Introduction:
“Wish I Didn’t Know Now” is a heartfelt country ballad by Toby Keith, released in February 1994 as the fourth and final single from his self-titled debut album. Written by Keith himself, the song reflects a raw emotional experience, dealing with themes of betrayal, regret, and the yearning to undo painful knowledge. It captures the essence of heartbreak, as the narrator wishes to go back to a time before learning a painful truth about a romantic relationship.
The song performed exceptionally well on the charts, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the United States and number 17 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. Its success helped cement Toby Keith as a significant presence in the country music scene during the early 1990s. The accompanying black-and-white music video, directed by Marc Ball, added to the song’s melancholy tone by showing Keith reflecting on the past in a somber, rainy setting.
Over the years, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” has become one of Toby Keith’s signature songs, symbolizing his storytelling prowess and ability to convey deep emotional struggles through his music. Even decades later, the song remains a favorite among fans, underscoring Keith’s enduring influence in country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Wish I Didn’t Know Now”
I never ask you where your goin’,
I never ask you where you’ve been
I’ve never called and checked your story,
When you stayed out with all your freinds
I’ve never tried to catch you lyin’,
I didn’t want to know the truth
I’d rather go on lovin’ blind girl,
Than go on lovin’ without youI wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then
I wish I could start this whole thing over again
I’m not sayin’ it’s you,
You could never be true
I just don’t wanna know how it ends
You’d still have my heart in the palm of your hands
I’d still look like a fool in front of your freinds
Yeah, I wish somehow I didnt know now what I didn’t know thenI’ve always said what I don’t know
Couldn’t hurt as bad as leavin’ you
Turns out I knew what I was thinkin’,
It ain’t an easy thing to do,
Well I guess I should be goin’
I sure found out too much to stay,
Please don’t say your sorry
I might wait another dayI wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then
I wish I could start this whole thing over again
I’m not sayin’ it’s you,
You could never be true
I just don’t wanna know how it ends
You’d still have my heart in the palm of your hands
I’d still look like a fool in front of your freinds
Yeah, I wish somehow I didnt know now what I didn’t know thenYou’d still have my heart in the palm of your hand
I’d still look like a fool in front of your freinds
Yeah, I wish somehow I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then
Yeah, I wish somehow I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then