About the song
“As She’s Walking Away” is a compelling country song by the Zac Brown Band featuring guest vocals from Alan Jackson. Released as the lead single from their album *You Get What You Give*, the track quickly garnered attention, eventually winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals at the 53rd Grammy Awards, marking a significant achievement for both the band and Jackson.
**Release and Background**
The song emerged from a unique inspiration shared by Zac Brown and Wyatt Durrette during a night out in Orlando, Florida. Observing a romantic tension between a couple at a bar, Durrette and Brown crafted a narrative where an older, wiser man advises a younger man to seize opportunities before they slip away. This storyline provided the emotional core of “As She’s Walking Away”, enhanced by Keith Stegall’s production, which brought together Zac Brown Band’s distinct sound with Alan Jackson’s seasoned vocals.
**Critical Reception**
Upon its release, “As She’s Walking Away” received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and the dynamic vocal interplay between Zac Brown and Alan Jackson. C.M. Wilcox of The 9513 praised its driving arrangement and the chemistry between the vocalists, while Billboard’s Michael Menachem described the song as having a “heartwarming” quality that resonated with listeners. The song’s ability to blend storytelling with musical craftsmanship contributed to its positive reception among critics and fans alike.
**Music Video**
Directed by Darren Doane, the music video for “As She’s Walking Away” captures the essence of the song’s narrative. Filmed at Dixie Tavern in Marietta, Georgia, and The Trap in Lancaster, California, the video juxtaposes the lively atmosphere of a bar with poignant scenes that echo the song’s theme of missed opportunities and sage advice.
**Chart Performance**
Debuting strongly on the Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Hot 100, “As She’s Walking Away” showcased the Zac Brown Band’s growing popularity and marked Alan Jackson’s final number-one hit to date on the country charts. Its success underscored the song’s universal appeal and resonant themes, making it a standout moment in both artists’ careers.
“As She’s Walking Away” remains a standout in the Zac Brown Band’s discography, celebrated for its storytelling, musical craftsmanship, and the poignant collaboration between Zac Brown and Alan Jackson. The song’s Grammy win further solidified its place as a cherished piece of contemporary country music history, illustrating the enduring power of a well-crafted narrative and heartfelt vocal performance.
Video
Lyrics
We never spoke a word
But every thought she had I heard from across the room
If we were standing face to face
I couldn’t find the words to say, “Give me one more move”
I don’t even know her name
I guess foolish prides to blame
Now I’m fallin’ in love as she’s walking away
And my heart won’t tell my mind to tell my mouth what it should say
May have lost this battle, live to fight another day
Now I’m fallin’ in love as she’s walking away
Wise man next to me did say ’bout the one that got away
Son I missed my chance
Don’t you let regret take place of the dreams you have to chase
Ask her to dance; go on, son
You might fall down on your face
Roll the dice and have some faith
Don’t be fallin’ in love as she’s walking away
When your heart won’t tell your mind to tell your mouth what it should say
May have lost this battle, live to fight another day
Don’t be fallin’ in love as she’s walking away
You might fall down on your face
Roll the dice and have some faith
Don’t be fallin’ in love as she’s walking away
When your heart won’t tell your mind to tell your mouth what it should say
May have lost this battle, live to fight another day
Don’t be fallin’, fallin’, and fallin’ in love as she’s walking away