George Strait – She Let Herself Go

About The Song

“She Let Herself Go” is an upbeat, empowering country song recorded by George Strait for his twenty-third studio album, Somewhere Down in Texas. The album was released on June 28, 2005, by MCA Nashville Records. The track was written by Dean Dillon and Kerry Kurt Phillips, with production handled by Tony Brown and George Strait. It runs 3 minutes and 18 seconds and features a lively shuffle rhythm, prominent fiddle, and Strait’s signature straightforward vocal style.

The song tells the story of a woman who, after a painful divorce, transforms her life: she “let herself go” by letting go of the past, hitting the gym, getting a new hairstyle, and embracing freedom—ultimately thriving without her ex. The clever wordplay on “let herself go” flips the typical negative connotation into a positive message of self-reinvention and empowerment. Strait has praised the song’s humorous twist and relatable narrative.

“She Let Herself Go” was released as the second single from Somewhere Down in Texas in September 2005, following “You’ll Be There” (which peaked at No. 4). The single debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 1 on February 4, 2006, spending one week at the top. This marked Strait’s 41st No. 1 hit on the Billboard country chart. It also topped the Radio & Records country chart and reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Somewhere Down in Texas debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200, eventually earning Platinum certification from the RIAA. The album produced three singles: “You’ll Be There” (No. 4), “She Let Herself Go” (No. 1), and “The Seashores of Old Mexico” (No. 11). The title track “Somewhere Down in Texas” also received unsolicited airplay.

Songwriters Dean Dillon and Kerry Kurt Phillips were key contributors to Strait’s catalog; Dillon has co-written dozens of Strait’s hits including “The Chair” and “Ocean Front Property.” The official music video, directed by Michael Salomon, features Strait performing in a classic Western setting interspersed with scenes of a woman (played by actress/model) undergoing her transformation post-divorce. It premiered on CMT in late 2005 and became one of the most popular Strait videos of the mid-2000s.

By 2006, George Strait had solidified his status as the “King of Country” with over 40 No. 1 hits. “She Let Herself Go” remains a fan favorite and concert staple, often celebrated for its empowering message and sing-along chorus. It later appeared on compilations such as 50 Number Ones (2004, updated editions) and Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 (2016).

Video

Lyric

Now she’s got the house, she ain’t got the guy
So she decided to let herself go
Man, she went wild, she started gettin’ wild
She let herself go

He wondered how she’d take it when he said goodbye
Thought she’d be hurt, oh, but she was just fine
She spent her days on the river, her nights in the bars
She let herself go, let herself go

She let herself go on a singles cruise
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu
She let herself go, let herself go
Once she started lettin’ go

She bought a new car, a new wardrobe
And a new hairdo
She got a new job, a new attitude
And a new set of friends too

He called to see if she’d take him back
She said “Thanks, but no thanks, I’m doin’ just fine”
She let herself go, let herself go
She let herself go, let herself go

She let herself go on a singles cruise
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu
She let herself go, let herself go
Once she started lettin’ go

She let herself go, let herself go
She let herself go, let herself go