About the song
“You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” is a poignant country ballad written and performed by Toby Keith. Released on October 16, 2000, it served as the fourth single from his album “How Do You Like Me Now?!” (1999). The song quickly ascended to the top spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, while also peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
**Music Video**
The music video for “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” was directed by Michael Salomon and premiered on CMT on October 19, 2000. It portrays a narrative where a young man, played by Toby Keith himself, assists an older woman (Tané McClure) in cleaning up after a party. The storyline unfolds with a subtle yet profound connection between them, marked by a simple kiss on the cheek as a gesture of gratitude from the young man. This innocent act triggers a series of emotions and events, including dancing together and moments of shared sadness as the night draws to a close with the realization that he must leave for college the next morning.
In a surprising twist, the video takes a dreamlike turn when it’s revealed that the entire sequence was a daydream. The abrupt awakening from the dream happens as the older woman abruptly hands the young man a bag of garbage to dispose of, breaking the spell of the imagined romance with a matter-of-fact gesture.
**Chart Performance**
Upon its debut on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart at number 62 during the week of October 28, 2000, “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” steadily climbed the charts, eventually securing the top position. Its crossover appeal also saw it charting on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a respectable position at number 32.
The song’s success can be attributed to its emotive storytelling and Keith’s heartfelt delivery, resonating with audiences who appreciated its tender exploration of fleeting moments and unspoken emotions. “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” remains a standout in Toby Keith’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with heartfelt melodies, capturing the essence of heartfelt country music narratives.
Video
Lyrics
I got a funny feelin’
The moment that your lips touched mine
Somethin’ shot right through me
My heart skipped a beat in time
There’s a different feel about you tonight
It’s got me thinkin’ lots of crazy things
I even think I saw a flash of light
It felt like electricity
You shouldn’t kiss me like this, unless you mean it like that
‘Cause I’ll just close my eyes and I won’t know where I’m at
We’ll get lost on this dance floor, spinnin’ around
And around and around and around
They’re all watching us now, they think we’re fallin’ in love
They’d never believe we’re just friends
When you kiss me like this, I think you mean it like that
If you do, baby, kiss me again
Everybody swears we make the perfect pair
But dancing is as far as it goes
Girl, you’ve never moved me
Quite the way you moved me tonight
I just wanted you to know
I just wanted you to know
You shouldn’t kiss me like this, unless you mean it like that
‘Cause I’ll just close my eyes and I won’t know where I’m at
And we’ll get lost on this dance floor, spinning around
And around and around and around
They’re all watching us now, they think we’re fallin’ in love
They’d never believe we’re just friends
When you kiss me like this, I think you mean it like that
If you do, baby, kiss me again
Kiss me again