There She Goes
Carl Smith Lyrics

The country music genre is characterized by its emotional lyrics that often delve into themes of love, heartbreak, family, and personal struggles. Carl Smith's song "There She Goes" is a perfect illustration of this genre. The lyrics describe a man who is watching the love of his life walk away, each step she takes bringing more heartache. He reflects on how he lost her, and admits that he cheated and lied to her, causing him to lose her. He still loves her deeply, and this love is evident as he watches her go. The slow, melancholic melody and the lyrics combine to create a heartfelt ballad that touches many people's souls.

The opening lines of the song, "There she goes, she's walking away, Each step she takes, brings the heartaches my way" are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, memorable openings of any country song. This song became a top ten hit for Carl Smith, reaching Number 12 on the country charts. It has since been covered by several other artists in various genres, including Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and The La's, and has become a classic.

The song has also been noted for its simple, yet meaningful structure. It is composed of two verses and a chorus that is repeated twice. This repetition strengthens the song's emotional impact, as the phrases become more poignant each time they are sung. The song's title itself is also significant, as the phrase "there she goes" is both a literal and a metaphorical expression, encapsulating the woman's movement away from the singer as well as the finality of their relationship.