Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s “How Long Gone” is a standout mid‑tempo ballad that captures the ache of abandonment and uncertainty in a relationship. Written by Shawn Camp and John Scott Sherrill, the song was released on June 24, 1998, as the second single from the duo’s fifth studio album If You See Her. It quickly climbed the charts, securing the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks in September 1998 .
At just 3:40, “How Long Gone” uses spare but effective lyrics and a driving guitar riff to portray the singer’s helplessness as his partner stays away longer than he can bear. Ronnie Dunn’s expressive vocal conveys raw emotion, giving the track its heart, while the production—helmed by Kix Brooks, Don Cook, and Dunn himself—strikes a balance between traditional country instrumentation and a fresher, late‑’90s sheen . Critics have praised it as “crisply produced and well performed,” emblematic of Brooks & Dunn’s peak sound .
The music video, directed by Steven Goldmann, visualizes the pain of time slipping away—showing the duo performing in a decaying house, with clocks spinning and their own figures fading into dust as the house rots around them . This haunting imagery reinforces the song’s narrative of loneliness and longing.
“How Long Gone” represents a key moment in Brooks & Dunn’s career: the fifth album If You See Her produced three No. 1 hits—including this song—and marked a refined, more contemporary direction that would influence their final years as a duo. While some reviewers noted the song’s formulaic nature, most agreed it was nonetheless an effective and emotionally honest hit .
In short, “How Long Gone” stands as a poignant representation of late‑’90s country—a heartfelt plea, polished production, and vocal delivery working in harmony. It remains a memorable echo of the era and a milestone in Brooks & Dunn’s storied catalog.