Introduction:
Keith, a vocalist with a smooth baritone and a knack for crafting relatable narratives, rose to prominence in the early 90s. By the time “Every Night” hit the airwaves, he was already a bonafide country star. The song, co-written by Keith himself alongside Scotty Emerick, showcased a softer side to his persona, a departure from his usual rowdy anthems.
“Every Night” isn’t a chart-topping smash, but it’s a song that resonated deeply with fans. It’s a quiet storm of a ballad, built on a bed of simple instrumentation – a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, a steady drumbeat, and the occasional mournful wail of a pedal steel guitar. Producer James Stroud, known for his work with artists like Garth Brooks and Wynonna Judd, keeps the arrangement uncluttered, allowing the focus to remain squarely on Keith’s vocals and the emotional core of the song.
Thematically, “Every Night” delves into the aftermath of a broken heart. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman still reeling from a past relationship. She’s understandably cautious about opening herself up to love again, carrying the scars of past heartache. The song doesn’t dwell on bitterness or anger, though. There’s a sense of quiet hopefulness that permeates the lyrics.
“Every Night” showcases Keith’s storytelling prowess. He doesn’t tell the listener what to feel; he paints a picture with vivid imagery and lets the emotions wash over them. We see the woman through his eyes – her vulnerability, her strength, and her gradual steps towards healing.
The song’s central metaphor is beautifully woven into the fabric of the narrative. “Every Night” refers to both the passage of time and the woman’s emotional journey. With each passing night, she cries “just a little bit less” and “tries just a little bit more.” It’s a subtle shift, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of time to mend even the deepest wounds.
“Every Night” might not be Toby Keith’s most commercially successful song, but it’s a gem for those who appreciate country music’s ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. It’s a testament to the healing power of time, the courage it takes to love again, and the unwavering support of a love waiting to bloom.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Every Night”
Heartaches, she’s had a whole lot of tough breaks
And no one could blame her if she holds out
She’s a little worried to jump right in
She ain’t in a hurry to try again
She’s taking time off from love, but
Every night she cries just a little bit less
And she tries a little bit more
She’s got every right to wait until her heart has healed
And when she’s ready, I’m here and I’m gonna hold her
Inch by inch she gets a little closer to me, every night
She’s mad that she ever loved him
She’s through and she’s had enough of him, but it’s true
He’s gonna take some time gettin’ over
But I don’t mind the waitin’ because I know
She’s worth the time it’s takin’, our love will grow
We’re makin’ it day by day and
Every night she cries just a little bit less
She tries a little bit more
She’s got every right to wait until her heart has healed
And when she’s ready, I’m here and I’m gonna hold her
Inch by inch she gets a little closer to me, every night
Every night she cries just a little bit less
She tries a little bit more
She’s got every right to wait until her heart has healed
And when she’s ready, I’m here and I’m gonna hold her
Inch by inch she gets a little closer to me, every night
Every night
She cries just a little, she tries a little bit more
Every night, every night