"Life Turned Her That Way" is a song written by Harlan Howard and first recorded by American country music artist Little Jimmy Dickens in 1965. Mel Tillis recorded it in 1967 and released it as a single in February and was his seventh chart entry. Ricky Van Shelton would also later record it and release it as a single. It was the fourth single released from his debut album, Wild-Eyed Dream. Released in late 1987, It was his second number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) chart in early 1988.