About the song
“Takes A Lot To Rock You” by Dwight Yoakam: A Country Twang with a Touch of Blues
Dwight Yoakam, with his signature honky-tonk sound and distinctive baritone, has carved a unique niche for himself in the country music scene. One of his standout tracks, “Takes A Lot To Rock You”, is a prime example of his ability to blend traditional country elements with a rockabilly edge. Released in 1990 as part of his album If There Was a Way, this song offers a playful yet poignant exploration of love, desire, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship.
Right from the opening notes, the song establishes a lively and upbeat tempo. Yoakam’s vocals are full of character, conveying a sense of both frustration and determination. The lyrics, penned by Yoakam himself, paint a vivid picture of a man struggling to satisfy a demanding lover. Lines like, “It takes a lot to rock you baby / You make me crawl the extra mile”, highlight the effort he’s putting into the relationship.
The song’s arrangement is equally impressive. The driving rhythm, combined with the twangy guitar and pedal steel, creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The backing vocals add a layer of complexity, enhancing the song’s overall impact.
Beyond its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Takes A Lot To Rock You” offers a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships. The song suggests that love can sometimes be a demanding and challenging endeavor. Yet, despite the hardships, the protagonist remains committed to his partner.
“Takes A Lot To Rock You” is more than just a catchy country tune; it’s a testament to Dwight Yoakam’s talent as a songwriter and performer. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and Yoakam’s distinctive style. It remains a fan favorite and a standout track in his impressive discography.
Video
Lyrics
Takes a lot to rock you babyIt takes a lot to make you smileIt takes a lot to rock you babyYou make me crawl the extra mileSo much for wishful thinkingSo much for beginner’s luckIt takes a lot to rock you babyWhen it comes to love you’re double-toughIt takes a lot to rock you babyIt takes a lot to make you smileIt takes a lot to rock you babyYou make me crawl the extra mileLittle things that used to please youAre all the things that I do wrongIt takes a lot to rock you babyTried my damnedest all night longMy baby drives a big Rolls Royce‘Cause my baby says she got no choiceMy baby wears big ol’ diamond ringsCause my baby says she needs them thingsTakes a lot to rock you babyIt takes a lot to make you smileIt takes a lot to rock you babyYou make me crawl the extra mileTakes a lot to rock you babyTakes a lot to make you smileTakes a lot to rock you babyYou make me crawl the extra mileTakes a lot to rock you babyTakes a lot to make you smileTakes a lot to rock you babyYou make me crawl the extra mileTakes a lot to rock you babyTakes a lot to make you smileTakes a lot to rock you babyTakes a lot to make you smile