Introduction
“She Used to Be Mine” is a haunting country ballad written and sung by Ronnie Dunn, released on August 30, 1993 as the third single from Brooks & Dunn’s sophomore album Hard Workin’ Man. Steeped in regret and raw emotional weight, the song diverged from the duo’s chart‑dominating honky‑tonk anthems, illuminating a deeper, introspective side of their artistry .
Upon debuting at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on September 4, 1993, the song climbed steadily until clinching the No. 1 spot for a week—marking Brooks & Dunn’s fifth Number One hit—and also topping Canada’s RPM country chart . Its heartfelt lyrics, in which the narrator fully accepts responsibility for his lost love—“She Used to Be Mine”—resonated powerfully with listeners and critics alike.
Critics praised this track as one of Ronnie Dunn’s strongest vocal performances to date, highlighting its “lonesome lament” quality and emotive fiddle‑driven arrangement. The balance of vulnerability and musical restraint allowed the narrative to shine in under four poignant minutes.
Placed alongside upbeat hits like “We’ll Burn That Bridge” and the album’s title track, “Hard Workin’ Man,” this ballad established Brooks & Dunn as multi‑dimensional artists, capable of both dance‑floor swagger and profound emotional storytelling .
Decades later, its power endures. In 2025 the duo re-recorded it as a duet with rising star Riley Green on Reboot II, introducing the song to a new generation while preserving its timeless ache. With its themes of regret, loss, and self‑reflection, “She Used to Be Mine” remains a standout in 1990s country music and a testament to Ronnie Dunn’s vocal and songwriting prowess.