Toby Keith – That’s Not How It Is

About the song

That’s Not How It Is: A Country Ballad of Love Lost and Regret

In the realm of country music, Toby Keith stands as a towering figure, a true American icon. His music, a blend of traditional country twang and modern sensibilities, has resonated with audiences for decades, earning him a devoted fan base and numerous accolades. Among his many hits, “That’s Not How It Is” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the heartache and regret of a love gone astray.

Released in 2002, “That’s Not How It Is” is a prime example of Keith’s songwriting prowess. The lyrics, penned by Keith himself along with Scotty Emerick, paint a vivid picture of a relationship that has lost its spark. The narrator, haunted by memories of happier times, laments the distance that has grown between him and his lover. The song’s title, a repeated refrain, serves as a stark reminder of the idealized past and the harsh realities of the present.

Keith’s delivery of the lyrics is nothing short of masterful. His voice, imbued with a world-weariness that belies his youthful years, conveys the depth of the narrator’s pain. The song’s melody, a slow and melancholic dirge, perfectly complements the lyrics, creating an atmosphere of palpable sadness.

“That’s Not How It Is” is more than just a country song; it’s a universal tale of love lost and the lingering pain of regret. Keith’s ability to tap into these emotions with such authenticity has made the song a touchstone for many, a reminder that even in the face of heartbreak, there is beauty to be found.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. It has become a staple of Keith’s live performances, always eliciting a chorus of sing-alongs from the audience. “That’s Not How It Is” is a country classic, a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.

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Lyrics

“That’s Not How It Is”

 

I woke up in bed last night when something came upon me
I was not lying there alone but I’ve never felt so lonely
Something’s come between us, girl feels like we’ve hit a wall
How can I know just how you feel when we don’t touch at all

This no communication thing is quickly growing old
This isolation booth I’m in is dark and turning cold
I used to steal your breath away with just one little kiss
Me and you, we were so in love back then, but that’s not how it is

I’d catch moonlight in a bottle if we could drink a toast to happiness
Fill my pickup bed with roses and back it right up to your door
I’d write your name in candy kisses from here to Carolina
If you change your mind and love me like before, but that’s not how it is

I have tossed and turned and rolled it over in my mind
Not knowing all the questions make the answers hard to find
I think I’ve covered everything, but still there’s something that I’ve missed
I used to read you, baby, like a book, but that’s not how it is

I’d catch moonlight in a bottle if we could drink a toast to happiness
Fill my pickup bed with roses and back it right up to your door
Write your name in candy kisses from here to Carolina
If you change your mind and love me like before, but that’s not how it is

You know I’d write your name in candy kisses from here to Carolina
If you change your mind and love me like before, but that’s not how it is

Oh, no, that’s not how it is
I woke up in bed last night when something came upon me
And I’ve never been so lonely
That’s not how it is