1990s Country Duo’s No. 1 Hit Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’ Released 34 Years Ago Today
1990s Country Duo’s No. 1 Hit Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’ Released 34 Years Ago Today
Melinda LorgeTue, February 24, 2026 at 5:29 AM UTC
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(Getty Images)
Brooks & Dunn have a long list of hits in their catalog, and one such timeless classic that has long resonated with both country music and artists alike is the duo’s heartbreak track, “Neon Moon.”
The award-winning country music artists, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, released the song 34 years ago today on Feb. 24, 1992, as the third single from their debut album, Brand New Man. An instant hit, the song quickly topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming the act’s third consecutive No. 1 behind Brand New Man’s title track and“My Next Broken Heart.”
The Lyrics
Written solely by Dunn, the song’s subject matter focuses on a lonesome and heartbroken man yearning over a lost love. He spends his time at a rundown bar across the railroad tracks, where he drowns his sorrows “drink by drink,” and promises the light of the neon moon will help ease his pain.
“Oh, if you lose your one and only / There's always room here for the lonely / To watch your broken dreams / Dance in and out of the beams / Of a neon moon,” the stirring chorus of the song goes.
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Commercial Success
Surprisingly, “Neon Moon” was not given a video treatment, but the lack of one did not hinder the commercial success of the song. Since its release, the song has earned 5x Platinum certification, underscoring its enduring popularity. Though the tune didn’t win any major awards, the track has also landed at No. 41 onRolling Stone’s ranking of 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time in 2024.
Other Versions
Over the years, “Neon Moon” has been covered by various artists. Kacey Musgraves released a version of the song for Brooks & Dunn’s 2019 duets album Reboot, while Morgan Wallen reimagined the song for the band’s 2024 Reboot II album.
Other artists who offered covers of the popular song include Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, the latter of whom duetted the track with Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Blake Shelton as part of a Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Related: ‘80s Rock Legend, 74, Is Behind the Tune Ranked ‘Creepiest Country Murder Ballad’ of All Time
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
