Introduction:
Released in 1981 on the album Strait Country, Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart is a pivotal song in the career of George Strait, the “King of Country.” This early track helped solidify Strait’s signature sound – a blend of traditional country instrumentation and soulful vocals – and launched him onto the path to superstardom.
Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart was written by songwriting duo Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus. Dillon, a prolific songwriter throughout the 1970s and 80s, would go on to pen many more hits for Strait, including “The Boys of Fall” and “You’re Something Special.” Blake Mevis, who produced Strait Country, was another key figure in Strait’s early success. Mevis, a veteran producer known for his work with artists like Ronnie Milsap and Glen Campbell, helped Strait develop his sound and navigate the country music landscape.
Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart is a poignant ballad about the pain of heartbreak. The song tells the story of a man brought to his knees by a woman’s goodbye. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love lost, with lines like “There’s never been a man who could bring me down / I’ve walked away from the toughest of towns / But her last words tore me apart / Her goodbye hit me in the heart.” Strait’s smooth vocals deliver the emotional lyrics with sincerity, making the song relatable to anyone who has ever experienced the sting of rejection.
Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart was a turning point for George Strait’s career. The song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, Strait’s first chart-topping single. It also achieved significant commercial success, becoming Strait’s first million-selling single. This accomplishment was a major feat for a new artist in the early 1980s, and it helped establish Strait as a force to be reckoned with in country music. Her Goodbye Hit Me in the the Heart also garnered critical acclaim, and it went on to win the Song of the Year award at the 1983 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart stands as a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and masterful performance. The song’s success not only launched George Strait’s meteoric rise to fame, but it also helped define the sound of modern country music. Even today, Her Goodbye Hit Me in the Heart remains a fan favorite and a staple of Strait’s live performances.
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Lyrics:
There’s never been a man who could bring me downI’ve walked away for I’m the toughest in townBut her last words tore me apartHer goodbye hit me in the heartHer goodbye hit me in the heart
Her goodbye hit me in the heartBrought me to my kneesLike a shot from the darkHer sweet love found its markAnd her goodbye hit me in the heartHer goodbye hit me in the heart
Her soft warm touch took me by surpriseI was blinded by the love in my eyesThe moment she left, I felt the pain startHer goodbye hit me in the heartHer goodbye hit me in the heart
Her goodbye hit me in the heartBrought me to my kneesLike a shot from the darkHer sweet love found its markHer goodbye hit me in the heartHer goodbye hit me in the heart