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Introduction:

“Time That It Would Take” by Toby Keith is a reflective ballad from his 2008 album That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy. The song diverges from Keith’s typical style, offering an introspective look at time, memories, and relationships. With a mid-tempo melody and subtle acoustic arrangement, Keith’s lyrics delve into the passage of time and the choices made throughout life. He contrasts carefree childhood moments with the demands of adulthood, touching on themes of missed connections and the struggle to balance career and personal life.

The song’s lyrics explore a narrative where the protagonist reflects on what could have been if they had taken more time to nurture relationships. This regret, however, is met with a sense of resolve, as Keith suggests that, in the time it would take to dwell on the past, one could instead make new memories and cherish the present. This balance between reflection and optimism has resonated with listeners, showcasing Keith’s versatility as an artist who can craft both rowdy anthems and thoughtful ballads.

Released as part of a period when Keith’s music was becoming more nuanced, “Time That It Would Take” shows his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. While the song doesn’t dwell on specifics, its universal themes allow listeners to relate their own experiences to the bittersweet reminder to make the most of time with loved ones.

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Lyrics:

“Time That It Would Take”

Forget about my crazy days
Forget about my checkered past
What’s all this Interrogatin?
Baby, forget about that
You don’t want to ask no questions
You don’t know the answers to
You might wish that I was lying
Once you heard the brutal truth
I can think a thousand things i’d rather do with youIn the time that it would take me to explain the way I am
Honey I could be well on my way to being your new man
We could waste the day away digging up my buried bones
Or you could turn it up and shake it, shake it all night long
I could rationalize and apologize and justify my way right in your door
But in the time that it would take me to tell you where i’ve been
Honey I could take you places you ain’t never been before

Yeah come on girl now don’t you judge me
Come on girl cut me some slack
Once I get you where i’m going baby you’ll come on back
You and me are gas and matches
You and me could take this town
Light it up and get her smokin’
You and me could burn it down
Or you could get all hung up on
How much i’ve been around

In the time that it would take me to explain the way I am
Honey I could be well on my way to being your new man
We could waste the day away digging up my buried bones
Or you could turn it up and shake it, shake it all night long
I could rationalize and apologize and justify my way right in your door
But in the time that it would take me to tell you where i’ve been
Honey I could take you places you ain’t never been before

Yeah In the time that it would take me to explain the way I am
I could be well on my way to being your new man
We could waste the day away digging up my buried bones
Or you could turn it up and shake it, shake it all night long
I could rationalize and apologize and justify my way right in your door
But in the time that it would take me to tell you where i’ve been
Honey I could take you places you ain’t never been before