Introduction:
“My First Reaction” is a heartfelt country ballad by American singer-songwriter Ricky Van Shelton. Released in 1993 as the lead single from his album “A Bridge I Didn’t Burn,” the song quickly resonated with audiences and climbed the country charts, reaching number 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.
The song’s emotional depth lies in its raw portrayal of heartbreak and the conflicting emotions that arise when a relationship ends. Shelton’s vocals are tender and introspective, perfectly capturing the vulnerability of a person grappling with loss and the realization that sometimes, even though it hurts, letting go is the right thing to do. The lyrics, penned by Sonny Throckmorton, Don Potter, and Mark Casstevens, paint a vivid picture of a love that has run its course, leaving behind a trail of bittersweet memories and the lingering ache of what could have been.
“My First Reaction” became a signature song for Van Shelton, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in the country music scene. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.