The final of Steve Wariner's three number one hits of 1987, "Lynda" held the top spot for the week of Nov. 28. It best captures why Wariner, a guitarist, writer and vocalist self-modeled after Glen Campbell, had the tools necessary for a lucrative late '80s run that would last through additional hits like the gorgeous "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" and a couple of high-profile songs with duet partner Garth Brooks.
Videos by Wide Open Country
On the surface, it's a love song, featuring a pre-Kacey Musgraves name-drop of Wonder Woman. That's because the Lynda in question is actress Lynda Carter. Why she'd be hanging around Spider-Man and not another member of the DC Universe is a lyrical oversight, of course, but it's still a clever twist to the song once you realize who's the Lynda in question.
Also, it's worth mentioning that it's probably the best song about an identifiable Lynda, the Beach Boys' "Lady Lynda" notwithstanding.
Read More: 80s Country Artists You Forgot You Loved
Understanding the sustained appeal of a song about your dad's celebrity crush requires a quick look at Wariner as an artist. The former member of Dottie West and Chet Atkins' touring bands had the pop-friendly vocal delivery (he sang the "Who's the Boss" theme for a few seasons) and the old-school know-how to please that crossover audience created by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and others and maintained by such peers as Ricky Van Shelton.
By the time the album It's a Crazy World dropped in 1987, every new song from Wariner was practically a guaranteed hit. The other two singles off the album, "Small Town Girl" and "The Weekend," topped the Hot Country Songs chart earlier in the year.
Wariner wrote or co-wrote most of his material--although the hit in question here was a Bill LaBounty and Paul McLaughlin co-write. As the hits kept coming in the '90s, he wrote hits for others, as well, namely Clint Black's "Nothing But the Taillights" and more recent songs by Keith Urban and Brad Paisley.
"Lynda" Lyrics
I woke up screaming this morning
I sat bolt upright in bed
I saw the red sky dawning
Must have been something I read
Lynda do you want to dance
Lynda give me half a chance
Lynda just a passing glance
And we'll fall in love
I don't see no ship going under
Don't hear no pouring rain
Don't hear no lightning and thunder
I just hear the sound of your name
Lynda do you want to dance
Lynda give me half a chance
Lynda just a passing glance
And we'll fall in love
Keep the machinery running
If it ever gets out of hand
You can be my wonder woman
And I'll just be your spider man
Lynda do you want to dance
Lynda give me half a chance
Lynda just a passing glance
And we'll fall in love
Lynda do you want to dance
Lynda give me half a chance
Lynda just a passing glance
And we'll fall in love
