Introduction
“Wish I Were Only Lonely” is a country song penned by songwriters Steve Bogard and Rick Giles. The track was initially recorded by Canadian country artist Michelle Wright for her debut album, Do Right by Me, released in 1988. Wright’s rendition of the song was released as a single in 1989, peaking at number 7 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in June of that year.
In the same year, American country singer Reba McEntire included her version of “Wish I Were Only Lonely” on her fourteenth studio album, Reba, which was released on April 18, 1988. This album marked a stylistic shift for McEntire, incorporating more contemporary sounds and production techniques. Notably, three songs from Wright’s album—”Do Right by Me,” “Wish I Were Only Lonely,” and “New Fool at an Old Game”—were covered by McEntire on her Reba album.
“Wish I Were Only Lonely” delves into the emotional complexities of longing and heartache, with lyrics expressing a desire for companionship and the pain of unrequited love. McEntire’s emotive vocal delivery brings depth to the song’s narrative, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar sentiments.
While McEntire’s Reba album achieved significant commercial success, becoming her third number-one country album, “Wish I Were Only Lonely” was not released as a single. However, other tracks from the album, such as “I Know How He Feels” and “New Fool at an Old Game,” reached number one on the Billboard country singles charts.
The inclusion of “Wish I Were Only Lonely” in McEntire’s album highlights her appreciation for contemporary songwriters and her ability to reinterpret existing material, adding her unique touch to resonate with a broader audience. The song remains a notable piece in both Michelle Wright’s and Reba McEntire’s discographies, exemplifying the cross-border influence and shared repertoire within the country music genre.
For those interested in experiencing McEntire’s rendition, the song is available on various music streaming platforms, including Spotify.
You can listen to Reba McEntire’s rendition of “Wish I Were Only Lonely” here:
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