact that Lynn was singing about something real, something personal, and something that had been largely absent from the mainstream country music scene.
The story behind “One’s on the Way” is as captivating as the song itself. Written by the legendary singer-songwriter Shel Silverstein, the man behind classics like “A Boy Named Sue,” the song was a perfect fit for Loretta Lynn. Silverstein, known for his ability to find the humor and heart in even the most mundane or difficult situations, crafted a narrative that mirrored Lynn’s own life. Loretta, a mother of six by the time she was in her late twenties, was no stranger to the trials and tribulations of raising a large family. The song’s lyrics, which list the names of her children and detail the exhaustion and sacrifices involved in her day-to-day life, felt authentic because they were. The song was a direct reflection of her life’s journey, making it not just a musical performance, but a genuine expression of her lived experience.
The song’s meaning is multilayered and deeply personal. On the surface, it’s a humorous and lighthearted account of a woman who’s constantly pregnant. But beneath the playful lyrics and a catchy tune lies a deeper, more profound message. “One’s on the Way” speaks to the incredible strength and resilience of mothers, particularly those in rural, working-class communities. It highlights the often-overlooked emotional and physical toll of motherhood, the loss of personal identity, and the unending cycle of caregiving. The lyrics, with their matter-of-fact tone, present a woman who is both weary and proud. She’s tired, yes, but she’s also doing what she was raised to do, what was expected of her. The song is a testament to the quiet heroism of women who, despite facing immense challenges, find a way to keep going, to keep loving, and to keep their families together.
Beyond its chart success and personal story, “One’s on the Way” holds a significant place in the history of country music. It was part of a larger movement in which female country artists began to take control of their narratives and sing about topics that were previously considered taboo. Loretta Lynn was at the forefront of this movement, and her willingness to sing about birth control, divorce, and the hardships of rural life paved the way for future generations of artists. The song, along with others from her landmark album “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” cemented her status as a country music icon. It’s a song that speaks to a specific time and place, but its themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and resilience are timeless. For those who grew up hearing it on the radio, “One’s on the Way” is a journey back in time, a nostalgic reminder of a simpler, yet more difficult era, when the stories of everyday people were finally beginning to be told through song. It’s a poignant and enduring classic that reminds us of the power of a woman’s voice to tell her own story, in her own words.
Oldies Songs