About the Song
“She Likes to Get Out of Town” by Brooks & Dunn, featured on their 2005 album Hillbilly Deluxe, is a sleek, moody track that dives into the alluring mystery of a woman who lives for the thrill of escape, reinvention, and life on her own terms. Blending classic country storytelling with a polished, modern production style, this song stands out as one of the more atmospheric and emotionally nuanced tracks on the album.
Lyrically, the song paints the portrait of a woman who isn’t tied down—not to places, people, or expectations. “She likes to get out of town / Leave everything behind”—the refrain captures her restlessness, her desire for freedom, and perhaps a search for something just out of reach. She isn’t running from something as much as she’s always chasing something else. That theme of movement and mystery gives the track a noir-like elegance, uncommon in much of mainstream country at the time.
Ronnie Dunn’s vocal performance is magnetic. He sings with a sense of both admiration and subtle heartbreak, as if the narrator knows he’ll never truly hold on to her, but is drawn to her anyway. Dunn’s voice—rich, soulful, and shaded with emotion—captures the tension between desire and inevitability. It’s not a fiery heartbreak song; it’s a slow burn, tinged with acceptance and intrigue.
Musically, the production is more brooding and polished than some of Brooks & Dunn’s upbeat hits. Swirling guitars, steady percussion, and moody background textures create a late-night vibe—almost cinematic in its pacing. There’s a smooth, modern edge to the sound, while still retaining the emotional sincerity that marks their best ballads.
Within the context of Hillbilly Deluxe, an album known for rowdy anthems like “Play Something Country” and deeply reflective songs like “Believe,” this track provides a cool, mature midpoint. It’s not about wild nights or deep faith—it’s about the grey spaces in between, the people who don’t stay long, but leave a lasting impression.