I Don’t Even Know Your Name – Alan Jackson

Introduction:

“I Don’t Even Know Your Name” by Alan Jackson was released in May 1995 as the final single from his album Who I Am. The song is a lighthearted, humorous tale co-written by Jackson along with Ron Jackson and Andy Loftin. Initially, Jackson wrote it as a joke upon the request of his family members during a tour in 1993. However, after sharing the demo with relatives, it gained so much attention that it was eventually included in the album.

The song’s story revolves around a man who becomes smitten with a waitress while sitting in a roadhouse, though his initial waitress is missing a front tooth. After drinking too much, he wakes up to find himself married to the wrong waitress, never learning her name. This humorous and somewhat absurd situation is captured through both the lyrics and the playful music video, which starred comedian Jeff Foxworthy.

The song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached number one in Canada on the RPM Country Tracks chart. It became a signature part of Jackson’s catalog, blending his traditional country style with his love for storytelling.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I Don’t Even Know Your Name”

Well I was sitting in a roadhouse down on Highway 41
You were wiping off some ketchup on a table that was done
I knew you didn’t see me, I was in a corner booth
Of course you weren’t my waitress, mine was missing her front tooth
So I flagged you down for coffee, but I couldn’t say a thing
But I’m in love with you, baby, and I don’t even know your nameI’m in love with you baby, I don’t even know your name
I’ve never been too good with all those sexual games
So maybe it’s just better if we leave it this way
I’m in love with you, baby, and I don’t even know your name

So I ordered straight tequila, a little courage in a shot
And I asked you for a date and then I asked to tie the knot
I got a little wasted, yeah, I went a little far
I finally got to hug you when you helped me to my car
The last thing I remember I heard myself say
I’m in love with you, baby, and I don’t even know your name

I’m in love with you baby, I don’t even know your name
I’ve never been too good with all those sexual games
So maybe it’s just better if we leave it this way
I’m in love with you, baby, and I don’t even know your name

The next thing I remember, I was hearing wedding bells
Standing by a woman in a long white lacy veil
I raised the veil and she smiled at me without her left front tooth
And I said where the hell am I and just who the hell are you?
She said, I was your waitress and our last name’s now the same
‘Cause I’m married to you, baby, and I don’t even know your name

Yeah, I’m married to a waitress, I don’t even know her name
I’ve never been too good at all those sexual games
I never thought my love life would quite turn out this way
Hey, I’m married to a waitress and I don’t even know her name