Introduction:
“I Can’t Take You Anywhere” by Toby Keith is a humorous and playful track featured on his 2001 album Pull My Chain. Co-written by Keith and frequent collaborator Scotty Emerick, the song portrays the amusing frustrations of a relationship where one partner is constantly causing trouble in public, making even simple outings unpredictable. The song’s lyrics bring a lighthearted take on love’s quirks, tapping into Keith’s talent for blending humor with relatable scenarios.
Released during a period of personal significance for Keith, Pull My Chain was dedicated to his late father, H.K. Covel, who passed away shortly before the album’s release. This album, which became a commercial success, also represents Keith’s attempt to infuse some levity and resilience into his work during a challenging time. Pull My Chain performed well on the charts and achieved double-platinum certification, underscoring Keith’s strong presence in the early 2000s country music scene.
While “I Can’t Take You Anywhere” wasn’t released as a single, it has become a fan favorite, noted for its catchy melody and humorous storytelling. Interestingly, Scotty Emerick, who co-wrote the song, recorded his own version in 2003, giving the song a dual perspective and a special place in both artists’ repertoires. This track exemplifies Keith’s knack for capturing everyday relationship dynamics with wit and charm, making it a memorable piece on an album filled with hits.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Can’t Take You Anywhere”
It’s hard for me to believe sometimes that you’re really gone
I tuck your memory away in that special hiding place
Hoping no one could tell by the look on my face
That you’re still in my heart, always on my mind
Part of my everyday
Like just last night I went out for a bite
I tried to have fun with all of my might
But even the laughter, it wasn’t much of a break
‘Cause right in the middle of my salad and steak
Bobby Joe walked in with a couple of friends
And said, “Hey have you heard from her at all man like
Where’s she been?”And it, struck a nerve
And it, hit a vein
You’d think from all the tears I cried
And this broken-hearted pain
I wouldn’t have to carry you around with me
But it seems like everywhere I go
Somebody wants to know where you’ve been
Are you comin’ back again, I swear
I can’t take you anywhere
So I left all alone, just headed back home
As I listened to the messages on my telephone
There was one from my sister
And one from an old friend
He said, “I drove by your house tonight dude but
You weren’t in
Just checkin’ up on you boy, I hope you’re doin’ alright
Oh by the way man, I seen her last night
And it, struck a nerve
And it, hit a vein
You’d think from all the tears I cried
And this broken-hearted pain
I wouldn’t have to carry you around with me
But it seems like everywhere I go
Somebody wants to know where you’ve been
Are you comin’ back again, I swear
I can’t take you anywhere
I swear, I can’t take you
Just can’t take you
I can’t take you anywhere
I can’t take you anywhere
I can’t take you anywhere
I can’t take you anywhere