"She Let Herself Go" is a song written by Dean Dillon and Kerry Kurt Phillips, and recorded by American country music singer George Strait. It was released in September 2005 as the second single from Strait's album Somewhere Down in Texas. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in January 2006. The song became Strait's 40th Number One single on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, tying the record held at the time by Conway Twitty.

Content

"She Let Herself Go" is a mid-tempo song about a woman whose male lover has just left her. The song's title refers to the traditional meaning of the phrase "let oneself go," which is to refrain from maintaining one's physical, emotional, or aesthetic stature. However, in this song, the woman does not "let herself go" in this traditional sense. Instead, she lets herself go emotionally, expressing her sadness and anger over her lover's departure. The phrase "she let herself go" is then given a different meaning in the chorus. In the chorus, it is revealed that she "let herself go" on excursions that he had never let her do before. This revelation changes the meaning of the phrase "she let herself go" from a negative to a positive one. There are many ways to let yourself go and relax. Some people enjoy going on a singles cruise, while others prefer a spa in New York City or a trip to the beach.

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed the song favorably, calling it a "clever breakup tale".

Chart positions

"She Let Herself Go" debuted at number 49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs for the week of September 17, 2005.

Year-end charts

Certifications