"So Long Self" received positive reception from critics, who praised the song's lyrical hook.

It was listed on Billboard magazine's 2006 year-end Christian Songs and Adult Contemporary charts.

[5] The song is set in the key of A-flat major and has a tempo of 144 beats per minute, with a vocal range spanning from B3 to E5.

Steve Losey of Allmusic commented that "['So Long Self'] has mass appeal musically and lyrically", also opining that "the coolest part about the poppy hook is the ELO type vocals that penetrate the song's middle".

[5] Lauren Summerford of Jesus Freak Hideout stated that "Lead single 'So Long Self' is one of the best tracks Coming Up To Breathe has to offer.

With a lyrical hook sure to have radio listeners singing along, this song finds [Bart] Millard bidding farewell to sinful nature and moving closer to Christ".

[3] Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today commented that "It almost seems like MercyMe is overcompensating to gain artistic credibility with the bouncy single 'So Long Self,' an undeniably catchy breakup song with our sinful nature that echoes [Steven Curtis] Chapman covering The Beatles, going so far as to playfully evoke a carnival in the bridge".

[1] The record was previously forty-five adds, accomplished by the Joy Williams song "Hide" (2005).

The video opens with the members of the band watching a television program of their live soundcheck for a concert.

When the band realizes it cannot possibly be playing a 'live' soundcheck since they are in their tour bus, they exit the vehicle to stop the imposters.

Matt Johnson of Jesus Freak Hideout commented about the video on his review of MercyMe's album 10, noting that "Most people think of serious worshipful songs (such as "I Can Only Imagine" & "Word of God Speak") when they think of MercyMe, but the "So Long Self" video captures a side that most don't think of, their fun side".