Signed to DreamWorks Records Nashville in 1998, Keith released his breakthrough single "How Do You Like Me Now?!" in late 1999. This song, the title track to his 1999 album of the same name, was the #1 country song of 2000, and one of several chart-toppers during his tenure on DreamWorks Nashville. His next three albums, Pull My Chain, Unleashed, and Shock'n Y'all, produced three more #1's each, and all of the albums were certified 4× Platinum. A second Greatest Hits package followed in 2004, and after that, he released Honkytonk University.
When DreamWorks closed in 2005, Keith founded the label Show Dog Nashville, which merged with Universal South Records to become Show Dog-Universal Music in December 2009. He has released ten studio albums through Show Dog/Show Dog-Universal: 2006's White Trash with Money, 2007's Big Dog Daddy, 2008's That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, 2009's American Ride, 2010's Bullets in the Gun, 2011's Clancy's Tavern, 2012's Hope on the Rocks, 2013's Drinks After Work, 2015's 35 MPH Town, 2017's The Bus Songs, and 2021's Peso in My Pocket, as well as the compilation 35 Biggest Hits in 2008. Keith also made his acting debut in 2006, starring in the film Broken Bridges, and co-starred with comedian Rodney Carrington in the 2008 film Beer for My Horses, inspired by his song of the same name. On February 5th, 2024, Toby passed away from a 3 year battle with Stomach Cancer.
Don't Leave I Think I Love You
Toby Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't leave, I think I love you
I just saw the rest of my life, honey you're in it
Won't you hear what I say, give me a minute
Don't leave, I think I love you
I know you think I'm crazy, And you probably should
I wouldn't make this up, I couldn't dream this good
I haven't heard last call, would you like to dance?
I've been sitting here waiting on you all night
Why don't you give me that old good-to-go green light
Am I coming on strong, baby movin' kinda fast
I'm rushing along but at least I gotta ask
I couldn't live with myself if you got away
I'm a love sick puppy, baby what do you say?
[Chorus]
It's late and been a long night, you're tired I know
Aw, don't break my heart, baby please don't go
It Ain't the shikey talkin', ain't this neon light
You see I've fallen stone-cold in love at first sight
Gonna cut to the chase, baby get right to it
I got a lot to say and a short time to do it
Aw, Don't walk away honey I'm just trying to
Aw... listen to me talkin', I'm a babblin' fool
[Chorus]
Really baby, don't leave
I think I love you
I know you think I'm crazy, and you probably should
I wouldn't make this up, I couldn't dream this good
In Toby Keith's song "Don't Leave I Think I Love You," the singer is trying to convince someone they've just met not to leave because they believe they've found the love of their life. The singer saw the rest of their life with this person in it and is begging for a minute of their time to hear them out. The lyrics depict someone who is coming on strong and may be moving too fast, but they're taking a chance and risking it all for love.
As the song continues, the singer gets more desperate, telling the person not to break their heart and that they're not just talking because of alcohol and the ambience. They reveal that it's love at first sight, and they have a lot to say in a short amount of time. They ask the person not to walk away and listen to them talk because they're a "babbling fool." Ultimately, the chorus repeats the plea to stay, asking the person to give them a chance because they think they love them.
Overall, the song portrays the fear and desperation in realizing you've met someone special and trying to convince them to stay despite the risks. The singer is vulnerable and open about their feelings, and though the song is upbeat, it carries a sense of urgency and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't leave, I think I love you
I don't want you to leave, because I believe that I am falling in love with you.
I just saw the rest of my life, honey you're in it
I can see my future and you are a big part of it, my love.
Won't you hear what I say, give me a minute
Please listen to what I have to say and give me a chance to express my feelings to you.
I know you think I'm crazy, And you probably should
I understand that you may think I am acting irrationally, but I cannot deny my feelings for you.
I wouldn't make this up, I couldn't dream this good
These feelings are real and even if I tried to make them up, I could never imagine something this perfect.
Now baby Don't tell me that I missed my chance
Please don't say it's too late for us, let me try to win your heart.
I haven't heard last call, would you like to dance?
It's not too late for us to start something new, would you be interested in being with me?
I've been sitting here waiting on you all night
I have been waiting for this moment to talk to you all night, hoping you feel the same way.
Why don't you give me that old good-to-go green light
If you feel the same way, why not give me a signal and let's start this new journey together.
Am I coming on strong, baby movin' kinda fast
I am aware that I may be overwhelming you with my feelings, but I cannot contain my excitement for what we could be.
I'm rushing along but at least I gotta ask
I am moving quickly, but I do not want to miss my chance with you so I must ask.
I couldn't live with myself if you got away
If I let this opportunity slip by and you leave me, I will be heartbroken and full of regret.
I'm a love sick puppy, baby what do you say?
I am completely infatuated with you and I am hoping you feel the same way, will you give me a chance?
It's late and been a long night, you're tired I know
I understand it's getting late and you may be tired, but I cannot leave without telling you how I feel.
Aw, don't break my heart, baby please don't go
Please don't crush my heart by leaving me without giving me a chance to express my feelings.
You see I've fallen stone-cold in love at first sight
From the moment I lay my eyes on you, I knew I was in love with you.
Gonna cut to the chase, baby get right to it
I am going to be direct and straightforward, no beating around the bush.
Aw, Don't walk away honey I'm just trying to
Please don't leave, I just want to try and win your love.
Aw... listen to me talkin', I'm a babblin' fool
I know I may be rambling and not making complete sense, but I just cannot contain my emotions for you anymore.
Really baby, don't leave
I am begging you, please don't leave me without giving me a chance to prove my love for you.
Lyrics © Tokeco Tunes, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ronnie Dunn, Toby Keith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind