Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s 1994 hit “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” is a defining moment in ’90s country, combining heartfelt storytelling with honky‑tonk energy. Written and sung by Ronnie Dunn, the song was released as the lead single from their third studio album Waitin’ on Sundown and showcases the duo’s remarkable growth in songwriting and performance.
By mid‑’94, Brooks & Dunn had firmly established themselves as country superstars. Coming off the success of their 1993 album Hard Workin’ Man, which featured multiple chart-toppers, they entered the Waitin’ on Sundown recording sessions seeking a fresh blend of traditional sounds and polished production . Toward the end of those sessions, producer Don Cook asked Ronnie to play a new song he had been working on—one that would become the signature theme of unwavering loyalty and heartbreak .
The result? A stirring mid-tempo ballad driven by Brent Mason’s sharp guitar riffs and Lonnie Wilson’s steady groove, delivering an emotional punch without resorting to overblown dramatics . Ronnie Dunn’s vocals breathe sincerity into the lyrics: “She’s been cheated one too many times… She’s not the cheatin’ kind,” a memorable hook that flips the expected narrative of infidelity . Instead of blaming the woman, the song centers on remorse, regret, and respect—making it distinct among country breakup ballads .
When released on August 16, 1994, the song soared to number one on both Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks and Canada’s RPM Country chart, holding the top spot for two weeks on Billboard . It became their seventh number-one single, reinforcing Brooks & Dunn’s position as one of country’s most dynamic duos.
More than a hit, “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” remains a poignant testament to the virtues of loyalty, self-reflection, and moral integrity. It exemplifies Brooks & Dunn’s ability to balance traditional country instrumentation with emotionally resonant storytelling. For both longtime fans and newcomers, the song stands as a timeless classic—quiet in its power, honest in its delivery, and enduring in its message.
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Lyric
She’s dressed to kill in a dress he bought her
She wouldn’t care if he walked in and caught her
She’s come to dance a dance or two
And do no tellin’ what by the time the night is through
She found out the hard way about him
She’s out to find out how she’ll do without him
Her hands are shakin’, her heart’s pounding
By the way she’s drinking his memory’s drownin’
She’s not the cheatin’ kind
She’s been cheated one too many times
Oh, she’s never fooled around
‘Cause he’s still lyin’ she’s through cryin’
She’s not foolin’ now
She walks by and every head turns
You can see how hot her fire burns
He didn’t know what a good thing he had
It’s too late and that’s too bad
She’s not the cheatin’ kind
She’s been cheated one too many times
Oh, she’s never fooled around
‘Cause he’s still lyin’ she’s through cryin’
She’s not foolin’ now
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She’s not the cheatin’ kind
She’s been cheated one too many times
Oh, she’s never fooled around
‘Cause he’s still lyin’ she’s through cryin’
She’s not foolin’ now
She’s not the cheatin’ kind
She’s been cheated one too many times
Oh, she’s never fooled around
‘Cause he’s still lyin’ she’s through cryin’
She’s not foolin’ now