Toby Keith – Love Me If You Can (Official Video)

Introduction:

Toby Keith, a stalwart figure in the realm of country music, released “Love Me If You Can” in 2007 as the second single from his album Big Dog Daddy. A departure from his typically assertive and often politically-charged anthems, this track showcased a more introspective side of the Oklahoma native.

Produced by Toby Keith himself, in collaboration with Kyle Lehto, “Love Me If You Can” is a mid-tempo ballad that delves into themes of self-reflection and public perception. The song marked a significant shift in Keith’s discography, as it addressed the criticisms he faced following his 2002 patriotic hit, “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)”. Rather than responding defensively, Keith chose to engage with his critics on a personal level, inviting listeners to understand the complexities of his character beyond the public persona.

Released amidst a time when country music was undergoing significant evolution, “Love Me If You Can” resonated with audiences seeking a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of the genre. While it may not have achieved the same commercial heights as some of Keith’s previous chart-toppers, the song garnered critical acclaim and solidified his status as a versatile artist capable of tackling a wide range of emotions and subject matter.

By exploring vulnerability and introspection, “Love Me If You Can” allowed Toby Keith to connect with fans on a deeper level, demonstrating that even the most outspoken artists possess layers of complexity and humanity.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Love Me If You Can”

Sometimes think the war is necessary
Every night I pray for peace on earth
And I hand down my dollars to the homeless
But believe that every able soul should work

My father gave me my shotgun
That I’ll hand down to my son
Try to teach him everything it means

I’m a man of my convictions
Call me wrong, call me right
But I bring my better angels to every fight
You may not like where I’m goin’
But you sure know where I stand
Hate me if you want to
Love me if you can

I stand by my right to speak freely
But I worry ’bout what kids learn from TV
And before all of debatin’ turns to angry words and hate
Sometimes we should just agree to disagree

And I believe that Jesus
Looks down here and sees us
And if you ask him, he would say