About the song
“I Wanna Talk About Me” is a lively country song by Toby Keith, released as the second single from his 2001 album *Pull My Chain*. Written by Bobby Braddock, a seasoned songwriter known for classics like “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the song became Keith’s seventh number one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
The song was initially intended for Blake Shelton’s debut album, but after negative feedback from audience testing, Shelton’s label decided not to include it. Braddock then pitched the song to Toby Keith, who had previously shown interest in similar styles of music. Keith recognized the potential in the song’s playful, rhythmically spoken verses and decided to record it.
“I Wanna Talk About Me” stands out for its country-rap style, a blend of strong beats and spoken lyrics that give it a unique edge. The song’s narrative humorously captures a man’s frustration with his partner’s tendency to dominate conversations about herself. The catchy chorus highlights the singer’s occasional desire to shift the focus to himself, with the memorable line, “I like talking about you, you, you, you, usually / But occasionally / I wanna talk about me.”
Critics had mixed reactions. Billboard praised Keith’s delivery, noting his ability to connect with listeners through his personality. On the other hand, some critics, like Stephen Thomas Erlewine, considered the song a weak point on the album. Despite the varying opinions, the music video, directed by Michael Salomon, was well-received for its humor and showcased Keith in various entertaining roles, from a police officer to a surgeon.
The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number 51 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reaching number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its broad appeal and lasting impact. “I Wanna Talk About Me” remains a notable part of Toby Keith’s musical legacy, celebrated for its catchy tune and clever lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Yeah, yeah
That’s right
We talk about your work, how your boss is a jerk
We talk about your church, and your head when it hurts
We talk about the troubles you been having with your brother
About your daddy and your mother and your crazy ex-lover
We talk about your friends, and the places that you’ve been
We talk about your skin and the devils on your chin
The polish on your toes and the run in your hose
And god knows we’re gonna talk about your clothes
You know talking about you makes me smile
But every once in a while
I wanna talk about me, wanna talk about i
Wanna talk about number one, oh my, me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you, you, you, you usually
But occasionally, I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me)
We talk about your dreams, and we talk about your schemes
Your high school team and your moisturizing cream
We talk about your nanny up in Muncie, Indiana
We talk about your grandma down in Alabama
We talk about your guys of every shape and size
The ones that you despise and the ones you idolize
We talk about your heart, ’bout your brain and your smarts
And your medical charts and when you start
You know talking about you makes me grin
But every now and then
I wanna talk about me, wanna talk about i
Wanna talk about number one, oh my, me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you, you, you, you usually
But occasionally, I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me, me)
You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you
I wanna talk about me
I wanna talk about me, wanna talk about i
Wanna talk about number one, oh my, me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you, you, you, you usually
But occasionally, I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me)
I wanna talk about me (me, me, me, me)
Oh, me (me, me, me, me