This is one of Reba's best songs because she had the guts to record it, sing it live when just the topic of HIV and AIDS was, it just wasn't talked about unless you were a drug addict that shared needles, and even in the early 90s, they still thought the one of the main ways you could get it was if you were gay. She put this song out, knowing it would be taboo and piss people off, but she wanted to help educate people. She's 1 hell of a woman, singer, and humanitarian. Much love and respect @Reba
The kids today will never know how controversial this song was, how important it was, and how many radio stations refused to play Reba songs after she released this. It is still one of my favorite songs!
SCREW the RADIO STATIONS, THE "Correctness". It MASKS/COVERS/HIDES THE TRUTH. HOMOSEXUALITY IS A CURSE AND A SCOURGE. It destroys the family. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE C O W A R D S. Speak Out.
You’re right.. They will never know! Now they have HIV/AIDS commercials with gay men in them! I’m just saying that would not have happened in 1994! I have a family member that passed from it n the poor girl suffered like a dog dying. Now we have a pill. Very sad
Indeed. Very few if any other female country artists would have been offered this song and taken on the challenge. But when you're a giant and you have a heart like Reba, you do it because it was/is a message that needs to be conveyed. Kudos to her. I knew what it was about the first time I heard it and was very moved by the song.
@@ninamartinez5171 It is about a woman who is single and has a one night stand with a stranger. Sadly, she contracts AIDS from her tryst. She knew the name and details of all the men she'd ever been with except him...but she thinks his name was John.
@@ninamartinez5171 No one is cheating. It’s about a woman who has a one night stand with a man she met at a party, and ended up contracting & dying from HIV/AIDS. She thinks his name was John…
Why Reba will always be the Queen of Country Music. No one else in Nashville was willing to address the AIDS crisis, even though country music was full of songs about one night stands, but Reba stepped up and made a statement: Country Music cannot and will not ignore AIDS.
I was a baby when this came out, and CMT never played it; even though I knew what it was about, the first time I heard it was 7 years ago. I believe Vince Gill was really popular at the time of its release (1994)
I AGREE!! I remember being 18 yrs old and just feeling this song!!! I thsnkfully bought the cd snd played it in my car on replay! I never knew they played it on the air! I always loved this song!!!! Still in 2019 and 44 yrs old...
A very powerful song indeed. Everyone who hears it has probably had John in their lives at one time or another. These days though it does not pay to play unsafely. Remember its your life and you are in control of it. Take the few extra seconds to protect yourself. Everyone you are with, you are also with everyone they have been with for the last 10 years. Take time, protect yourself and anyone else that you might be with in the future. Its not a hard thing to do. Thank you Reba for another #1.
@@AP-xq3jm A "simple one night stand" where he failed to disclose his HIV status/sexual history and transmitted to her an STD that was practically a death sentence back then. Best case scenario, he unknowingly ruined her life by accidentally transmitting the virus before he knew he had it. Worst case scenario, he lied about having HIV and slept with her anyways without giving her the option to have informed consent.
@@davidahart2476 Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Enjoy THOSE repercussions :)
@@GAvillain Oh we aren't to hold each other accountable?? Colossians 3:16 King James Version 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
This woman is an icon for a reason. She recorded a song that was a huge career risk at the time because it talked about a subject most of the country, and in particular the conservative audience for country music, didn’t want to talk about or address because it was still “the gay disease”. It caused so much controversy because of its content and it would’ve been easy for her to not record it but instead she used her massive star power to bring attention to this issue. And in case anyone was trying to ignore it or pretend the song was about something else, she performed it publicly IN FRONT OF THE AIDS QUILT. As if to you say “no bitches we’re doing this whether you like it or not. Your queen commands it”. Legend.
This is one of her best songs and not really played much on the radio. The fact that she performed this song live with no band on stage, no voice correction, no autotune and nothing fancy really speaks of her level of talent.Flawless performance of a very well written song.
@@danroberts9050 As we all grow weary of spiritless ogres and trolls. How about maybe some people know something that you don't. Not a challenge or even a criticism. Just an observation. Anyway, have a mediocre day,as I'm sure that is a step up in your world.
@@Astro_touches_children In this case I doubt it. As a person with an outstanding life who has enjoyed many years in the entertainment business as a performer and a producer I'm sure I'm probably more knowledgeable than the "mediocre" person you've mistaken me for. Here's the good news, your passive/aggressive weak attempt at a backhanded insult is lost on me. I'm above it. But I'll make it a point to wave at you as I look down to see if my shoes are tied.
Nothing any female country singer has put out in the last 5 years compares to the power and audacity of this song. Singing about empowerment and taking charge of relationships doesn't compare to this line Reba drew in the sand. Country music was considered too conservative to dare to mention anything about the AIDS crisis. She blew everyone out of the water with this song.
I saw Reba in concert when I was in high school with my departed brother. To this day I remember the AIDS quilt that was in the background, and how I was entranced by her voice. I cried during that concert. Whenever I think of my brother, I think of us at that concert. I still have the ticket stub.
The way Reba looks at the crowd, her mannerisms during certain parts of this song, not to mention her iconic voice, it's like she gave us a small part of her heart and soul in this performance, you can see her passion for getting this cautionary tale about AIDS across. One of the most amazing performances of any time or any genre of music.
The most powerful part of this song is that she was told not to sing it at the awards ceremony. She did it because what were they going to do. Then, she sang it and let those people sit in their discomfort because she knew they would never do anything because of the backlash.
This song still gives me goosebumps even 28 years after first hearing it... It is something so many young people don't think about... Brings tears to my eyes still.
Hello Wanda, you must have good taste in music. I guess you must be a woman with a very great sense of humor. I will like to get in touch with you. Do you mind?
If telling people I have HIV AIDS helps save others its my moral duty. I no longer wake up sobbing i live minute by minute we all do we all die. Just not from the same thing
So many of the women in country music have tackled the hard topics of their day - For Reba it was HIV/AIDS, for Loretta it was the "pill" and birth control - It's the women who stand up and bring these things to the forefront - Way to go ladies, we need more like you.
Exactly right. Martina McBride and Concrete Angel, is another example of exactly that. One for the guys was Jason Micheal Carroll's, Alissa Lies. I think people are afraid of speaking of such sensitive subjects as it could have a negative impact on their career.
Reba also tackled sex work/poverty (Fancy), infidelity & murder (Night the lights went out in Georgia). Great songs/stories! Martina tackled DV and child abuse. Hard topics, but oh so relevant. I love the stories these performers weave, no matter how sad they are.
Her voice and the lyric of this song are haunting. When I was still doing Drag shows, I was known for my Reba. This is one that braught tears to my eyes while performing it...
I did this song the first time I preformed in drag. It was for an AIDS fundraiser. I tried to tell a story through my song choices. This was the last song.
It’s hard to imagine the climate back then but this was a very brave move. Most wanted to pretend it didn’t exist or that it only affected a certain population……this was one of many step by step acts by many people to break down barriers, get the truth, find a “respite” but still not a cure…..
Thanks to Reba for making this song way back then.Probaly saved lots of lives,Dont think kids today know how serious safe sex is.Only takes one time.have a friend with HIV and she has no idea who gave it to her.Love you girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When this song came out, the medications used to treat AIDS were useful for little more than giving you a few more years if you were lucky. Nowadays the treatments are much better and can even allow a pregnant woman to not pass it to their child, but it is still incurable. Reba had a lot of guts doing this song... at the time people whispered or avoided the topic of AIDS and HIV. It was like talking about the boogeyman. She helped open up the conversation more in this country and remind us it wasn't just a thing gay people got.
I know my friend. I remember when AIDS was front and centre. Yes, I was too young to remember Harvey Milk, who I love to the end of my time and will see him in heaven; and Freddie Mercury..I saw him when I was 15 or so at Maple Leaf Gardens. Queen was amazing. Bohemian Rhapsody was unfuckingbelievable. Here's to you Harvey and Freddie.
@@loripatrick4652 Aids hit the scene when I was in high school. It was so terrifying, I am sure that it was at least a good portion of why a lot of people my age did not play around. And the fear has had an impact. The days of "free love" and random sex are gone...you play with the wrong person you get a death sentence. So sad.
Thankfully medications are more advanced. I Lost my beautiful 28 yr old Aunt to AIDs! My family said cancer back in 1994 when she passed.. He was her first, and her last... We were 9 yrs apart.. When this song came out I just loved it. It still brings back memories.. Rest easy my beautiful Aunt Delores.
I was in high school when this came out, I still remember what a huge shock it was for Princess Diana to hug people with AIDS. For Christ's sake, like pieces of them would fall of if you touched them or something!
I cannot believe how many people commented saying they didn't know this song was about HIV / AIDS!!! Are you SERIOUS?? I was a teen when this song came out and I knew immediately what it was about! I guess some people don't really "listen" to the words of a song when they hear it! Oh, well. Their loss!
I remember watching this and crying my eyes out. Even today I can't keep a dry eye. Thank you Reba for giving a voice to the reality of the A.I.D.S. crisis. You are a true humanitarian..
No one, absolutely no one in country music today could pull off a performance like this. First off they would have to actually sing about something that matters, then of course they would need talent......its a shame what country music has become
I’ve loved this song since it first came out. Reba’s voice is so powerful. It means a lot to me, especially since me I lost my friend in 1995 due to AIDS at the young age of 25. RIP Michael, we miss you! 😢❤
Back when it first came out . A lot of Country Radio wouldn't play it " To Graphic" . No one knows how grafic it is until you watch your friend's Pass . This song Put a Big spotlight on the HIV/AIDS epidemic . And I'm Thankful Reba had the Guts to do it .
blueeyedbaby210 actually she recorded this not only because of who u said, to be exact she was inspired by a little boy named Ryan White who actually got it from a blood transfusion and went through hell was kicked out of school, his mother was fired from her job because of nieve people who thought they could catch it from just breathing the same air as them. Every single day there was news people and parents and neighbors rioting in their yard looking in their windows. The Whites never got a peace of moment of silence or able to live a normal life at all. So so sad!!!
Reba you've sang my life most of my life, I thank you for the songs!!!I've sang my heart and soul with every note! Want to thank you for every word, tune and love I hear in your voice! Been told by many that I was blessed with a voice as yours, greatest compliment I've ever had! I thank Jesus for you making all the way! Had reasons I couldn't pursue that career but was blessed with offers! Your my hero and dream come true!!! Thanks for all your sacrifices and hard work for all of US!!! God bless! April Pritchett
Aug 2018--I remember the first time I heard this on the car radio. Didn't hear it but maybe 3 times as stations "wouldn't" play it. I'm glad that she continued to sing this in her shows.I agree that this should be played more often as a Public Service message. People still don't think so much about "responsible" sex. I can't hear this without tearing up and telling people about the song.
Yes I remember the times. I was a young man in 94 when this song came out. The disease had cut down many people in the gay community and had gone mainstream by the 90s. I had a male friend who had it really bad. He went from being diagnosed with HIV to full blown A.I.D.S. In a couple of months. He passed very quickly. It was so sad to see a friend go from happy go lucky to a shell of his former self so quickly. I am glad that getting HIV is no longer a sure death sentence. It was a hard few decades though
If I remember correctly, AIDS was taboo in Nashville before Reba recorded this song. And I gotta believe that this song inspired the Red Hot + Country album
Chad Herron ... True! I remember that some stations wouldn’t even play this song lol... so sad ... Once again Reba was a trailblazer. Love and respect her.
Having lost so many friends to this awful disease I praise Reba for this amazing song. Aids has touched so many of our lives, men, women, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, children with no choice being born into it. Amazing song that brings tears to your eyes. Aids is still here, help the fight anyway you can. Teach the young, protect your life. Dont we all have a John in our past.
I havs a friend who is still here after many years. Just wish they could have discovered these medicines long before: so many precious lives one by obe by ibe. Today's young people need to understand this history.
I lost my uncle to this horrible disease. That was 23 years ago now. If he had gotten sick in today's world we may still have him with us, because, while there is still no cure patients can live longer and longer. I hope to see a cure in my life time.
People just dont realize why she's the queen - putting this out in the 90's, in country music.... Insane. What a song - this is perfection. She deserves all the praise she receives.
I love this song and I love Reba, she has been my number one favorite female singer since I was 14 years old. I remember I got a radio/CD player for my 14th birthday and my parents bought the CD that had this song on it and I memorized the song because I listened to it over and over again. I later lost the CD and I am so glad I found this on youtube! Reba sings all of her songs with all of her heart and soul, she isn't fake and she doesn't try too hard. Love Reba!!~
I remember the country station here (used to be called 98 Frog FM) banned this song. They said it was to "vulgar". I think it's a beautiful song about a touchy subject. But it sends the message in a classy way.
Country Music's conservatism really hurt this song. You could sing about one night stands, cheating spouses, murder, partying, love, but don't you DARE mention AIDS or imply that it's not just 'bad' people that get it.
Ashley E. i was 10 when this song came out. i realized what it was about as i always was good at listening to lyrics of songs, and my school had gone a year before to see the AIDS quilt. my mom, by the lyrics, didn't know what it was about so i had to explain it to her lol.....
This song was part of a album that big name country artist did to bring awareness to the AIDS crisis here in America. Big name country artist appeared on this disc but not many people know of this album because country radio refused to play any tracks from this album. They felt the subject matter was not something they wanted on their stations.
I've always loved this performance. From start to end, her feet don't move. Some minor arm motions, but she stood there and let the song tell the story. And no one moved a muscle. Normally in awards shows you can see people shuffling in their seats, getting ready for the next thing, etc. Not here. This was still a taboo topic, and she made them listen.
THANKS REBA ! I knew So Many Men, now long gone, who had no idea of "from whom" they contracted AIDS... I was lucky ! But, I knew a Man, now gone from something else, who's name was JOHN and this song tugs at my heart; THANKS REBA !
No matter how many times I watch this it makes me cry Reba sang with such emotion she was so brave to sing a song like this at the height of the aids situation sending love and hope always
My grandma told me her nephew died of aids in the 80s but the family told everyone he passed from cancer. Im 41 and i still have a candycane stocking and a almost 40 yr od melted candy cane that i put on my tree (a gift from him) every year. I don't remember him but my grandma loved him dearly
As a 15 yr old living in the closet in 1994 Reba putting this song out cemented that I would be okay eventually if I came out. So at 15 in 1994 I did just that & now all these years later I'm listening to it all over again during a very difficult time in my life again. I have a feeling she will pull me out of the negativity again!! XOXOXO One of her best albums!! Start to Finish!! I have Covid & I've been unable to sleep & just listening to Reba non-stop! I hope I pull through this so we can meet one day & I can tell her thank you!!
One if my favorite Reba songs. As a neonatal nurse, so thankful that this condition is not as damning as it once was. I rarely take care of exposed babies, but when I do o pray they never seek-convert.
tragically beautiful gets me every time to this day reminds me of my aunt rose who got it from her husband that left 3 beautiful teenage girls orphans please dear lord let us find a cure for this indescribably evil disease please
and thus killed the date night hopes of every John in America ;). Seriously though, this IS a serious subject, and I would love to sing this song at karaoke to remind people that this IS STILL a serious problem, along with every other STI going around... just one problem.... my husband's name is John. :) Don't worry, we are both HIV negative, both lifetime free of every sti, monogamy works people!! Been with him 21 years now, my entire adult life.
Can you believe this is one of Reba's MANY hit songs that didn't go #1? Such great, truthful, amazing songs, and no one could send a message the way Reba could........and still can for that matter.. Now we have artists that write the same thing on every album they put out, and they have hits like it's going out of style! I bet if Reba were to re-release these songs that didn't go #1, they would definitely go #1 now. No doubt about it!
This song and video gives me a lump in my throat and I just want to cry thinking about all the people this horrible disease has taken...I even lost my favorite uncle to it........
I cry now, but I know with medical advancement, there is hope even if you contract HIV. STILL THOUGH......medicine will never erase the fact that you have it and the stigma is still around. For those who have it, I hope you THRIVE, because you deserve to and you are loved!!!!
I have never been to one of her shows, but each song appears to be a unique production. She sings with such emotion and body movement that she literally acts out the lyrics of the songs she sings. Consequentially, each song conveys a powerful message.
Yeah, imagine watching her sing this song for the first time because AIDS/HIV were killing people by the thousands and gay people were bashed to hell. Reba understood that. She held that crowd and me spellbound because it was in the middle of the epidemic.
This song came out when I was a kid. I've always loved this song, but as a kid, of course, I didn't get the gravity of the song. Today, in my late 30s, I can't hear this song without dropping a tear. Reba is Amazing.
Hello Natalia, you must have good taste in music. I guess you must be a woman with a very great sense of humor. I will like to get in touch with you. Do you mind?
One of my all time favorites by her. I remember when the song came out. Once I got the album, I played that song a lot. It really does send a message about unsafe sex. You don't have to be gay to get it, either.
HIV/AIDS has impacted so many lives and from one night stands such as this one has destroyed so many. A message in this song should scream to our children and adults today. But it's totally ignored due to pleasure. So sad. So many suffer in silence, afraid of losing what they have left. Friends and family. ... Hope..... Prayers for all those out there in the same struggle who deal with it on a daily basis .
I love the way Reba uses her body language,the sweep of her hand,facial expressions with this song.Not to mention the lowering of the aids quilt.Truly a masterpiece.
Been many years since seeing this on the awards show but never forgotten the crucial story/message. The decision to include pieces of the AIDS quilt was brilliant to express the message of the song. After the movie based on Is There Life Out There, I read Reba considered filming one based on this song. I wish she would've. Perhaps she will
nathan weimer even as a child this song took my breath away i know what its about a horrible disease nobody should ever get no matter their situation we are all human we just want love and we deserve love and happiness
This is one of Reba's best songs because she had the guts to record it, sing it live when just the topic of HIV and AIDS was, it just wasn't talked about unless you were a drug addict that shared needles, and even in the early 90s, they still thought the one of the main ways you could get it was if you were gay. She put this song out, knowing it would be taboo and piss people off, but she wanted to help educate people. She's 1 hell of a woman, singer, and humanitarian. Much love and respect @Reba
No fireworks no smoke no dancers and has full attention of the crowd. Wow just wow!
The kids today will never know how controversial this song was, how important it was, and how many radio stations refused to play Reba songs after she released this. It is still one of my favorite songs!
SCREW the RADIO STATIONS, THE "Correctness". It MASKS/COVERS/HIDES THE TRUTH. HOMOSEXUALITY IS A CURSE AND A SCOURGE. It destroys the family. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE C O W A R D S. Speak Out.
You’re right.. They will never know! Now they have HIV/AIDS commercials with gay men in them! I’m just saying that would not have happened in 1994! I have a family member that passed from it n the poor girl suffered like a dog dying. Now we have a pill. Very sad
I 1st heard this at a Reba concert in Charlotte n.c. this lady gave one of the greatest concerts I've ever seen.
@@NikB331oh no! Not gay men in a commercial. Smh do you think gay people don't exist if you pretend they don't? Stop being so silly
Mine too.
We owe Reba a big thank you for recording this song. She was the ONLY one with the gravitas to get a song like this on the radio.
Indeed. Very few if any other female country artists would have been offered this song and taken on the challenge. But when you're a giant and you have a heart like Reba, you do it because it was/is a message that needs to be conveyed. Kudos to her. I knew what it was about the first time I heard it and was very moved by the song.
@@SteveErickson-e8s I wish to God almighty i knew what this song is about. She thinks his name was John ? Obviously someone was cheating?
@@ninamartinez5171 It is about a woman who is single and has a one night stand with a stranger. Sadly, she contracts AIDS from her tryst. She knew the name and details of all the men she'd ever been with except him...but she thinks his name was John.
@@ninamartinez5171 She met a hot guy named John, they had sex, and she got AIDS from him.
@@ninamartinez5171 No one is cheating. It’s about a woman who has a one night stand with a man she met at a party, and ended up contracting & dying from HIV/AIDS. She thinks his name was John…
The quilt.......... It still brings tears!
"But there is one." That is a chilling line, I mean it chills you to you very foundation.
Why Reba will always be the Queen of Country Music. No one else in Nashville was willing to address the AIDS crisis, even though country music was full of songs about one night stands, but Reba stepped up and made a statement: Country Music cannot and will not ignore AIDS.
Hi Tiffany hope you're okay?
This song NEVER got the airplay that it deserved... I am sure because of the subject matter, Sad too it was a beautiful haunting song
I was a baby when this came out, and CMT never played it; even though I knew what it was about, the first time I heard it was 7 years ago. I believe Vince Gill was really popular at the time of its release (1994)
I AGREE!! I remember being 18 yrs old and just feeling this song!!! I thsnkfully bought the cd snd played it in my car on replay! I never knew they played it on the air! I always loved this song!!!! Still in 2019 and 44 yrs old...
Sure didn't
I recall it playing on the radio quite often
@@paleo704 I live in the Houston TX area and it didn’t get a lot of play time here, that I recall. I heard it a few times, but nit often.
Anyone in 2024??
Me
yep
This song will never fail !! The greatest song out there
me me me
September 2024
A very powerful song indeed. Everyone who hears it has probably had John in their lives at one time or another. These days though it does not pay to play unsafely. Remember its your life and you are in control of it. Take the few extra seconds to protect yourself. Everyone you are with, you are also with everyone they have been with for the last 10 years. Take time, protect yourself and anyone else that you might be with in the future. Its not a hard thing to do. Thank you Reba for another #1.
"Cause she let a stranger kill her hopes and her dreams."
Such a powerful and emotional line.
It truly is
@@AP-xq3jm A "simple one night stand" where he failed to disclose his HIV status/sexual history and transmitted to her an STD that was practically a death sentence back then. Best case scenario, he unknowingly ruined her life by accidentally transmitting the virus before he knew he had it. Worst case scenario, he lied about having HIV and slept with her anyways without giving her the option to have informed consent.
Sin does have it's repercussions.
@@davidahart2476 Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Enjoy THOSE repercussions :)
@@GAvillain Oh we aren't to hold each other accountable?? Colossians 3:16
King James Version
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
This woman is an icon for a reason. She recorded a song that was a huge career risk at the time because it talked about a subject most of the country, and in particular the conservative audience for country music, didn’t want to talk about or address because it was still “the gay disease”. It caused so much controversy because of its content and it would’ve been easy for her to not record it but instead she used her massive star power to bring attention to this issue. And in case anyone was trying to ignore it or pretend the song was about something else, she performed it publicly IN FRONT OF THE AIDS QUILT. As if to you say “no bitches we’re doing this whether you like it or not. Your queen commands it”. Legend.
Here we are, still bowing to our QUEEN. This song still hits me just as hard today as it did back then.
This is one of her best songs and not really played much on the radio. The fact that she performed this song live with no band on stage, no voice correction, no autotune and nothing fancy really speaks of her level of talent.Flawless performance of a very well written song.
Uggggggg! How do you know??? Were you standing at the mixer? I get so tired of posers.
@@danroberts9050 As we all grow weary of spiritless ogres and trolls. How about maybe some people know something that you don't. Not a challenge or even a criticism. Just an observation. Anyway, have a mediocre day,as I'm sure that is a step up in your world.
@@Astro_touches_children In this case I doubt it. As a person with an outstanding life who has enjoyed many years in the entertainment business as a performer and a producer I'm sure I'm probably more knowledgeable than the "mediocre" person you've mistaken me for. Here's the good news, your passive/aggressive weak attempt at a backhanded insult is lost on me. I'm above it. But I'll make it a point to wave at you as I look down to see if my shoes are tied.
@@danroberts9050 You must be the patron saint of idiots. A real zero on the left .
This song took a lot of professional courage to record back then..... it's so powerful that it is just as relivent today.
Karen Veitch well yeah. She had the balls to sing a song saying “this isn’t just a ‘gay’ thing. Pay attention”
@@leenut91, Yes a human thing...
Karen Veitch , you are 100% right
@@leenut91 HUH?!
THIS SONG IS ABOUT AIDS?! 25yrs of naivete.
VideoMenu yeah. That blanket that drops down behind her is part of one of the very first AIDs quilts.
All I can say about this lady is PURE CLASS and TALENT.
Nothing any female country singer has put out in the last 5 years compares to the power and audacity of this song. Singing about empowerment and taking charge of relationships doesn't compare to this line Reba drew in the sand. Country music was considered too conservative to dare to mention anything about the AIDS crisis. She blew everyone out of the water with this song.
One of the most powerful performances ever. Hands down.
I saw Reba in concert when I was in high school with my departed brother. To this day I remember the AIDS quilt that was in the background, and how I was entranced by her voice. I cried during that concert. Whenever I think of my brother, I think of us at that concert. I still have the ticket stub.
Hi Becky hope you're okay?
The way Reba looks at the crowd, her mannerisms during certain parts of this song, not to mention her iconic voice, it's like she gave us a small part of her heart and soul in this performance, you can see her passion for getting this cautionary tale about AIDS across. One of the most amazing performances of any time or any genre of music.
she is a true performer
@@cherrywarr936 no, this song was specifically about AIDS.
A powerful song love it 💞
@@MsMeme1976 Yes. Sandy Knox, one of the song's writers, was inspired to write "She Thinks His Name Was John" after losing her brother to the disease.
The most powerful part of this song is that she was told not to sing it at the awards ceremony. She did it because what were they going to do. Then, she sang it and let those people sit in their discomfort because she knew they would never do anything because of the backlash.
This still gives me chills.
Deidre Mimbs just a wonderful album and beautiful songs by the immortal Reba McIntyre
but I'm sure it makes a lot of people practise safe sex and reach for a condom.
This song was the one that makes me cry the most.
That's why Reba McEntire is a legend. Not just some singer.
@@angelablack7946 why?
This song still gives me goosebumps even 28 years after first hearing it... It is something so many young people don't think about... Brings tears to my eyes still.
Hi Peggy hope you're okay?
I still think this song is one of her very best. It deserved more airplay than it got.
Hi how are you doing today
Hi Deb hope you're okay?
I wish this song had been more popular.
Hello Wanda, you must have good taste in music. I guess you must be a woman with a very great sense of humor. I will like to get in touch with you. Do you mind?
It reached #1
If telling people I have HIV AIDS helps save others its my moral duty. I no longer wake up sobbing i live minute by minute we all do we all die. Just not from the same thing
Rebecca Carter I just came across this. I pray you are well. ❤️
Stay positive Rebecca ❤️ not everyone Judges and would accept you for you and not judge one minute. ❤️
Praying all is well with you ur not defined by ur diagnosis your defined by what you are doing when none is looking 💕 keep being you
Rebecca Carter I wish you peace and health god bless you
So many of the women in country music have tackled the hard topics of their day - For Reba it was HIV/AIDS, for Loretta it was the "pill" and birth control - It's the women who stand up and bring these things to the forefront - Way to go ladies, we need more like you.
Exactly right. Martina McBride and Concrete Angel, is another example of exactly that.
One for the guys was Jason Micheal Carroll's, Alissa Lies. I think people are afraid of speaking of such sensitive subjects as it could have a negative impact on their career.
@@JamesStreet-tp1vbwe need more to stand up against these immoral democrats that want us to accept men in women’s sports.
Reba also tackled sex work/poverty (Fancy), infidelity & murder (Night the lights went out in Georgia). Great songs/stories! Martina tackled DV and child abuse. Hard topics, but oh so relevant. I love the stories these performers weave, no matter how sad they are.
There was a one hit wonder in the early 90s talked about life after a woman gave her child up for adoption
@@elainebowman4449 anyone want to know what song I'm talking about is He would be 16 I think the singer was Michelle Wright
Such a beautiful sad song sung about a poor decision made.
@@justiceharrison5142she ain’t falling for your shenanigans.
Her voice and the lyric of this song are haunting. When I was still doing Drag shows, I was known for my Reba. This is one that braught tears to my eyes while performing it...
Unrelated to the song... But with the way Reba sings, and her facial movements when she draws out notes, I bet doing Reba in drag is a delight to see.
I did this song the first time I preformed in drag. It was for an AIDS fundraiser. I tried to tell a story through my song choices. This was the last song.
She spoke truth about HIV and AIDS. She put a straight woman's face on the epidemic. Very powerful.
It’s hard to imagine the climate back then but this was a very brave move. Most wanted to pretend it didn’t exist or that it only affected a certain population……this was one of many step by step acts by many people to break down barriers, get the truth, find a “respite” but still not a cure…..
Thanks to Reba for making this song way back then.Probaly saved lots of lives,Dont think kids today know how serious safe sex is.Only takes one time.have a friend with HIV and she has no idea who gave it to her.Love you girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Cindy hope you're okay?
Haunting! Those raised eye brows at 3:54 say it all ... THINK before you go and do !!!
5 minutes of pleasure isn’t worth going to hell. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
When this song came out, the medications used to treat AIDS were useful for little more than giving you a few more years if you were lucky. Nowadays the treatments are much better and can even allow a pregnant woman to not pass it to their child, but it is still incurable. Reba had a lot of guts doing this song... at the time people whispered or avoided the topic of AIDS and HIV. It was like talking about the boogeyman. She helped open up the conversation more in this country and remind us it wasn't just a thing gay people got.
Cherokee Rose Rioux especially in the world of Country music! Good for her.
I know my friend. I remember when AIDS was front and centre. Yes, I was too young to remember Harvey Milk, who I love to the end of my time and will see him in heaven; and Freddie Mercury..I saw him when I was 15 or so at Maple Leaf Gardens. Queen was amazing. Bohemian Rhapsody was unfuckingbelievable. Here's to you Harvey and Freddie.
@@loripatrick4652 Aids hit the scene when I was in high school. It was so terrifying, I am sure that it was at least a good portion of why a lot of people my age did not play around. And the fear has had an impact. The days of "free love" and random sex are gone...you play with the wrong person you get a death sentence. So sad.
Thankfully medications are more advanced. I Lost my beautiful 28 yr old Aunt to AIDs! My family said cancer back in 1994 when she passed.. He was her first, and her last... We were 9 yrs apart.. When this song came out I just loved it. It still brings back memories.. Rest easy my beautiful Aunt Delores.
I was in high school when this came out, I still remember what a huge shock it was for Princess Diana to hug people with AIDS. For Christ's sake, like pieces of them would fall of if you touched them or something!
I cannot believe how many people commented saying they didn't know this song was about HIV / AIDS!!! Are you SERIOUS?? I was a teen when this song came out and I knew immediately what it was about! I guess some people don't really "listen" to the words of a song when they hear it! Oh, well. Their loss!
#metoo
i didn't know
You speak the truth ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I was a young teen when this came out. I love this song and I didn't realize it was about hiv/aids.
Someone can still “listen” to the words of a song and not get the meaning right away. Don’t bash others hun. We all hear things differently.
I remember watching this and crying my eyes out. Even today I can't keep a dry eye. Thank you Reba for giving a voice to the reality of the A.I.D.S. crisis. You are a true humanitarian..
No one, absolutely no one in country music today could pull off a performance like this. First off they would have to actually sing about something that matters, then of course they would need talent......its a shame what country music has become
One of the first songs about HIV/AIDS. Still very Appropriate for 2019..
A churlish crowd. If this isn't standing ovation material I don't know what is.
Way back then? This scared the hell out of that crowd. I loved her for it. I still do.
This is scary now, she's an amazing woman for singing this.
I’ve loved this song since it first came out. Reba’s voice is so powerful. It means a lot to me, especially since me I lost my friend in 1995 due to AIDS at the young age of 25.
RIP Michael, we miss you! 😢❤
Hello there Lisa nice meeting you here
This is such a ballsy song to do. Major kudos to Reba for recording this
Back when it first came out . A lot of Country Radio wouldn't play it " To Graphic" . No one knows how grafic it is until you watch your friend's Pass . This song Put a Big spotlight on the HIV/AIDS epidemic . And I'm Thankful Reba had the Guts to do it .
Really? Wow, I didn't know that.
blueeyedbaby210 actually she recorded this not only because of who u said, to be exact she was inspired by a little boy named Ryan White who actually got it from a blood transfusion and went through hell was kicked out of school, his mother was fired from her job because of nieve people who thought they could catch it from just breathing the same air as them. Every single day there was news people and parents and neighbors rioting in their yard looking in their windows. The Whites never got a peace of moment of silence or able to live a normal life at all. So so sad!!!
Also Gia Carangi the first super model died from it also. She was another of Reba's inspirations on the song
It's that simple. One mistake. Life is forever changed. Thank you Reba for this public service.
Reba you've sang my life most of my life, I thank you for the songs!!!I've sang my heart and soul with every note! Want to thank you for every word, tune and love I hear in your voice! Been told by many that I was blessed with a voice as yours, greatest compliment I've ever had! I thank Jesus for you making all the way! Had reasons I couldn't pursue that career but was blessed with offers! Your my hero and dream come true!!! Thanks for all your sacrifices and hard work for all of US!!! God bless! April Pritchett
I dont have AIDS OR HIV. I do however have a STD, that has been a life changer for me. Rebas song speaks volumes to me
@@christynunes6672 Hi Christy. It's OK hon. STDs are treatable now. If you have time, let me know how you are doing. Sincerely, Lori Patrick
He did not take my dignity or self respect.
@@loripatrick4652 i have no idea who it was, I was self destructive back then. And i thought herpes wasn't curable.
Absolutely amazing.... this song should still be relevant and played accordingly
Aug 2018--I remember the first time I heard this on the car radio. Didn't hear it but maybe 3 times as stations "wouldn't" play it. I'm glad that she continued to sing this in her shows.I agree that this should be played more often as a Public Service message. People still don't think so much about "responsible" sex. I can't hear this without tearing up and telling people about the song.
I was driving when i first heard this...had to pull over and just cried.That i survived the wild 80's.Not all of us did😪🕊🙏
Yes I remember the times. I was a young man in 94 when this song came out. The disease had cut down many people in the gay community and had gone mainstream by the 90s. I had a male friend who had it really bad. He went from being diagnosed with HIV to full blown A.I.D.S. In a couple of months. He passed very quickly.
It was so sad to see a friend go from happy go lucky to a shell of his former self so quickly.
I am glad that getting HIV is no longer a sure death sentence. It was a hard few decades though
If I remember correctly, AIDS was taboo in Nashville before Reba recorded this song. And I gotta believe that this song inspired the Red Hot + Country album
Chad Herron ... True! I remember that some stations wouldn’t even play this song lol... so sad ... Once again Reba was a trailblazer. Love and respect her.
Having lost so many friends to this awful disease I praise Reba for this amazing song. Aids has touched so many of our lives, men, women, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, children with no choice being born into it. Amazing song that brings tears to your eyes. Aids is still here, help the fight anyway you can. Teach the young, protect your life. Dont we all have a John in our past.
I havs a friend who is still here after many years. Just wish they could have discovered these medicines long before: so many precious lives one by obe by ibe. Today's young people need to understand this history.
Those Hopes and dreams are gone in a second, you don't get a second chance to make right what you did wrong.
She did this song the first time a long long time ago. It should be played on the radio from time to time as a PSA
Hi Debra hope you're okay?
I lost my uncle to this horrible disease. That was 23 years ago now. If he had gotten sick in today's world we may still have him with us, because, while there is still no cure patients can live longer and longer. I hope to see a cure in my life time.
Hi Jennifer hope you're okay?
People just dont realize why she's the queen - putting this out in the 90's, in country music.... Insane. What a song - this is perfection. She deserves all the praise she receives.
Reba Has NO IDEA how this song Changed my life... for the better
This is still, to this day Reba's best song. No contest. It's amazing.
I love this song and I love Reba, she has been my number one favorite female singer since I was 14 years old. I remember I got a radio/CD player for my 14th birthday and my parents bought the CD that had this song on it and I memorized the song because I listened to it over and over again. I later lost the CD and I am so glad I found this on youtube! Reba sings all of her songs with all of her heart and soul, she isn't fake and she doesn't try too hard. Love Reba!!~
I remember the country station here (used to be called 98 Frog FM) banned this song. They said it was to "vulgar". I think it's a beautiful song about a touchy subject. But it sends the message in a classy way.
Country Music's conservatism really hurt this song. You could sing about one night stands, cheating spouses, murder, partying, love, but don't you DARE mention AIDS or imply that it's not just 'bad' people that get it.
I grew up in Altoona PA and we had a radio station named Froggy 98. Cricket was my favorite DJ. She was on from 7p - 12:00 AM every night.
This can happen to anyone. One mistake is so easy to make.
A heart breaking story, told with so much feeling that it gets it across to the people listening, with impact. Bless you Reba, you're an angel .
First album I ever owned was this album.
It's funny, as a 10 year old the melody is sad, but at 31 one the lyrics hit like a train.
I am with you Ashley. For some reason this song has not received nearly as much airplay as it deserves. Such a powerful song.
MrPhil0267 it cuts deep powerful song
Same here. My uncle gave it to me when I was 10
Ashley E. i was 10 when this song came out. i realized what it was about as i always was good at listening to lyrics of songs, and my school had gone a year before to see the AIDS quilt. my mom, by the lyrics, didn't know what it was about so i had to explain it to her lol.....
mrnibblesmommy is
This song was part of a album that big name country artist did to bring awareness to the AIDS crisis here in America. Big name country artist appeared on this disc but not many people know of this album because country radio refused to play any tracks from this album. They felt the subject matter was not something they wanted on their stations.
I've always loved this performance. From start to end, her feet don't move. Some minor arm motions, but she stood there and let the song tell the story. And no one moved a muscle. Normally in awards shows you can see people shuffling in their seats, getting ready for the next thing, etc. Not here. This was still a taboo topic, and she made them listen.
Hi Karen hope you're okay?
THANKS REBA ! I knew So Many Men, now long gone, who had no idea of "from whom" they contracted AIDS... I was lucky ! But, I knew a Man, now gone from something else, who's name was JOHN and this song tugs at my heart; THANKS REBA !
No matter how many times I watch this it makes me cry Reba sang with such emotion she was so brave to sing a song like this at the height of the aids situation sending love and hope always
My grandma told me her nephew died of aids in the 80s but the family told everyone he passed from cancer. Im 41 and i still have a candycane stocking and a almost 40 yr od melted candy cane that i put on my tree (a gift from him) every year. I don't remember him but my grandma loved him dearly
As a 15 yr old living in the closet in 1994 Reba putting this song out cemented that I would be okay eventually if I came out. So at 15 in 1994 I did just that & now all these years later I'm listening to it all over again during a very difficult time in my life again. I have a feeling she will pull me out of the negativity again!! XOXOXO
One of her best albums!! Start to Finish!!
I have Covid & I've been unable to sleep & just listening to Reba non-stop! I hope I pull through this so we can meet one day & I can tell her thank you!!
JESUS LOVES YOU
Are u OK ???
I can relate to this song and I wish that I didn't.
Thank you Reba for putting the word out for the new generation maybe they won't have regrets.
Thank you for this warning godbless you
Sending you love 💜
One if my favorite Reba songs. As a neonatal nurse, so thankful that this condition is not as damning as it once was. I rarely take care of exposed babies, but when I do o pray they never seek-convert.
I’ve listed to this since I was a kid. I’ve never realized it was about AIDS. Such a powerful song that means even more to me now 😢❤
What the hell did you think it was about?? LOL
tragically beautiful gets me every time to this day reminds me of my aunt rose who got it from her husband that left 3 beautiful teenage girls orphans
please dear lord let us find a cure for this indescribably evil disease please
Amen.
and thus killed the date night hopes of every John in America ;). Seriously though, this IS a serious subject, and I would love to sing this song at karaoke to remind people that this IS STILL a serious problem, along with every other STI going around... just one problem.... my husband's name is John. :) Don't worry, we are both HIV negative, both lifetime free of every sti, monogamy works people!! Been with him 21 years now, my entire adult life.
congrats!
Thanks!
Can you believe this is one of Reba's MANY hit songs that didn't go #1? Such great, truthful, amazing songs, and no one could send a message the way Reba could........and still can for that matter.. Now we have artists that write the same thing on every album they put out, and they have hits like it's going out of style! I bet if Reba were to re-release these songs that didn't go #1, they would definitely go #1 now. No doubt about it!
Hi Annie hope you're okay?
Every time that quilt starts descending I get choked up
My thoughts and prayers to go to everyone who thinks his name was John. thank you Lord for keeping me safe through my years of well you know what
Smile same here...
Glory to god
All of us..amen
There is nothing Reba can't do,,from singing to acting,,to just looking awesome!!!!
I wish we could see more shots of how the audience reacted to this song. She was brave and gave zero fucks. I couldn't love it more.
Hello there Miss mee nice meeting you here
This song and video gives me a lump in my throat and I just want to cry thinking about all the people this horrible disease has taken...I even lost my favorite uncle to it........
At that time it was so bold even heroic to have come out with a song like this.
I cry now, but I know with medical advancement, there is hope even if you contract HIV. STILL THOUGH......medicine will never erase the fact that you have it and the stigma is still around. For those who have it, I hope you THRIVE, because you deserve to and you are loved!!!!
I have never been to one of her shows, but each song appears to be a unique production. She sings with such emotion and body movement that she literally acts out the lyrics of the songs she sings. Consequentially, each song conveys a powerful message.
I was in a mall in Nashville I saw her and her son I just smiled she smiled and worked at me and we kept walking great lady
I’m 31 and have heard this song since it came out. My mother was a massive Reba fan.
Touching message!!!! AMAZING performance!!! Reba knows how to hold the crowd spell bound!!!! Still amazing today!!! 👩 we 💖 u reba!!!!!
Yeah, imagine watching her sing this song for the first time because AIDS/HIV were killing people by the thousands and gay people were bashed to hell. Reba understood that. She held that crowd and me spellbound because it was in the middle of the epidemic.
So glad she performed live. Sad but beautiful song
By far, her best look, warm, beautiful and glowing!
Good lord I hope no one looks down on me for this. I am 6ft 1in tall and a guy in Texas. This songs always brings a tear to my eye.
Wow those eyebrows at the very end to the crowd tells a story in itself
This song came out when I was a kid. I've always loved this song, but as a kid, of course, I didn't get the gravity of the song. Today, in my late 30s, I can't hear this song without dropping a tear. Reba is Amazing.
Hello there Katie nice meeting you here
This song is so heartbreakingly beautiful. The quiet being lowered just made me cry
Hello Natalia, you must have good taste in music. I guess you must be a woman with a very great sense of humor. I will like to get in touch with you. Do you mind?
Reba mcintire is one of the queens of country and the lady can act
Reba McEntire is so gorgeous!
One of my all time favorites by her. I remember when the song came out. Once I got the album, I played that song a lot. It really does send a message about unsafe sex. You don't have to be gay to get it, either.
Reba, You will always be my hero. For an American artist to sing this to kudos. I will always love you for this.
Never has anyone been able to captivate an audience like this...
Reba delivers this message like every other in a very unique and powerful way.
there is not another female singer( and there are a lot of them I love and admire) like Reba and never will be, she is the bst!
You can never sing this song without getting emotional.
HIV/AIDS has impacted so many lives and from one night stands such as this one has destroyed so many. A message in this song should scream to our children and adults today. But it's totally ignored due to pleasure. So sad. So many suffer in silence, afraid of losing what they have left. Friends and family. ... Hope.....
Prayers for all those out there in the same struggle who deal with it on a daily basis .
I love the way Reba uses her body language,the sweep of her hand,facial expressions with this song.Not to mention the lowering of the aids quilt.Truly a masterpiece.
Been many years since seeing this on the awards show but never forgotten the crucial story/message. The decision to include pieces of the AIDS quilt was brilliant to express the message of the song. After the movie based on Is There Life Out There, I read Reba considered filming one based on this song. I wish she would've. Perhaps she will
I remember this still... I can't get thought it with out a tear
nathan weimer even as a child this song took my breath away i know what its about a horrible disease nobody should ever get no matter their situation we are all human we just want love and we deserve love and happiness
the minute we love one another as god loves us the world will heal from hate and homophobia and racism
Only Reba could sing this,
Hi Kathy hope you're okay?
No one can express emotion in song better than Reba. Not just her voice. He expressions, her gestures, the whole package.
Hi Cheryl hope you're okay?