Introduction:
That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy, released in 2008, is the title track from American country music artist Toby Keith’s twelfth studio album. The album itself was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart and being certified gold by the RIAA. That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy stands out as a quintessential Toby Keith song, both in its lyrical content and musical style.
Keith is a well-known figure in country music, known for his often brash and patriotic anthems. That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy falls into this category, presenting a complex character who pushes boundaries but remains unapologetically himself. This theme resonated with audiences, propelling the song to chart success. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, extending Keith’s long streak of Top 40 hits on that chart.
That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy was written by Keith and Bobby Pinson, a frequent collaborator throughout Keith’s career. The two co-wrote all but three songs on the album of the same name. Keith is also credited as a producer on the album, alongside veteran country music producer Scotty Emerick. Emerick had a long history of working with major country music stars, including Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson. This combination of Keith’s distinct songwriting style and Emerick’s production experience helped shape the sound of That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy.
While the song itself has not received any major awards, it represents an important part of Toby Keith’s discography and his career trajectory. It solidified his status as a country music powerhouse and continues to be a popular choice for fans. That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy is a great example of Keith’s ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience, blending relatable themes with a signature country sound.
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Lyrics:
That don’t make me a bad guyDon’t scar my resumeDon’t you give me a black eyeJudgin’ by my day-to-dayHe’s in love with a heart-to-keyBetter dance on the wild sideI’m only good as I gotta beHey, that don’t make me a bad guyShe’s got whisk in a paper cupCatch a buzz and a supper-upComin’ down with a pot of joeJust leave it off and away I goRunnin’ hard where the money’s goneHappy day and all night longGet a girl with my RomeoYou know it’s wild and it’s adiosThat don’t make me a bad guyDon’t scar my resumeDon’t you give me a black eyeJudgin’ by my day-to-dayHe’s in love with a heart-to-keyBetter dance on the wild sideI’m only good as I gotta beHey, that don’t make me a bad guyAct like a man, I go to workFeel clean in my dirty shirtAin’t got a lot, but I really tryI’ve got it good and I’m gettin’ byYeah, I sought in my daddy’s nameBet momma’s proud and everythingWhen it’s time to make some noiseBoys will be boysThat don’t make me a bad guyDon’t scar my resumeDon’t you give me a black eyeJudgin’ by my day-to-dayHe’s in love with a heart-to-keyBetter dance on the wild sideI’m only good as I gotta beHey, that don’t make me a bad guyBillin’ or an outlawI might kiss you girlAnd catch you with a south pawn andDangers us the tamer is, maybeWe’re just lookin’ for a real good timeYeah, a real good timeYeah!Yeah, that don’t make me a bad guyDon’t scar my resumeDon’t give me a black eyeCall me some kind of regamadeHe’s in love and heart-to-keyBetter dance on the wild sideI’m only good as I gotta beThat don’t make me a bad guyI’m only good as I gotta beThat don’t make me a bad guy