Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Ronnie Dunn—widely recognized as one half of the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn—stepped into the spotlight alone in 2011, beginning a new chapter after a long and extraordinary partnership with Kix Brooks. During their run together, the duo earned 23 No. 1 singles, countless awards, and a permanent place in country music history. Dunn’s self-titled solo debut, released June 7, 2011, under Arista Nashville, marked his official return as an independent artist—nearly a quarter-century after his first solo attempts in the 1980s.
Among the tracks on the album, “I Can’t Help Myself” quickly emerged as a key highlight. Paired with a promotional music video released the same year, the song showcases Dunn’s unmistakable vocal style—warm, soulful, and deeply expressive. With its reflective tone and emotional delivery, the track represents more than just another single; it symbolizes Dunn stepping forward with confidence, shaping his identity outside of Brooks & Dunn.
The album was recorded across several of Nashville’s most respected studios, including Ocean Way and Blackbird Studio. Dunn not only performed but also took full responsibility as producer, guiding the creative direction from start to finish. This level of autonomy allowed him to craft a project rooted in personal expression—combining polished country-rock production with storytelling that feels intimate and authentic. “I Can’t Help Myself” embodies those qualities: yearning, honest emotion paired with the commanding baritone fans have loved for decades.
The project followed the success of early solo singles like “Bleed Red,” which reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country chart. It also laid the groundwork for later releases such as “Cost of Livin’.” Through this era, Dunn continued reshaping his musical path—evolving from half of a world-famous duo into a fully defined solo artist who remained true to his roots while embracing new artistic freedom.
With “I Can’t Help Myself,” Ronnie Dunn proved that his voice and storytelling could stand powerfully on their own—timeless, resonant, and undeniably his.
Video
Lyrics
This was wrong, right from the start
Nothin’ more than a one way ticket to a broken heart
Lock me up, throw away the key
No matter how you see it, this just can’t be
Well, I know that you belong to someone else
And I try, but I can’t help myself
I can see the dark clouds building, building up ahead
The devil singin’ like a chorus of angels, messin’ with my head
With all my strength, all my power, I fight the fight
As much as it feels good to us, it’s just not right
Well, I know that you belong to someone else
I try, but I can’t help myself
Well, I know that you belong to someone else
I try, but I can’t help myself
Well, I know that you belong to someone else
I try, but I can’t help myself…