Introduction
“Proud of the House We Built” is a heartfelt country anthem by the iconic duo Brooks & Dunn, released as the lead single from their tenth studio album, Cowboy Town. Dropped on June 18, 2007, the track showcases Ronnie Dunn’s earnest lead vocals and became a swift chart success, climbing to number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Crafted by Ronnie Dunn alongside seasoned songwriters Marv Green and Terry McBride, the song captures the essence of building a life together from practically nothing. Through “mid-tempo” pacing and vivid, narrative lyrics, it tells the story of a young couple embarking on the challenges and joys of marriage and family. The protagonist reflects on the trials encountered—long nights, financial strain, normal growing pains—and expresses profound satisfaction in what they have achieved together .
Critically, the song received mixed but largely positive reviews. Country Universe’s Kevin John Coyne awarded it a B−, applauding the honest and modest lyrical approach—celebrating “a love that started with nothing and still is fairly modest, but worthy of pride nonetheless”—while noting that the melody and production lacked a bit of polish .
Within the broader context of Cowboy Town, “Proud of the House We Built” set the tone for an album that artists Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and producer Tony Brown described as a move toward a more rock‑infused country sound . Its success as the album’s opener—both artistically and commercially—helped sustain Brooks & Dunn’s relevance in the country music scene during the late‑2000s.
In summary, “Proud of the House We Built” is a reflective and genuine ode to perseverance, rooted in authentic storytelling and emotional resonance. It stands not only as a chart-topping hit, but also as a signature piece that underscores the duo’s ability to connect with listeners through relatable life experiences.
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Lyrics
I dropped to my knees in that field on your daddy’s farm
Asked you to marry me, all I had to give was my heart
While other kids went diving into swimming holes
You and me dove off into the great unknown
We were barely gettin’ by, takin’ care of each other
Then I became a daddy, you became a mother
Was an uphill battle nearly every day
Lookin’ back I wouldn’t have it any other way
I’m proud of the house we built
It’s stronger than sticks, stones, and steel
It’s not a big place sittin’ up high on some hill
Lot of things will come and go but love never will
Oh, I’m proud
I’m proud of the house we built
Still workin’ our way through the land of milk and honey
At the end of the day there’s always more bills than money
I close my eyes at night and I still feel
The same fire in my heart I felt out in that field
I’m proud of the house we built
It’s stronger than sticks, stones, and steel
It’s not a big place sittin’ up high on some hill
A lot of things will come and go but love never will
I’m proud
Oh, I’m proud of the house we built
Oh, look at us today
Oh, we’ve come such a long long way
I’m proud of the house we built
It’s stronger than sticks, stones, and steel
Not a big place sittin’ up high on some hill
Lot of things will come and go but love never will
I’m proud of the house we built
It’s stronger than sticks, stones, and steel
It’s not a big place sittin’ up high on some hill
Lot of things will come and go but love never will
I’m proud
Oh, I’m proud of the house
I’m proud
Yeah, I’m proud of the house
I’m proud
Yeah, I’m proud of the house we built