Introduction:
Released in 2009 on the album American Ride, Are You Feelin’ Me is a song that showcases Toby Keith’s signature style of country music. Keith, a well-established artist in the genre by the time of the song’s release, is known for his often patriotic lyrics and energetic performances. Are You Feelin’ Me strays slightly from this theme, instead focusing on a passionate and introspective look at a romantic relationship.
Are You Feelin’ Me was not written solely by Keith. He collaborated with two other songwriters, Scotty Emerick and Chris Stapleton. Stapleton, who would go on to achieve his own significant country music success in the later years, brings his own songwriting sensibilities to the table. It is not known exactly how the songwriting credits are divided, but the collaboration resulted in a song that resonated with audiences.
Keith also took on the producer role for Are You Feelin’ Me. Having a strong understanding of his own musical style and what worked for his audience, Keith was likely able to craft the perfect soundscape to complement the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Are You Feelin’ Me proved to be a success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and remained there for four weeks. This reign at the top spot is a testament to the song’s connection with country music listeners. While not achieving the same level of dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Are You Feelin’ Me still managed a respectable showing, peaking at number 24. This crossover appeal demonstrates that the song was able to transcend the typical country music audience.
The reasons for Are You Feelin’ Me’s success are likely multifaceted. The upbeat tempo keeps the song from becoming overly sentimental, and the lyrics, while examining a serious topic, are delivered with a sense of urgency that compels the listener’s attention. Are You Feelin’ Me became a popular choice for playlists and celebrations, its energy infectious and its emotional core relatable.
While Are You Feelin’ Me did not receive any major awards, it did earn Toby Keith a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. This recognition from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences solidified the song’s place as a significant contribution to the country music landscape in 2009.
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Lyrics:
Sometimes I lie awakeStarring at the ceilingI’ll have someone beside meBut she won’t know your nameShe won’t be here longHell she’s almost a memoryYou’ll never be really goneGirl, are you feelin’ me?Do you fall asleep missin’ my kiss in the dark?Wake up the next morning not sure where you are?Is it killin’ you, like it’s killin’ me?Are you lying there, lying to somebody else?Trying to find the one thing I can’t find for myself?When he’s touching you, really touching you,Are you feelin’ me?You ever wish on a star that ain’t fallin’,Hoping you dreams will come true?Pray for the day that you know it’s comin,Well I do, baby I do, baby I doBaby I doDo you fall asleep missin’ my kiss in the dark?Wake up the next morning not sure where you are?Is it killin’ you, like it’s killin’ me?Are you lying there, lying to somebody else?Trying to find the one thing I can’t find for myself?When he’s touching you, really touching you,Are you feelin’ me?Oh, when he’s touching you, are you feelin’ me?Are you feelin’ me?Are you feelin’ me?Oh, are you feelin’ me?Girl, are you feelin’ me?Oh, when he’s touching you