Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s “Chance of a Lifetime” is a compelling album track nestled within the duo’s tenth studio effort, Cowboy Town, released in 2007. Though not released as a single, the song plays a pivotal role in framing the album’s adventurous spirit—a period when Brooks & Dunn explored a bolder, rock-infused sound that pushed the boundaries of their country roots. Cowboy Town itself marked a significant moment in the duo’s career: embracing sonic evolution while remaining rooted in the emotions and storytelling that define their legacy.
As track 10, “Chance of a Lifetime” sits amid a carefully crafted sequence of songs that demonstrate the duo’s willingness to diversify. The album’s midsection is particularly notable for its infusion of rock energy—a stylistic pivot that broadened their creative palette and resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners seeking more edge in their country music. Although overshadowed in the public eye by charting singles such as “Proud of the House We Built,” “God Must Be Busy,” “Put a Girl in It,” and the Reba McEntire duet “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” this song contributes to the album’s depth and cohesion.
Cowboy Town represents Brooks & Dunn’s last studio album before a significant five-year hiatus, positioning “Chance of a Lifetime” as part of a culminating chapter in their pre-hiatus era. The album debuted strongly—entering the Billboard albums chart at number 13 and selling nearly 69,000 copies in its first week—attesting to the duo’s enduring popularity and creative vitality .
In summary, “Chance of a Lifetime” may not boast its own spotlight, yet it is a vital piece of Cowboy Town’s narrative: an album that embraced new musical territory and served as a capstone to a defining era for the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn.
Video
Lyrics
I came staggerin’ in, in the middle of the night
I got my alibi sewed up nice and tight
Cracked the bedroom door
I tried to keep it from squeakin’
‘Cause I know there’s a wildcat in there sleepin’
But the, the light was on and the bed was made
And there’s a “Dear John” written on the pillow case
She said, “I’ve gone to the Bahamas
I’ve had it with the drama
Time to get out of town
I’m just a slowin’ you down”
She said, “I found somebody
That likes the things that you used to”
Yeah and he’s got a lot of money
We’re goin’ where it’s sunny
And baby he’s a looker too
She said it was a chance of a lifetime
“What was I supposed to do?”
Oh yeah, I woke up this mornin’ in a terrible mess
I had the telephone ringin’ and her cat on my chest
I’m wipin’ the sleep out of my bloodshot eyes
Oh, it’s gotta be her callin’ to apologize
She must be feelin’ bad ’cause she done me wrong
Then I, I pushed the button on the code-a-phone
She said, “I’ve gone to the Bahamas
I’ve had it with the drama
Time to get out of town
I’m just a slowin’ you down”
She said, “I found somebody
That likes the things that you used to”
Yeah she said, “He’s got a lot of money
We’re goin’ where it’s sunny
And baby he’s a looker too”
She said, “It was the chance of a lifetime
What was I supposed to do?”
Oh, and I got the stereo
And she got the music
Yeah and I got this washer
But I don’t know how to use it
She’s gone to the Bahamas
Had it with the drama
Time to get out of town
I’m just a slowin’ you down
She said, “I found somebody
That likes the things that you used to”
Yeah she said, “He’s got a lot of money
We’re goin’ where it’s sunny
And baby he’s a looker too”
She said, “It was a chance of a lifetime
What was I supposed to do?”
Oh yeah, it was a chance of a lifetime
What was I supposed to do?
Maybe you can come get this cat?