The Meaning Behind The Song: You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This by Toby Keith
Toby Keith’s song “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” was released in 2000 and became an instant hit on country music charts. The song tells a story of a man and a woman who are tempted to give into their attraction, even though they know it’s not right. But what is the deeper meaning behind the song? Let’s explore.
The Story Behind the Song
Toby Keith co-wrote the song with his longtime collaborator, Scotty Emerick. According to Keith, the idea for the song came from a failed relationship he had in his early 20s. He recalls feeling trapped in a relationship with a girl who was not right for him, but he stayed with her anyways.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Keith said, “I wrote the song about a man who is in the wrong relationship but is still tempted by another woman. The guy is probably not a perfect person, but he has feelings like anyone else.”
The song’s music video, directed by Michael Salomon, tells the story of a man and a woman who are attracted to each other but are in relationships with other people. They meet in a bar and start dancing, but they both know they shouldn’t be together. The video ends with the man leaving alone, frustrated and torn.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” are emotional and honest. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song:
“I don’t even know your name
But I love the way you’re talking
Man, your smile ain’t nothing’ but a thing
Ain’t lay no game on you
I just gotta to know,
What’s your name, how you doing?”
Here, the man is already feeling a connection with the woman, even though he doesn’t know her name. He’s attracted to her, but he’s not trying to be suave or charming, like he’s playing a game. He just wants to know more about her.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes from:
“You shouldn’t kiss me like this
Unless you mean it like that
‘Cause I’ll just close my eyes
And I won’t know where I’m at”
The man knows that kissing this woman is not right, but he can’t help himself. He’s so caught up in the moment, he’s willing to disregard any consequences.
The Message
The message behind “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” is clear: attraction and desire can cloud our judgment. Even when we know something is wrong, we still may be tempted to go through with it. The song speaks to the universal feeling of being caught in a situation that we shouldn’t be in, but we can’t help ourselves.
In an interview with CMT, Keith said, “I think all of us, at some point in our lives, get in deep, deep trouble with the opposite sex. We do things we shouldn’t do. That’s what this song is about. It’s about those moments that we all have.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” a true story?
The song may have been inspired by Toby Keith’s own experiences, but it’s not necessarily a true story. Artists often draw on personal experiences or observations to create music that resonates with their audience.
2. Who wrote “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This”?
Toby Keith co-wrote the song with Scotty Emerick, who has co-written many of Keith’s hits over the years.
3. What is the message of the song?
The song speaks to the universal feeling of being caught in a situation that we shouldn’t be in, but we can’t help ourselves. It’s about the pull of attraction and desire, even when we know it’s not right.
4. What was the reaction to the song when it was released?
“You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” was a hit on country music charts and remains one of Toby Keith’s most popular songs. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002.
5. What is the meaning behind the music video?
The music video for “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” tells the story of a man and a woman who are attracted to each other but are in relationships with other people. They meet in a bar and start dancing, but they both know they shouldn’t be together. The video ends with the man leaving alone, frustrated and torn.
6. What is Toby Keith’s inspiration for writing music?
Toby Keith often draws from his personal experiences and observations to write music. He has said that many of his songs are inspired by relationships, both romantic and otherwise.
7. What other hit songs has Toby Keith recorded?
Toby Keith has recorded many hit songs over the years, including “Red Solo Cup,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!”.
8. What style of music does Toby Keith play?
Toby Keith is a country music artist, but his music often blends elements of rock and pop.
9. What is Toby Keith’s background?
Toby Keith was born in Oklahoma and grew up in a family of musicians. He began playing music as a child and eventually moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music.
10. Does Toby Keith still perform “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” live?
Yes, Toby Keith still performs “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” live, and it remains a fan favorite at his concerts.
11. Has “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” been covered by other artists?
The song has been covered by several other country music artists, including American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and country duo Dan + Shay.
12. What is Toby Keith up to now?
Toby Keith continues to perform and record music, and he also has business interests in the restaurant and alcohol industries. In 2021, he released a new album titled “Peso in My Pocket.”
In conclusion, “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” is a timeless song that speaks to the universal experience of being caught in a situation where attraction and desire cloud our judgment. The song’s emotional lyrics and catchy melody resonate with listeners, and it continues to be a hit on country music charts. Toby Keith’s music has a way of touching the hearts of his fans, and this particular song is no exception.
