Kathy Mattea - Where Have You Been?

by Arlene V
(Gatineau, PQ)

My all-time favorite County Love Song is "Where Have You Been?" by Kathy Matthea.

It was the Country song of the year back in 1988 while I was in college. The song was actually written by Kathy and her husband about her husband's parents.

The song gives the account of Claire and Edwin meeting, marrying and growing old together. When Claire and Edwin meet, Claire asks him where he's been, as she has "all but given up" finding love. Then one night Edwin is late getting home during a storm, and Claire is worried sick. When he finally comes in she hugs him and asks him "Where have you been?!"

The years go by and Claire and Edwin are old in the hospital, "in separate beds on different floors." Claire has stopped talking and doesn't seem to remember anyone, but then Edwin is brought in and he strokes her hair and takes her hand and she looks at him and asks again..."Where have you been?"

Just thinking about the song gives me goose bumps and hearing it makes me cry every time.

Even now, 20 plus years later, when I hear the song I am transported back to 1988 - a college sophomore full of dreams and plans, awaiting the arrival of my own Edwin..my true love

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