"Did I Shave My Legs for This?" is a song written by Deana Carter and Rhonda Hart, and performed by Canadian country music artist Deana Carter. It was released in October 1996 as the third single and title track from her debut album of the same name.
The song is a mid-tempo country tune characterized by its self-deprecating humor and exploration of relationship dynamics. The lyrics detail a woman's internal monologue as she questions whether she has compromised too much of herself for a man, symbolized by the act of shaving her legs. The title question is a metaphor for the sacrifices women sometimes make in relationships and the subsequent feeling of questioning the value of those sacrifices if the relationship deteriorates.
"Did I Shave My Legs for This?" reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1997, becoming one of Carter's signature songs and contributing to the success of the Did I Shave My Legs for This? album. The song's relatable theme and catchy melody resonated with a wide audience, solidifying its place in 1990s country music. It is often cited as an example of female empowerment in country music, as it encourages women to question the power dynamics within their relationships and prioritize their own needs and desires.