The song "Annabelle (Arkansas' Callin' You)," by Hot Apple Pie, tells the story of two people, the narrator and Annabelle, who are ready to leave their old town and explore new adventures together. The lyrics suggest that they plan to leave by taking the highway past the riverside and crossing "The Great Divide." The mention of settling dust implies that they have been waiting for the right moment to embark on their journey. The narrator encourages Annabelle to come out of her shell and assures her that he will accompany her wherever she wants to go. They believe they have a lot of things to do and experience together. The narrator suggests that Annabelle informs her parents that they are being called by the state of Arkansas. They envision themselves getting lost in the woods, high up on a mountain top, finding joy and escape in nature. If their current location starts feeling unpleasant, they are ready to move on and explore new places before the next morning's dew appears. The verses evoke Annabelle's dreams and desires, longing for a change and new experiences. The southern winds are a metaphor for the call of freedom and adventure. The mention of the front porch and suppertime suggests a rural, small-town setting where the narrator promises to be there and support Annabelle as her companion. The refrain repeats the invitation for Annabelle to come out of her shell, emphasizing their shared experiences and the importance of following their dreams. It also reinforces the idea of informing her parents that Arkansas is calling them, implying that they are ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives together. Overall, the song portrays a sense of yearning for change, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams. It expresses the desire to break free from the constraints of their old town and embrace the unknown with a trusted partner.
