Introduction:
“Somebody Lied” is a quintessential country music ballad that played a pivotal role in establishing Ricky Van Shelton as one of the genre’s leading voices in the late 1980s. Released in July 1987, the song is a highlight from his debut studio album, Wild-Eyed Dream. The album itself, released in February 1987, quickly became a commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart and being certified Platinum by the RIAA.
As its genre suggests, “Somebody Lied” is firmly rooted in country music, characterized by its poignant storytelling, traditional instrumentation, and Shelton’s distinctive, rich baritone vocals. Written by Joe Chambers and Larry Jenkins, the song tells a tale of heartbreak and denial, perfectly encapsulating the themes of love and loss common in classic country.
The song’s achievements were significant. “Somebody Lied” became Ricky Van Shelton’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in December 1987, marking a breakthrough moment in his career. It also performed well internationally, reaching number 5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. Its success cemented Shelton’s position as a rising star and paved the way for a string of subsequent chart-topping hits. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to its strong lyrical content and Shelton’s heartfelt delivery, making it a memorable and impactful contribution to country music history. Its chart performance was instrumental in the overall success of the Wild-Eyed Dream album, which spawned several number-one singles and solidified Shelton’s status as a major force in country music during the neo-traditionalist movement of the late 1980s.