Throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties Dottie pumped out chart toppers like no other. she was selling out concerts, selling millions of records, staring in movies, winning Grammies, Clieos and any other kind of awards you can think of. There is no doubt that the little girl from Tennessee came a long way. Dottie West earned herself the respect of everyone in the music industry and countless fans. If not for her music, most people remember her for either her stage presence or overall good nature. She was always looking out for others and going out of her way to do things for fans, family and friends. Despite Dottie's constant chart presence and sold out concerts her foundation fell out from under her when she discovered that she was a victim of a sneaky accountant and was overpowered by the IRS to give up all she owned. And ALL is ALL. The list of Dottie's personal momentous included the rights to all her music (I believe she wrote well over 400). All Dottie did was look out for others and this is how she was treated...disgusting if you ask me! But Dottie had dignity and started to rebuild her empire.
On august 30, 1991 Dottie was scheduled to appear at The Grand Old Opry. Her car broke down and, determined to keep her promise, she flagged down a passing driver and got a ride. On the way the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Battered, beaten and suffering from the wreck, Dottie pulled the driver from the car herself. She died due to injuries from the accident days later while in the hospital.
Touch Me
Dottie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That look in your eyes pulls me apart
Don't open the door to heaven if I can't come in
Don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
Your kiss is like a drink when I'm thirsty and I'm thirsty for you with all my heart
But please don't love me then act as though we've never kissed
No don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
Don't give me something that you might take away
Don't open the door to heaven if I can't come in
Oh don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
Don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
In Dottie West’s classic country ballad “Touch Me,” she sings about the power of physical touch in a relationship. The lyrics describe how her lover’s touch, kiss, and gaze make her feel alive and fulfilled, but also the fear of getting hurt and losing all this love. The opening line, “Your hand is like a torch each time you touch me,” creates a vivid image of the intensity of the touch, suggesting that it sets her on fire with desire. However, the chorus delivers a warning to the lover: “Don't open the door to heaven if I can't come in/Don't touch me if you don't love me, sweetheart.” West is saying that the pleasure of physical contact is not worth it unless the love is genuine and committed.
The next verse emphasizes the contrast between her thirst for love and the pain of being rejected. “Your kiss is like a drink when I'm thirsty/And I'm thirsty for you with all my heart/But please don't love me then act as though we've never kissed.” She wants to be seen, acknowledged, and appreciated as much as she appreciates her lover. The last verse includes a firm warning against false promises and heartbreak. “Don't give me something that you might take away/To have you then lose you wouldn't be smart on my part.” The repetition of “Don’t touch me if you don’t love me, sweetheart” reinforces the central message of the song: that physical touch should be an expression and extension of genuine love, not a substitute for it.
Overall, “Touch Me” is a poignant reminder of the importance of emotional connection in physical intimacy. It is a plea for honesty, respect, and tenderness, and a rejection of casual or selfish touch. Dottie West’s voice conveys both vulnerability and strength, conveying the pain of past mistakes and the hope of finding a deeper, lasting love.
Line by Line Meaning
Your hand is like a torch each time you touch me
Your touch sets me on fire each time you hold me.
That look in your eyes pulls me apart
The way you look at me is melting my heart.
Don't open the door to heaven if I can't come in
I don't want to be left outside while you enjoy heaven without me.
Don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
Please don't touch me if you don't have true feelings for me.
Your kiss is like a drink when I'm thirsty and I'm thirsty for you with all my heart
Your kiss rejuvenates me as I yearn for you with all my being.
But please don't love me then act as though we've never kissed
Don't use me just for your pleasure if you don't intend to be with me.
No don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
I'm not interested in physical contact with someone who doesn't care for me.
Don't give me something that you might take away
Please don't offer me love if you're not committed to it.
To have you then lose you wouldn't be smart on my part
I would be foolish to take the risk of loving you and then losing you.
Oh don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
I don't want to experience the pain of loving someone who doesn't have the same feeling for me.
Don't touch me if you don't love me sweetheart
I'm not interested in physical touch without emotional connection.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind