Introduction:
”Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” is a notable track by American country artist Dwight Yoakam, released in September 1990 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, If There Was a Way. The song was co-written by Kostas and Wayland Patton, marking one of the early successes for Kostas, a Greek-American songwriter. Record producer Tony Brown had sent Kostas’ demo of the song to Pete Anderson because he thought the song sounded like Yoakam had written it. Because of this, Anderson suggested that Yoakam begin writing songs with Kostas.
Upon its release, the song achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reaching number 5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. Its popularity was further recognized with a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 1991 Grammy Awards.
Thematically, “Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” delves into the anguish of lost love and the pursuit of solace through music. The lyrics depict a protagonist seeking refuge in a honky-tonk bar, using the loud music to momentarily escape the memories of a past relationship. The recurring plea to “turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose” underscores a desperate desire to drown out heartache with the healing power of music.
The accompanying music video, directed by Steve Vaughan, complements the song’s narrative by portraying Yoakam in a dimly lit bar setting, immersed in the melancholic atmosphere of the honky-tonk scene. The video’s transition from black-and-white to color symbolizes the shift from sorrow to a fleeting sense of liberation through music.
“Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” remains a significant entry in Dwight Yoakam’s discography, exemplifying his ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary themes. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of using music as a means to navigate the complexities of heartache and healing.