The Greatest Oldies Music

Country

Toby Keith – High Maintenance Woman

Toby Keith and daughter Krystal during 38th Annual Country Music Awards - Show at Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

About the Song

Toby Keith, the country music king of blue-collar anthems and down-home pride, takes a humorous turn with his 2007 song, “High Maintenance Woman”. This lighthearted track, from his album “Big Dog Daddy”, throws a wrench into Keith’s usual persona, portraying him as a man smitten by a woman who might be a little, well, out of his league.

The song opens with a playful guitar riff, setting the stage for a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the challenges of dating someone with expensive tastes. Keith, known for his rugged individualism, confesses his hesitation: “I ain’t asked her out yet ’cause I don’t know if I can. You see a high maintenance woman. Don’t want no maintenance man, man.”

“High Maintenance Woman” is all about the playful tension between desire and practicality. Keith can’t deny his attraction, but the constant implication is that her lifestyle might not mesh with his. He humorously describes her as a “beauty queen,” hinting at a glamorous world he might not be comfortable navigating.

The catchy chorus emphasizes the woman’s high standards: “Ain’t no high maintenance woman. Gonna fall for a maintenance man, no.” Keith playfully portrays himself as the antithesis of what she might seek, a “maintenance man” who might struggle to keep up with her demands.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the song offers a relatable scenario. Many people have encountered someone they’re interested in but whose lifestyle seems incompatible. “High Maintenance Woman” taps into that feeling of being out of your depth, but with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

“High Maintenance Woman” may not be one of Keith’s most profound songs, but it’s a fun and relatable listen. It showcases his ability to deliver a catchy melody with a wink and a smile, proving that even the toughest cowboys can get a little flustered by love.

Toby Keith during The 36th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards - Show at Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, United States.

Video 

Lyrics: High Maintenance Woman 

[Verse 1]

I see her layin’ by the poolside every day
She ain’t got a lot on
She ain’t got a lot to say

[Verse 2]

She wouldn’t look my way
But buddy, what do you expect
I’m just the fix-it-up boy at the apartment complex

[Pre Chorus]

And she’ll go out dancin’ ’bout 7:15
Climb into the back of a long limosine
I know where she’s goin’
She’s goin’ downtown
I’m goin’ downtown, too, and take a look around

[Chorus]

See my baby doll
She’s my beauty queen
She’s my movie star
Best I ever seen
I ain’t hooked it up yet
But I’m tryin’ hard as I can
It’s just a high maintenance woman
Don’t want no maintenance man

[Verse 3]

I’m just sittin’ ’round waitin’ on a telephone call
After water pipe exploded in the living room wall
If your washer and dryer in need of repair
You know the handyman’s waitin’
And he’ll be right there

[Pre Chorus]

Twenty-four hours
Seven days a week
If it’s gettin’ clogged up or maybe startin’ to leak
Just ring up my number, baby, give me a try
You know I got all the tools
And I can satisfy

[Chorus 2]

See my baby doll
She’s my beauty queen
She’s my movie star
Best I ever seen
I ain’t asked her out yet
‘Cause I don’t know if I can
You see a high maintenance woman
Don’t want no maintenance man…man

[Tag Chorus]

See my baby doll
She’s my beauty queen
She’s my movie star
Best I ever seen
I ain’t hooked it up yet
But I’m tryin’ hard as I can
It’s just a high maintenance woman
Don’t want no maintenance man
Ain’t no high maintenance woman
Gonna fall for a maintenance man…no

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