Self-Expression Takes Center Stage In “I Wanna Talk About Me” By Toby Keith

On August 20, 2001, Toby Keith released “I Wanna Talk About Me” as the second single from his album Pull My Chain. 

The song became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It also experienced triumph on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at No. 3. It remains today as one of the most well-known and enduring hits by Toby Keith.

The Meaning Behind The Song 

Written by Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Braddock, “I Wanna Talk About Me” tells the story of a frustrated man who finds it nearly impossible to sneak in a single word in the midst of his chatty partner’s self-centered monologues.

The country songwriter and record producer shared a glimpse of how the song came to life in an interview with Rolling Stone. Braddock said that two sparks of inspiration ignited the creation of “I Wanna Talk About Me.” 

First, there’s Braddock’s very good friend, whose workload doubled after her assistant got fired. Whenever Braddock called her up, this was all she’d talk about. Despite his attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere, she kept circling back to it. Braddock even played “I Wanna Talk About Me” over the phone, but she didn’t say anything.

The other inspiration was the hotshot then-young singer Blake Shelton. Yes, you read that right! 

Braddock originally penned the song for Shelton, who had just unveiled his debut album earlier in the same year. “So, I thought, ‘I need to write a country rap song for Blake,’” Braddock said. “I wanted to write something about my friend and her loquaciousness, so I thought I would turn it into a rap thing.”

However, Shelton’s record label hesitated, thinking a country-rap fusion was too daring for a rising star. They eventually turned down the song.

Braddock then shifted his attention to Keith, who, at that point in his career, had created a confidently smug persona. Keith took the risk and released the song.

So, dive into Toby Keith‘s chart-topping hit, “I Wanna Talk About Me.” Explore the catchy lyrics, the humor-infused narrative, and the success that made it a country music favorite by playing the video below.