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 of this song exemplify authentic country music. So, in that sense, it is a five-star traditional country song.
It wasn’t until I listened to the lyrics of this song a second time and paid closer attention to the words that I started to understand what this song is really about. At first listen, it seems like it is about a man rescuing a woman in emotional distress. In reality, “My Kind of Lonely” is a glamorized story about seducing the vulnerable. I wasn’t sure if this song should be considered for Essie Country’s Song of the Week.
“My Kind of Lonely” is a playbook for exploiting a woman in distress. The story provides a detailed description of what a manipulative, womanizing, smooth-talking predator can achieve with an emotionally vulnerable woman.
To be fair, this song is mild in content compared to many pop songs and the countless rap songs that have strong, sexually explicit themes. Like an old-fashioned romance movie, this song leaves much to your imagination. It just struck me in a way that I felt compelled to write about the story behind this otherwise classic country-style ballad.
One might ask, if I felt compelled to point out the unsavory predatory behavior showcased in this song, why would I choose it for a song of the week? Good question. A question I’m not sure I can answer.
“My Kind of Lonely” features everything that all good, authentic country songs should have: an exceptional vocal performance, authentic country-style musicality, and a story that awakens your awareness, sparks your imagination, and touches your heart.
Ultimately, I chose this song because it’s more than a song; it’s a complete package of all the characteristics of a genuine country music song that gives you an experience you won’t soon forget.
Essie Country previously chose one of Bernie’s songs, “Barbershop.” It was featured as Essie Country’s 21st Century Real Country Music Song of the Week during the week of 11/09/2025.
One thing is certain: “My Kind of Lonely” would never make today’s country radio playlist. Not because of the storyline, but because it’s too country. By the way, it is a five-star real country song.
My Kind of Lonely
by Bernie Nelson
https://youtu.be/CSUEG_nESJI?si=N0pBH_SpqggtyP69
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