OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Luke Combs, the chart-topping country artist known for his relatable lyrics and rich, soulful voice, is back with a new hit. His latest track, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” was released on May 16, 2024, as part of the soundtrack for Twisters, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 classic Twister. While this collaboration marks a major moment for Combs, what makes the story behind the song even more intriguing is that he crafted it without ever seeing a single frame of the movie.
Combs was approached by the filmmakers to contribute a song for the Twisters soundtrack. However, instead of being given access to early scenes or clips from the movie, he received only thematic guidance. The filmmakers shared the general mood they hoped to evoke, as well as the overall themes of storm chasing and the power of nature—guiding Combs and his co-writers, Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton, in creating the track. This unusual approach didn’t faze Combs, who set out to capture the high-energy, intense tone that the filmmakers were seeking.
The result? “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” a country-rock anthem that immerses listeners in the adrenaline and danger of chasing tornadoes. Tornadoes themselves become a central metaphor in the song, symbolizing not only nature’s destructive power but also a kind of temptation—a dangerous, exhilarating force that draws people in even when they know the risks. “I keep chasing that same old devil / Down the same old dead-end highway,” Combs sings in the first verse, encapsulating the thrill and peril of storm chasing.
In fact, the lyrics are rich with symbolism. The mention of a “lone black train” whistling through the chorus could evoke the freight train-like sound of an approaching tornado, but it also carries a deeper resonance. Some have interpreted the train as a metaphor for sin, an idea commonly explored in country music, such as in Josh Turner’s 2003 song “Long Black Train.” This connection draws a parallel between the storm and temptation, suggesting that the tornado, much like the Devil, is a force that lures people toward danger despite the potential consequences.
Further, the second verse of the song adds another layer of complexity. “Saved in the same Red River / The same Red River tryna drown me,” Combs sings, referencing the paradox of seeking salvation while also being pulled toward destruction. It’s this internal conflict, the push and pull between fear and exhilaration, that lies at the heart of both the song and the storm chasing experience.
Though Combs had never seen Twisters before writing the track, he knew he had to create something that would match the high-octane, thrilling tone of the film. “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” does exactly that—blending hard-hitting country rock with vivid imagery that brings storm chasing to life in a way only Combs can.
Ultimately, Combs’ ability to craft such a powerful and evocative song without knowing the specifics of the movie is a testament to his artistic vision and instinct. By drawing on universal themes of danger, temptation, and exhilaration, he has given Twisters fans a song that will likely resonate just as strongly with the film as it does on its own.
“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” is now available to stream, and it’s safe to say that Combs’ contribution will be one of the standout moments in Twisters—both as a soundtrack feature and a country anthem in its own right.