Introduction
Released in October 1997, “He’s Got You” is a heartfelt ballad written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride, and recorded by the acclaimed country duo Brooks & Dunn. Issued as the second and final single from The Greatest Hits Collection, the track joined two other new songs on the 1997 compilation—“Honky Tonk Truth” among them . The compilation itself, launched on September 16, 1997, celebrated the duo’s string of hits from the early 1990s and was later certified platinum .
Chart-wise, “He’s Got You” resonated strongly with audiences: it rose to number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, spending two weeks there just behind Tim McGraw’s “Just to See You Smile” . In Canada, the song reached number 3 on the RPM Country Tracks chart . On the year-end Billboard chart for 1998, it placed at #37—a testament to its enduring popularity .
Beyond its commercial success, the song occupies a notable place in Brooks & Dunn’s repertoire for its emotional depth. Country-Universe praised Ronnie Dunn’s delivery as “one of his strongest and most passionate performances,” remarking that while the song nods to classic heartbreak themes—including echoes of Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You”—its power lies in Dunn’s vocal sincerity and the duo’s signature harmony .
In summary, “He’s Got You” is a standout moment in Brooks & Dunn’s late-’90s career: a tender portrayal of lost love that showcased Ronnie Dunn’s emotive strength, contributed to a best-selling compilation, and earned high placements on the charts. Its legacy continues to resonate as a mature, heartfelt exploration of heartache and acceptance.