Introduction
Released in May 1993 as the fourth single from their critically acclaimed debut album Brand New Man (1991), “We’ll Burn That Bridge” solidified Brooks & Dunn’s standing as one of the most dynamic duos in 1990s country music. Written by Ronnie Dunn and Don Cook, the song captures the high-energy honky-tonk spirit and emotional complexity that defined much of their early work. With its infectious rhythm, sizzling electric guitar riffs, and Dunn’s signature soulful vocals, the track became a fan favorite and climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Lyrically, “We’ll Burn That Bridge” plays with the idea of living in the moment, dismissing consequences in favor of reckless passion. The song tells the story of two lovers giving in to temptation, deciding to “burn that bridge when we get to it”—a clever twist on the more cautious saying, “Don’t burn your bridges.” This attitude of impulsive romance resonated strongly with country audiences in the early ’90s, a time when country music was embracing both traditional sounds and a more modern, edgy flair.
Musically, the track blends traditional honky-tonk instrumentation with contemporary country-rock elements, driven by strong production from Don Cook and Scott Hendricks. As part of Brand New Man, which produced four straight Top 5 hits, “We’ll Burn That Bridge” helped lay the foundation for Brooks & Dunn’s long-lasting success.
Its enduring popularity lies in its fiery energy, relatable message of impulsive love, and the unmistakable chemistry between Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn—elements that made them country superstars and influential figures in the genre’s evolution throughout the 1990s and beyond.
Video
We’ll Burn That Bridge · Brooks & Dunn
Hard Workin’ Man
℗ 1993 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 1993-02-23
Composer, Lyricist, Producer: Don Cook
Background Vocal, Composer, Lyricist: Ronnie Dunn
Mixing Engineer, Producer, Recording Engineer: Scott Hendricks
Recording Engineer: Mike Bradley
Assistant Engineer, Recording Engineer: John Kunz
Assistant Engineer: Mark Capps
Drums: Lonnie Wilson
Bass: Glenn Worf
Organ, Piano: John Barlow Jarvis
Electric Guitar: Brent Mason
Acoustic Guitar: Mark Casstevens
Guitar: Bruce C. Bouton steel
Fiddle: Rob Hajacos
Background Vocal: Kix Brooks
Background Vocal: Bill LaBounty
Background Vocal: John Wesley Ryles
Background Vocal: Harry Stinson
Assistant Engineer: John Dickson
Background Vocal: The Arista Tabernacel Choir
Art Director: Maude Gilman
Unknown: Ross Harrington