Dwight Yoakam – I Want You To Want Me

About the song

Dwight Yoakam’s country rock rendition of “I Want You To Want Me” is a fascinating blend of traditional country and the high-energy rock of Cheap Trick. Yoakam’s version, released in 2000 on his album Tomorrow’s Sounds Today, breathes new life into this classic rock anthem, giving it a distinctly country twang while retaining its raw energy.

Originally popularized by Cheap Trick, “I Want You To Want Me” is a song about desire, longing, and the intensity of romantic pursuit. Yoakam’s interpretation, however, brings a different nuance to the table. His deep, resonant voice and the accompanying pedal steel guitar give the song a sense of yearning that is both familiar and fresh. The lyrics, filled with raw emotion and a sense of desperation, are given a new depth through Yoakam’s gritty delivery.

Yoakam’s decision to cover this particular song is intriguing. While it might seem like an unusual choice for a country artist, it speaks to his eclectic musical tastes and his willingness to experiment with different genres. His version of the song showcases his versatility as an artist and his ability to make a song his own.

The music video for Yoakam’s version of “I Want You To Want Me” further underscores the song’s raw energy and emotional intensity. The video features Yoakam performing the song in a variety of settings, from a dusty desert road to a smoky honky-tonk. The visuals perfectly complement the song’s themes of longing and desire.

Yoakam’s “I Want You To Want Me” is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the versatility of the country genre. It’s a song that has been covered by countless artists, but Yoakam’s version stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of country music, rock, or both, this is a song that is sure to resonate with you.

Video

Lyrics

And I want you to want me
Yeah, I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me, hey yeah
I’m beggin’ you to beg me
And I want you to want me
I need you to need me
Yeah, I’d love you to love me

I’ll shine up the old brown shoes
I’ll put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry
Yeah, feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry

And I want you to want me
Yeah, I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
Hey, I’m beggin’ you to beg me

I’ll shine up the old brown shoes
Put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry
Yeah, feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry

I’ll shine up the old brown shoes
Put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry
Yeah, feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
Hear you cry

And I want you to want me
Yeah, I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
Oh, I want you to want me