1972 Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 54 Years Ago Today
In 1972, Loretta Lynn and Shel Silverstein collaborated to make one of the era's most iconic country songs.
"One's on the Way," written by Silverstein and sung by Lynn, was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart 54 years ago today. The track was another major success for the pair, and it added to Lynn's growing run of chart-topping hits in the early 1970s.
Released in late 1971, the song quickly connected with listeners through its grounded and conversational tone. It followed a pregnant mother in Topeka as she reflected on her life and compared it to the glamorous lifestyles of various public figures, mixing humor with a quiet frustration that still rings true today.
Such a perspective helped the song feel especially real to its audience. Rather than focusing on fantasy or romance, it centered on everyday life in a way that country music was beginning to embrace more openly during that era.
The track also highlighted Silverstein's range as a writer. While widely known for his work in children's literature, he also wrote several notable songs, and "One's on the Way" remains one of his most successful contributions to country music.
For Lynn, the song became another defining moment in a career built on honest, relatable storytelling. Its perspective and delivery helped it resonate with audiences then and continue to stand out among her most enduring recordings decades later.
Related: 1972 Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time' Became a Timeless Anthem
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM.