Essie Country’s
Song of the Week
March 3-April 4, 2026
My Kind of Lonely
by Bernie Nelson
Released 10/17/2019
https://youtu.be/CSUEG_nESJI?si=N0pBH_SpqggtyP69
Review by Gene Johns
When I first listened to “My Kind of Lonely,” I thought I had discovered a great five-star traditional country song. The musicality, vocal performance, and overall sound exemplify authentic country music. In that sense, it is indeed a five-star traditional country song.
The more I listened, the more I wondered whether this was a romantic story about two lonely people finding each other or a story about someone taking advantage of another person’s vulnerability. That question stayed with me throughout the song.
Viewed from that perspective, some listeners may hear this song as a romantic rescue story, while others may interpret it as a man pursuing a woman during a vulnerable moment in her life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how easily an emotionally wounded person can be drawn into a new relationship.
To be fair, the song is mild compared to many contemporary pop songs and countless rap songs with explicit sexual themes. Like an old-fashioned romance movie, it leaves much to the imagination. Still, the story struck me in a way that compelled me to think beyond the melody and consider the message beneath this otherwise classic country-style ballad.
One might ask: If I felt compelled to point out the questionable behavior portrayed in the song, why would I choose it as a Song of the Week? Good question. A question I’m not entirely sure I can answer.
What I do know is that “My Kind of Lonely” contains many of the qualities that define great country music: an exceptional vocal performance, authentic country instrumentation, and a story that sparks the imagination, stirs emotion, and leaves a lasting impression.
Ultimately, I chose this song because it is more than just a song. It is a complete package—a performance, a story, and a listening experience that stays with you long after the music ends.
One thing is certain: “My Kind of Lonely” would never make today’s country radio playlist—not because of its storyline, but because it is simply too country.
And yes, despite my reservations about the story, it remains a five-star real country song.
My Kind of Lonely
by Bernie Nelson
https://youtu.be/CSU
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