About The Song
“Easy Come, Easy Go” is a mid-tempo country song written by Aaron Barker and Dean Dillon. It was recorded by George Strait as the title track and lead single from his fourteenth studio album, Easy Come, Easy Go, released on September 28, 1993, by MCA Nashville. Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait, the track features a relaxed, traditional country arrangement with steel guitar accents and Strait’s smooth, understated vocal delivery. The album, consisting of ten tracks, emphasized laid-back honky-tonk and heartfelt ballads, marking a return to Strait’s neotraditional roots following the more pop-leaning Pure Country soundtrack.
The single was released in August 1993 and debuted at number 57 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart dated August 21, 1993. It climbed to number one on October 23, 1993, holding the position for two weeks, becoming Strait’s 25th career chart-topper on the country chart. The song charted for 20 weeks and also marked Strait’s first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 71. It similarly reached number one on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. The album itself debuted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, achieving double Platinum certification from the RIAA for shipments exceeding two million copies.
The lyrics portray a couple amicably parting ways after realizing their relationship has run its course. The narrator accepts the breakup without blame, suggesting they move on peacefully with farewells like “Goodbye, farewell, so long, vaya con Dios,” and embracing the philosophy that some loves are fleeting—”easy come, easy go.” The structure includes two verses, a repeating chorus, and lines emphasizing no regrets or hard feelings, underscoring a mature, philosophical resignation.
The song’s creation marked the first collaboration between Barker and Dillon, who met for a co-write session at a motel outside Nashville. Initially awkward, the session gained momentum when Dillon opened up about his ongoing divorce struggles. Barker suggested framing the breakup positively, leading to the title and concept emerging quickly. Dillon originally intended to record the song himself as the lead single for his upcoming Atlantic album. However, during a pitch meeting with Strait and producer Tony Brown, Strait inquired about the rumored track. Brown promised a number-one record if Dillon relinquished it, prompting Dillon to agree—a decision that shifted his focus permanently to songwriting and significantly boosted his career.
Critics praised the song’s catchy melody, timeless charm, and Strait’s flawless phrasing, with outlets like Country Universe noting its role in introducing a smoother, more sophisticated style that defined Strait’s 1990s output. The album spawned three additional singles: “I’d Like to Have That One Back” (number three), a cover of George Jones’ “Lovebug” (number eight), and “The Man in Love with You” (number four). The track appears on Strait compilations such as 50 Number Ones (2004) and remains a fan favorite in live performances.
No major charted covers exist, but the song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable acceptance of impermanence in relationships, solidifying collaborations between Strait, Dillon (who co-wrote numerous prior and future hits), and Barker (contributing later classics like “Baby Blue”). It exemplifies Strait’s consistent delivery of high-quality traditional country material during his peak commercial era.
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Lyric
Says she’s had enough of me
I’ve had enough of her too
I might as well go on and set her free
She’s already turned me loose
No fault, no blame, nobody done no wrong
That’s just the way it sometimes goes
Sometimes two people just don’t get along
It’s time to hit the roadGoodbye, farewell, so long
Vaya con Dios, good luck
Wish you well, take it slow
Easy come girl, easy goWe tried to work it out a hundred times
Ninety-nine it didn’t work
I think it’s best we put it all behind
Before we wind up getting hurt
No hard feelings darling, no regrets
No tears and no broken hearts
Call it quits, calling off all bets
It just wasn’t in the cardsGoodbye, farewell, so long
Vaya con Dios, good luck
Wish you well, take it slow
Easy come girl, easy goGoodbye, farewell, so long
Vaya con Dios, good luck
Wish you well, take it slow
Easy come girl, easy go
Vaya con Dios, good luck
Easy come, easy go