About The Song
Reba McEntire, an undisputed icon of country music, delivered one of the biggest hits of her later career with the powerful anthem “Consider Me Gone” in 2009. Released as the second single from her album Keep On Loving You, this track struck a massive chord with audiences, soaring to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and staying there for four weeks, marking a significant chart resurgence for the superstar. Penned by Steve Diamond and Marv Green, the song is a potent declaration of self-respect, empowerment, and making a clean, decisive departure from an unfulfilling relationship.
The song emerged from Reba McEntire‘s Keep On Loving You project, an album co-produced by Reba herself alongside renowned producer Dann Huff. This collaboration aimed to blend Reba’s timeless vocal prowess with a contemporary country sound. Songwriters Diamond and Green provided lyrics with a strong, relatable message of taking control when feeling undervalued. Its release followed a period where Reba hadn’t topped the charts for several years, making its ascent to #1 a triumphant return to the summit and proof of her enduring connection with country radio and fans.
Musically, “Consider Me Gone” embodies the polished, contemporary country sound often associated with Dann Huff‘s production, likely incorporating rock and pop influences. The arrangement probably features a strong, driving beat, prominent guitar lines (perhaps including memorable riffs or a powerful solo), layers of keyboards or synthesizers adding texture, and a dynamic structure that builds intensity towards the chorus. The production would be clean, powerful, and radio-friendly, creating a soundscape that perfectly matches the song’s assertive and determined theme.
At the forefront is Reba McEntire‘s commanding vocal performance. Known for her ability to convey a wide range of emotions with dramatic flair and technical skill, Reba likely delivers “Consider Me Gone” with exceptional power and conviction. Her voice would carry the weight of the narrator’s decision, expressing perhaps a mix of underlying hurt, frustration, newfound strength, and ultimate resolve. She makes the listener believe in the finality of the departure, embodying the empowerment found in choosing oneself.
The central theme revolves around reaching a breaking point in a relationship where one partner feels consistently taken for granted or not prioritized, leading to the resolute decision to leave. The title phrase, “Consider Me Gone,” serves as the ultimate declaration of finality. The lyrics likely articulate the conditions under which the narrator feels compelled to make this break (“If I’m not the one thing you can’t stand to lose / If I’m not that arrow to the heart of you / If you don’t get drunk on my kiss… 1 Then consider me gone“). It’s a powerful statement about recognizing one’s own worth, demanding reciprocity, and taking decisive action for one’s own happiness and self-respect when those needs aren’t met.
The song’s message of empowerment and taking control resonated strongly with listeners, becoming an anthem for many who had experienced similar situations. Its clear articulation of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-worth struck a significant chord. The song’s immense chart success – becoming Reba’s longest-running #1 hit – underscored this connection. It also achieved significant crossover appeal, charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Consider Me Gone” stands as a landmark achievement in Reba McEntire‘s later career. Written by Steve Diamond and Marv Green, and expertly produced by Dann Huff and Reba, the song successfully blended contemporary sounds with a powerful, timeless theme. Its message of empowerment and decisive departure, delivered with Reba’s unparalleled vocal conviction, resulted in a massive #1 hit that reaffirmed her status as a true icon of country music.