Introduction
“Consider Me Gone,” recorded and co‑produced by Reba McEntire, was released on July 29, 2009, as the second single from her twenty‑seventh studio album, Keep On Loving You. Crafted by the acclaimed songwriting duo Steve Diamond and Marv Green, the song channels a mid‑tempo country sound with electric and steel guitar accents, and showcases Reba’s signature blend of emotional strength and musical poise .
Lyrically, “Consider Me Gone” explores a relationship at a breaking point: the narrator, weary of emotional distance and neglect, sets firm boundaries and empowers herself by saying, “If I’m not the one thing you can’t stand to lose… consider me gone.” In interviews, Reba described it as a “strong woman song” — a direct confrontation rather than passive regret . The songwriters noted its foundation in real‑life relationship dynamics, aiming to give the narrator agency and voice .
Upon its release, “Consider Me Gone” marked a milestone: it soared to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for four consecutive weeks, becoming her twenty‑fourth career #1 and her longest‑running chart‑topper . Notably, it was her first solo country #1 since 2004, signaling a triumphant return to the top of the charts .
The accompanying music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, earned a nomination for Female Video of the Year at the 2010 CMT Music Awards. It portrays Reba in her role as a fashion designer while depicting a couple’s emotional rift and eventual reconciliation, visually capturing the narrative’s tension and resolution.
Blending mature reflection with relevance, the song drew mixed critical feedback. Reviewers noted its similarities to Reba’s ’90s style—describing it as “stripped‑down” and reminiscent of her earlier work—though some critiques centered on its lyrical clichés .
Over a decade later, the song’s influence endures: Reba revisited it in an acoustic version released in 2021, solidifying its place in her celebrated catalog .
This backstory highlights how “Consider Me Gone” represents both a personal and professional milestone for Reba McEntire—emerging as an anthem of empowerment, a chart‑topper, and a reaffirmation of her lasting impact on country music.