Released: 2024
Lainey Wilson’s “Out of Oklahoma” serves up a heartfelt tale of identity, belonging, and the indelible connection to one’s roots, all wrapped up in a melody that’s as sweeping as the Oklahoma plains themselves. It’s a story about navigating the complexities of life while holding onto where you come from, no matter where the road takes you.
The opening lines, “I been dreamin’, I been drivin’, tryin’ to stay between the lines of who I am and who I used to be,” set the stage by contrasting the journey of life with the literal act of driving, a clever nod to growth and transformation. Here, Wilson digs deep into the struggle of maintaining one’s essence amidst change, a theme many of us vibe with. The mention of “stay between the lines” is a slick way of saying she’s trying to remain true to herself while navigating life’s complexities.
As the chorus hits, “Can’t take the home out of Oklahoma, it’s where my soul was born to be,” Wilson belts out a powerful statement about the unshakeable bond with her homeland. Oklahoma, in this context, is more than just a place; it’s a feeling, an identity, woven into the very fabric of her being. The “wild wind blowin’ and “rollin’ like a tumbleweed” imagery beautifully captures the spirit of freedom and resilience, attributes deeply embedded in the ethos of country music and the American heartland.
Wilson dives into reflection in the verse, “The sky is cryin’, Mama’s callin’, paint is peelin’, grass is tall and I’m still feelin’ like I don’t belong.” Here, she touches on feelings of alienation and homesickness, using vivid imagery to express longing and a sense of loss. The “water tower, graffiti faded” symbolizes a past that’s slowly fading away, yet remains a cornerstone of who she is. It’s a raw look at the complexities of going back to a place that’s both deeply familiar and irrevocably changed.
The song circles back to its powerful mantra in the chorus, reaffirming Wilson’s deep-seated connection to Oklahoma. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far you stray or how much you change, your roots remain a core part of your identity. Lainey Wilson, with “Out of Oklahoma,” doesn’t just give us a song; she offers a narrative on homecoming, identity, and the eternal bond with one’s birthplace, packaging it all in a tune that’s as comforting as a warm, Oklahoma breeze.
