Introduction
While details about the exact inspiration for “Go With Her” are scarce, we can glean some insight from Toby Keith’s discography and the song’s lyrics.
Released in 2004 on his compilation album “Greatest Hits 2,” the song arrived amidst a string of Toby Keith hits known for their relatable storytelling and focus on themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. Looking at Keith’s work around this time, we see songs like “God Love Her” and “Lost You Anyway,” both exploring the challenges of love.
“Go With Her” seems to follow a similar path. The lyrics paint a picture of a struggling relationship, with a father offering advice to his son about a failing romance. Lines like “Yeah, Daddy said, ‘Son I’m sorry / You and Sheila ain’t getting along'” establish the conflict. The father, though sympathetic, seems to recognize the relationship’s end is inevitable, urging his son to let go with the line “Go with her, son, set her free / Don’t you try and make her stay with me.”
While the song doesn’t delve into the specifics of the couple’s problems, it offers a poignant look at the heartache that comes with a relationship’s demise, particularly from the perspective of a young man seeking guidance.
So, as you listen to “Go With Her,” keep in mind its place within Toby Keith’s catalogue of relatable country anthems. It’s a song about the sometimes-harsh realities of love, offering a message of acceptance and letting go amidst the pain.