Introduction
“Too Far This Time” is a heartfelt ballad by the legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn, written solely by Ronnie Dunn. It appears as track 6 on Tight Rope, the pair’s sixth studio album, released on September 21, 1999 via Arista Nashville . Tight Rope marked a significant departure for Brooks & Dunn—it was their first studio album not to reach platinum certification and only one of its three singles made the top ten on the country charts .
In “Too Far This Time,” Ronnie Dunn offers a deeply introspective narrative of regret and realization at the end of a relationship. In the song, the narrator acknowledges he’s pushed his partner to the breaking point—lyrics such as “Save those worn‑out ‘I love yous’ for someone that cares” capture this poignant moment of acceptance and emotional distance . Critics and fans alike have highlighted this track as one of the more emotionally resonant and traditional country moments on Tight Rope, with Dunn’s single‑writer credit lending the song a particularly personal edge
Compared to the duo’s earlier string of crossover hits—such as “Brand New Man,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” and “My Maria”—this song reveals Brooks & Dunn’s willingness to return to classic country storytelling and emotional subtlety, even as the album underperformed commercially.
For Brooks & Dunn, “Too Far This Time” stands as an understated yet powerful moment in their late‑1990s catalog—its emotional honesty and traditional roots offering a quieter but meaningful capstone to an album that signaled transition and introspection in a duo known for their arena‑sized hits.
Let me know if you’d like to explore more songs from Tight Rope or dive into the full career arc of Brooks & Dunn!
Video
Lyrics
She said,
Out with the boys don’t cut it no more
And “I’m sorry” is just noise, she’s heard it all before
Said that ring on her finger, well it feels like prison
She’s talked ’til she’s blue, and I don’t listen
I went too far this time,
Crossed over that line,
I’m past the point of no return
Livin’ proof some fools never learn
Well I pushed my luck, now she’s givin’ up
Somethin’ tells me I went too far this time
She said,
Save your breath boy, I’ve heard it all,
And keep your place there with your back to the wall,
Said I’m leavin’ you lonely ’cause I’ve had my share
Save those worn out “I love you’s” for someone that cares
I went too far this time,
Crossed over that line,
I’m past the point of no return
Livin’ proof some fools never learn
Well I pushed my luck, now she’s givin’ up
Somethin’ tells me I went too far this time
Well I pushed my luck, now she’s givin’ up
Somethin’ tells me I went too far this time
Oh somethin’ tells me, I went too far this time