Shouldn't a Told You That
Dixie Chicks Lyrics


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Well he told me that he was tired of being good Well he told me when he'd be alone he told me how long she'd be gone And he told me that she don't treat him like she should I'm only human He shouldn't-a told me that Well she told me that her man was really fine Makes her sorry that she doesn't have more time I'm only human Well she laughed and told me how she gets a little bit just now and then She shouldn't-a told me that My doctor tells me I should get more exercise Temptation is comin' on strong My friends tell me to be alone is so unwise I'm being good but I don't know for how long Well I told you that I saw him yesterday Very sexy, more than that I cannot say And just before I said goodbye I told him with a little sigh I shouldn't-a told him that My friends tell me to be alone is so unwise I'm only human My doctor tells me I should get more exercise I'm being good but I don't know for how long Temptation is comin' on strong Very sexy, more than that I cannot say Well I told you that I saw him yesterday I shouldn't-a told him that And just before I said goodbye I told him with a little sigh I'm only human




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dixie Chicks' song "Shouldn't a Told You That" tell a story of three different people who are struggling with temptation and the risks of being unfaithful. The first verse tells the story of a man who confides in the singer that he is tired of being faithful to his partner, and shares intimate details about their relationship. The second verse features a woman who confides a similar story, this time about her own man. Finally, in the last verse, the singer herself succumbs to temptation and ends up sharing secrets about her own affair. Throughout the song, the idea of being "only human" is repeated, suggesting that everyone is fallible and subject to temptation.


The lyrics of "Shouldn't a Told You That" can be seen as a commentary on the risks and consequences of infidelity. The characters in the song all struggle with the temptation to be with someone else, but ultimately end up causing harm to their relationships and those around them. The repetition of the phrase "I'm only human" suggests that the song is sympathetic to the foibles of human nature, but still recognizes the pain and hurt that can be caused by infidelity.


Overall, Dixie Chicks' "Shouldn't a Told You That" is a thought-provoking exploration of the risks and consequences of infidelity. Through its characters' stories, the song shows that the temptation to cheat is a universal struggle, and that giving in to it can have serious consequences.


Line by Line Meaning

Well he told me that he was tired of being good
He confided in me that he was tired of following the rules and being a good person.


Well he told me when he'd be alone he told me how long she'd be gone
He revealed to me the specific time when his partner would be away and when he would have the opportunity to be with me.


And he told me that she don't treat him like she should
He admitted to me that his partner doesn't treat him the way he deserves to be treated.


I'm only human
I acknowledge that I am a flawed human being and may give in to temptation.


He shouldn't-a told me that
He shouldn't have shared that information with me, knowing the consequences that could follow.


Well she told me that her man was really fine
She told me that her partner is attractive and desirable.


Makes her sorry that she doesn't have more time
She wishes she had more time to spend with her partner and enjoy his company.


Well she laughed and told me how she gets a little bit just now and then
She admitted to me that she occasionally cheats on her partner, and seemed to find it amusing.


She shouldn't-a told me that
She should not have revealed such personal information to me, especially given the risk to her relationship.


My doctor tells me I should get more exercise
My medical professional advised me to engage in physical activity for the betterment of my health.


Temptation is comin' on strong
The urge to give in to temptation is becoming increasingly difficult to resist.


My friends tell me to be alone is so unwise
My friends have cautioned me against being alone and vulnerable to temptation.


I'm being good but I don't know for how long
Although I am currently resisting temptation, I fear that my willpower may not last indefinitely.


Well I told you that I saw him yesterday
I confessed to seeing and being attracted to a person I shouldn't be involved with.


Very sexy, more than that I cannot say
The person I saw was extremely desirable, but I cannot elaborate on the specifics.


And just before I said goodbye I told him with a little sigh
As I parted ways with this person, I couldn't resist expressing my attraction to them with a sigh of longing.


I shouldn't-a told him that
I realize that expressing my attraction was a mistake and may have negative consequences for both of us.


I'm only human
I acknowledge that I am a flawed human being and may make mistakes or give in to temptation.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Ryan Cowan

Can't go wrong with a Walter Hyatt song.

Kevin Morin

Laura on bass has/had the voice and stylization that made me listen to the band when they were country before they went 'libbie'/progressive/pop/bubble gum.

Emilio Rossi

All the hipster country people bumping this

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