“When I listen to my records, they take me back to certain points in my life.” (Music fanatic ‘Shreevee’ in the movie “Diner”)
This music memory starts in 1997 with the release of a song titled “Three Chords and the Truth” which was written and sung by country star Sara Evans. It was the title track from Evans’ debut album. I first heard it not on country station US*99, where I was working as morning show producer, but on 93 FM WXRT. The lyrics hit home for me and right after listening to that track just once, I knew I had to have it and drove out to Rolling Stone Records in Norridge to pick up the CD.
Sadly “Three Chords and the Truth” only reached number 44 on the Country Music charts and it never aired on US*99 which is a total travesty. The title itself describes what country songs are all about; simple melodies and chords with true feelings conveying heartfelt messages.
The song’s story covers a woman driving on the road, alone and trying to sort out her feelings of an ended love affair when she hears a special song on the radio that makes her rethink things. The best lines being in the chorus, “I don’t know why, I don’t know how, but with his song he turned my life and this old car around. Just when I thought I was over you, he changed my mind with three chords on the truth.”
Now what music listener can’t identify with the power that a song can have on their feelings? Their mood, outlook and yes, how they cope with relationships? “Three Chords and the Truth” spells out the unstoppable power, be it a country song or any form of music can have on a person. Add to this, Sara Evans has one of those distinctive voices that you recognize within the first few lyrics she sings.
I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to Sara’s song and just nodded in peaceful agreement of the story shared. The realization that someone was able to reach another with words and music they could relate to. It’s a relief to know another person was in the same quandary as me.
Sara Evans belting out her distinctive voice in concert.
In a strange twist, Sara Evans rarely performs “Three Chords” in concert. She’s had hits like “Born to Fly”, “No Place that Far” and “Suds in the Bucket” and then adds in other tracks, including covers of songs from other artists. I’m not sure why someone would exclude what I consider to be their very best song, (hit or not a hit) that captures the essence of country music, but Sara favors other tunes to perform.
In the early spring of 2001, US*99 and Maytag appliances presented a free concert at the Rosemont Theater starring Kenny Chesney whose career was starting to break bigger and better. Kenny’s opening act was Sara Evans and we had her on US*99 as a phone-in guest a couple of days before the show. I got morning host Big John Howell to ask Sara if she’d be singing “Three Chords” in her set (a song Howell admired as well). She said no and they hadn’t played that track in some time. John persisted and shared our belief in what a special song that one was. Sara then replied she’d see what she could do.
The night of the concert, Ms. Evans and her band performed a list of hits and covers and just as her set appeared to be done, Sara called out, “This one’s for you Big John” and they rolled into “Three Chords and the Truth.” I sat in my seat, glowing over the fact that for at least one show, Sara Evans was singing her very best song.
Next month (April 10th) Sara Evans opens her 2026 concert tour in Carterville, Illinois. She has newer material to perform, her past hits and if there’s any justice in the world, “Three Chords and the Truth” will be heard as well.
Give “Three Chords and the Truth” a listen and you’ll see and hear what I already know.
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