Introduction
“She Used to Be Mine,” written by Ronnie Dunn and recorded by Brooks & Dunn, was released on August 30, 1993, as the third single from their second studio album, Hard Workin’ Man . The song marked a high point in the duo’s early career, becoming their fifth Number One hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart . Showcasing Ronnie Dunn’s expressive, honky‑tonk–infused vocals, the track is a poignant, self‑reflective ballad that resonated with both critics and audiences alike .
Lyrically, “She Used to Be Mine” is a heartbroken confession from a man who acknowledges his mistakes and longs for a love that slipped through his fingers. With lines like “I did her so wrong, for so long… she used to be mine,” the song blends remorse and nostalgia, capturing the raw regret of a relationship gone awry . Musically, it features a tasteful arrangement of fiddle, steel guitar, and a brief instrumental break before the second verse—elements that highlight the song’s emotional core and Dunn’s vocal strength .
“She Used to Be Mine” came at a pivotal moment for Brooks & Dunn. Their Hard Workin’ Man album had already seen chart success with “We’ll Burn That Bridge” and the title track, but this introspective ballad elevated the duo’s artistic depth and solidified Dunn’s reputation as a powerful storyteller . It topped both Billboard and Radio & Records country charts in November 1993, and is remembered as one of their most emotionally resonant performances .
Beyond its initial impact, the song has endured in Brooks & Dunn’s catalog, as evidenced by a recent duet version with Riley Green on their 2024 Reboot II album—an update that retains the song’s core heartache while injecting new life and contemporary relevance .
Today, “She Used to Be Mine” stands as a testament to the enduring power of honest storytelling and emotional authenticity in country music, reflecting both the pain of lost love and the strength of musical craftsmanship.
Video
She Used to Be Mine · Brooks & Dunn
Hard Workin’ Man
℗ 1993 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 1993-02-23
Background Vocal, Composer, Lyricist: Ronnie Dunn
Producer: Don Cook
Mixing Engineer, Producer, Recording Engineer: Scott Hendricks
Recording Engineer: Mike Bradley
Assistant Engineer, Recording Engineer: John Kunz
Assistant Engineer: Mark Capps
Drums: Lonnie Wilson
Bass: Glenn Worf
Organ, Piano: John Barlow Jarvis
Electric Guitar: Brent Mason
Acoustic Guitar: Mark Casstevens
Guitar: Bruce C. Bouton steel
Fiddle: Rob Hajacos
Background Vocal: Kix Brooks
Background Vocal: Bill LaBounty
Background Vocal: John Wesley Ryles
Background Vocal: Harry Stinson
Background Vocal: The Arista Tabernacel Choir
Art Director: Maude Gilman
Unknown: Ross Harrington
Assistant Engineer: John Dickson