About the song
Vince Gill’s “Look at Us” is a poignant country ballad that delves into the bittersweet complexities of love and loss. Released in 1991 as part of his acclaimed album Pocket Full of Gold, the song quickly resonated with audiences and climbed to the top of the country charts.
The song’s intro, a haunting melody played on the pedal steel guitar by the legendary John Hughey, sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of a relationship on the brink. Hughey’s signature “crying steel” technique, characterized by his use of the higher registers of the instrument, adds a touch of melancholy and longing to the opening notes. Gill himself has described this intro as the defining element of the song, stating that it “makes that song recognizable by what happens before any words even get sung.”
The lyrics of “Look at Us” paint a vivid picture of a couple who have drifted apart over time. The song captures the sense of disillusionment and regret that often accompanies the end of a long-term relationship. Gill’s soulful vocals convey the emotional depth of the lyrics, making the listener feel the pain and longing of the narrator.
The song’s bridge is particularly poignant, as Gill reflects on the memories of their love and the ways in which they have changed. The lyrics suggest that despite their differences and the challenges they have faced, there is still a deep connection between the two.
“Look at Us” is a timeless piece of country music that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its introspective lyrics, combined with Gill’s emotive vocals and Hughey’s haunting pedal steel guitar, create a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.
Video
Lyrics
Look at us
After all these years together
Look at us
After all that we’ve been through
Look at us
Still leaning on each other
If you wanna see how true love should be
Then just look at us
Look at you
Still pretty as a picture
Look at me
Still crazy over you
Look at us
Still believing in forever
If you wanna see how true love should be
Then just look at us
In a hundred years from now
I know without a doubt
They’ll all look back and wonder how
We made it all work out
Chances are we’ll go down in history
When they wanna see
How true love should be
They’ll just look at us
Chances are we’ll go down in history
When they wanna see
How true love should be
They’ll just look at us
When they wanna see
How true love should be
They’ll just look at us