"Every Little Kiss" by Sara Evans

Glad you could join us, Dialophiles!

During this holiday season, the Dial brings you the gift of a familiar 80’s light rock classic, recast as a mellow country-tinged cover. Grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate, wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket or snuggie, and settle into your favorite chair as you enjoy the melodic sounds of Sara Evans and “Every Little Kiss”.

Way out here working on the docks, everyone sees the long day through…

The final track of Evans’ double platinum Born to Fly LP (released in 2000), Every Little Kiss was not among the album’s four released singles, three of which (“Born To Fly”, “I Keep Looking”, and the Edwin McCain cover “I Could Not Ask For More”) simultaneously reached the top 5 of the US country chart, and the lower reaches of the top 40.

Written and originally recorded by Bruce Hornsby, ELK tells the story of a dock worker on an extended assignment at a “water town”, several states away from their sweetheart, and presumably, their own home. As the extensive responsibilities of the job wear on the singer, the only comfort found is in the memories of their beloved, and the anticipation of when they will be together again.

Oh what would I do, without the nights… and the phone… and the chance just to talk to you.

Hornsby’s original version, recorded with the help of his ensemble “The Range”, was released as the lead single from his smash 1986 debut “The Way It Is”, but the cut initially stalled at US #72. It wasn’t until after the iconic title track became a #1 runaway hit, and ELK was re-released in early ‘87, that the song of a longing lover finally peaked at #14 on the hot 100.

Being an appreciator of cover tunes, I always considered Sara’s ELK a high point of Born to Fly, and a track worth revisiting regularly. Though she sings the lyrics in an upbeat manner, underneath her smiles resides a clear poignancy that will ring true to anybody whom has ever experienced the longing a long-distance relationship creates.

About the only factor that doesn’t quite translate smoothly between Sara and Bruce’s versions is the idea that Sara’s character is a dock worker. Women aren’t usually associated with harbor jobs, but we can look past that. Perhaps she grew up in a dock working family, and it’s all she ever knew. Regardless, she clearly misses her special someone, and the song comes across as loving and sweet.

A thousand miles away… what I wouldn’t give for only one night… a little relief in sight… or someday when times weren’t so tight…

So take a moment to slow down and relax during this often hectic season with Sara’s lovely cover tune, perhaps while admiring a snowy landscape through a frost-covered window. Sure, it’s not a “holiday” tune, but it’s a charming track with a calming vibe, and that can be appreciated in any month.

So, from all of us here at the Radio Dial, Happy Holidays, Seasons’ Greetings and Merry Christmas! And above all, peace on Earth, and goodwill to all men.

When the day goes down on the water town… when the sun sinks low all around… That’s when I know I need you now… yeah, you’re what I miss. Every little kiss.