Introduction:
Toby Keith’s “Little Miss Tear Stain” is a poignant country ballad that explores the emotional turmoil of a young girl navigating a broken home. Released in 2013 on Keith’s album Drinks After Work, the song quickly resonated with listeners, becoming a chart-topping hit.
While not achieving the same level of commercial success as some of Keith’s other singles, “Little Miss Tear Stain” stands out for its portrayal of a child’s perspective on family dysfunction. This theme, though not widely explored in mainstream country music, struck a chord with audiences and helped solidify Keith’s reputation as a songwriter who could tackle difficult subjects with honesty and empathy.
The song itself is credited to three writers: Toby Keith, Dean Dillon, and Terry McCarver. Keith, a well-established country music star by the time of the song’s release, is known for his gruff vocals and often patriotic anthems. However, “Little Miss Tear Stain” showcases a softer side of his artistry, with his vocals conveying a gentleness that complements the song’s melancholic tone.
Dean Dillon is a legendary country music songwriter who has penned hits for artists like George Strait, Kenny Rogers, and Vince Gill. His contribution to “Little Miss Tear Stain” is evident in the song’s well-crafted lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of the young girl’s emotional state and the strained relationship between her parents.
Terry McCarver rounds out the songwriting team. A frequent collaborator with Keith, McCarver has co-written many of the singer’s most successful songs, including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “How Do You Like Me Now?”. McCarver’s influence on “Little Miss Tear Stain” can likely be heard in the song’s relatable themes and its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Produced by Scotty Emerick, a Grammy Award-winning music producer known for his work in the country music genre, “Little Miss Tear Stain” benefits from a polished yet understated production style. The instrumentation focuses on acoustic guitar and piano, allowing Keith’s vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics to take center stage.
While “Little Miss Tear Stain” may not be one of Toby Keith’s most commercially successful songs, it remains a powerful and affecting ballad. Its exploration of childhood heartache and the resilience of the human spirit continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a gem within Toby Keith’s expansive discography.
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Lyrics:
“Little Miss Tear Stain”
You say you hate me,
You don’t love me,
You don’t ever wanna hear from me again
You’ve had time to think about it,
After all look at how long it’s beenYou have second thoughts,
I wouldn’t know it,
‘Cause I ain’t heard a word since you went away
I’m gonna find out,
Next time I see you
Think I’m gonna walk right up to you and say,Sweet little miss tear stain,
Would you entertain,
The thought of maybe having it all?
Could we ever get back together,
Or is never still a good time to call?Are you still hot, girl, as a firecracker?
‘Cause you were smokin’ when you pulled out
I know hell ain’t freezin’ over,
But it might be chillin’ out by nowSweet little miss tear stain,
Would you even entertain,
The thought of maybe having it all?
Could we ever get back together,
Or is never still a good time to call?Yeah, could we ever get back together?
Or is never still a good time to call?I’ll call you up baby,
Oh yeah.