Brad Paisley – “I’m Still A Guy”
Songwriters: Kelley Lovelace, Lee Thomas Miller, and Brad Paisley
In Brad Paisley’s world there is nothing more descriptive than a list. I know what you’re thinking, “Like Whitman?” Unfortunately not. Brad’s lists shed no real light on his subject, his lists offer no interesting insights, in fact, his lists seem to serve no real purpose other than to prove that he can, in fact, create lists.
Aside from listing, another technique that Brad has mastered is the old compare and contrast. Brad has learned that pointing out the differences between things proves that you can tell that they aren’t the same. Brad also realizes that this device works best when dealing with two completely opposite things, for example (in Brad’s world) Men and Women.
By the way, haven’t you heard? Men and women are so different that it’s like they are practically from two different planets! Brad, being so plugged into current trends in thought, has decided, along with fellow travelers Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller, to write a song about men, women, and how they seem to be from mutually exclusive places.
When Brad looks around, the world he sees seems to occupy the emotional space between the sitcom “Home Improvement” and a “Bud Light” commercial, and in his world the “guy” is a creature that is easily categorized and explained. It’s a good thing too, otherwise his lists might have not been sufficient in capturing the true essence of his subject. Let me give you the rundown on the male-female dynamic, ala Brad.
- Women see creatures in nature and think “I saw a movie about that creature once”. Men see something to kill.
- Women see a beautiful scene in nature and think of how they can enjoy the space with the person they love. Men, again, see opportunities to kill things.
- Women see works of art. Men see sexual opportunities
- Women avoid danger. Men are reckless.
- Men, despite showing emotion (aka weakness), still think violence is an appropriate conflict resolution strategy.
- Men are naturally brutish cavemen.
- Men always make sexual advances, even when asked not too.
- Some men are currently putting an inordinate emphasis on their looks. This is typical of women. Brad is apathetic to his appearance, and has a weapon with which to kill things, so he is a man, not a woman.
Ok, all jokes aside, seriously, that’s the song. What could it possibly be like to hang out with him? “Hey, I’ve been thinking, guys like to kill things, chicks don’t. You ever think of that before? I figured that if I think up like 10 more things about chicks and dudes, I’ll write a song about it. Cause, you know, this is good stuff.” Yes Brad, and sooooo true!
Let’s not forget, Brad Paisley is a 35 year old man. Isn’t that a little old to be espousing the views in this song? Anything for a buck I suppose.
Oh yeah, and all of that anti-metrosexual stuff is a little insincere from Brad “I’m always sporting the perfect amount of stubble and a very trendy tight designer t-shirt cause I’m hip but casual like that” Paisley.
Aside from all that, this is a nice little ditty and a mid tempo country waltz that is fun to listen to. The production is fine. The Tele, Steel, and Fiddle trading licks sounds good. The people who demand no substance will like it. The one’s who might prefer substance will say “ah, but this is harmless novelty song, just enjoy it”.
But this isn’t just a novelty song because it’s working under the pretense that it has something to say. I certainly don’t think that every song needs to have deep meaning, but I do think that when a song is pretending to present insights, it should actually present insights. I think that when a song is pretending to be clever and funny, that it should actually be clever and funny. Giving Brad Paisley a pass on song after song after song after song because he manages a wink and a smile after 3 minutes of stupidly listing clichés is only going to leave us with additional precedents for country music as worthless, fun, “feel good”, don’t think too hard, musical junk food.
Listen: Brad Paisley – “I’m Still A Guy”
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February 28, 2008 at 8:07 am Permalink
Sometimes I think people read too much into songs, and that’s the case here. Sit back, relax, enjoy the song, and share a laugh with your wife/girlfriend while listening.
Ask any song writer which is tougher to write: a song like this or a romantic ballad. The answer will be the same every time.
I often think that Brad’s clever songwriting ability is overlooked because it doesn’t have a “deep meaning” and big words. Instead, he’s able to offer a perspective on things that most of us normal people think and feel every day in life.
Kudos, Brad, on another job well done.
February 28, 2008 at 8:08 am Permalink
Maybe it should have been titled “I’m Still Guy.”
I don’t think this song was trying to provide insight so much as it was trying to be clever and funny based on common insight. Terri Clark’s “Girls Lie, Too” covered similar territory and comedians constantly use the differences between men and women for material, so this isn’t really anything new. Based on the subject matter being prevalent and the tone of the song, I’d say insight wasn’t the primary goal and give it the benefit of a thumbs up since I don’t think it aims to be any more than a “nice little ditty that’s fun to listen to.”
The list thing is getting a bit old from Brad and I hadn’t noticed it until you brought it up. It’s mainly his singles, though, as he has some better material on his album. I figure they may try to stretch this album out a little because his next one is going to be an instrumental, so maybe we’ll get something better the next go around.
Good job breaking the song down and pointing out something new. I think we just disagree on Brad’s attempt to provide insight and thus whether or not it’s just a novelty song.
February 28, 2008 at 8:13 am Permalink
Amen, Dustin. Come on, Ben, your reviews are typically negative. This is a great single from Brad not meant to be interpreted into the man’s personal worldview! Its another entertaining song, ala “Online”, “Ticks”, and “Celebrity”. Its fun to listen to, hilarious, and the message about effeminate men at the end is true and sad. Not to mention the superb guitar licks, as usual.
February 28, 2008 at 8:31 am Permalink
I know this is a simplistic opinion, but i am growing weary of brad’s singles. It’s either a funny, made for funny video song, ala “Celebrity”, “I’m Gonna Miss Her”, “Online”, etc…, or it’s an emotionally charged, made more an even more emotional video like “Whiskey Lullaby” or “When I get where I’m Going”. I kinda miss the days of “The Finger I’m Wrapped Around” or “Mud on the Tires” where the single is just a good, solid country song and not reliant on heavy emotion or a funny video.
February 28, 2008 at 8:41 am Permalink
another novelty record. *sigh* another song about how men are louts and women are saintly. *sigh* just kill me.
February 28, 2008 at 9:08 am Permalink
While I didn’t dislike this song quite as much as you seem to, I didn’t give it the most positive review over at country universe (and I consider myself to be a Brad fan). People have spoken out over there and seem to really dig the song, however. I’ve never noticed the list thing running through his songs either. I’ll have to listen again, because, right now, I can’t think of any others that follow that form, though I’m not doubting you’re right.
February 28, 2008 at 9:34 am Permalink
You don’t have to look too far: “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind” by Kellie Pickler is pretty much the same song for the opposite gender.
February 28, 2008 at 9:35 am Permalink
I think this is a great review. Brad is releasing one-too-many novelty songs off an album that has much more to offer.
February 28, 2008 at 9:40 am Permalink
I do agree it seems like Brad is releasing all novelty songs and I really don’t think that is even his strength. It is always good to release one of them off an album just to reach some others fans and get some press for the song being different or funny but with Ticks, Online, and more off of one album I think he should have released one ballad at least to even things out.
February 28, 2008 at 9:41 am Permalink
When I first heard this song, it reminded me immediately of “You Need a Man Around Here” from the album: “Time Well Wasted.” However, regardless of its similarities to other songs, sometimes the best thing a “working,” i.e., paying the bills, artist can do is follow a tested and productive formula. I, like anybody else, enjoy fresh, new, unheard of ideas in songs, but understand that when something sells, you stick with it.
Besides, isn’t singing about people getting a little cliche in general? Similarly, I’ve heard hundreds of love songs; when are they going to realize that love has been overdone. And sadness; don’t get me started.
February 28, 2008 at 9:49 am Permalink
When I said “others”, I was referring to other songs of Brad’s.
February 28, 2008 at 9:52 am Permalink
Ah. Never mind.
February 28, 2008 at 9:57 am Permalink
Brad definitely falls back on the gender stereotypes way too much, though I don’t think this song is the worst example. Time Well Wasted had some really offensive generalizations. And here at least he seems to be making fun of men, too. But it’s a pattern, and a lazy one, which is disappointing coming from someone so good.
I can’t believe how bawdy his lyrics have gotten these days, though. I kinda like it.
February 28, 2008 at 11:00 am Permalink
So Taylor Swift can’t say “gay” on country radio, but Brad can say “I’ve still got a pair”?
February 28, 2008 at 11:57 am Permalink
Yes, Brad likes this list, but this is pervasive in country radio right now, and I think that Brad does it better than most. That still doesn’t make songs like this good.
Brad can indeed write poignantly about gender relations: see “Waitin’ On a Woman” from Time Well Wasted.
February 28, 2008 at 12:16 pm Permalink
It’s alright to use the gender stereotypes for comedy. But at the end of the day, on some level, artists of all kinds who use them effectively subtly demonstrate some larger point through their work. This song doesn’t do that. When I heard it I thought it was trying to recreate the novelty success of “Online.” But Online has much more creative visuals whereas this song not only espouses stereotype, it does it with cliche (the purse-holding, the hunting).
Or, I could have just said “this review nails it.” But then I wouldn’t get to hear myself talk as long. I think women like to talk.
February 28, 2008 at 1:39 pm Permalink
At least this is somewhat better than “Thinks that Never Cross A Man’s Mind” by Kellie Pickler. That song takes both the list idea and the gender stereotypes to new heights (or lows) and offers not even a bit of humor or insight.
February 28, 2008 at 2:29 pm Permalink
Right now Brad is the golden boy of country music, so it doesn’t matter what his songs mean, or sound like, they are going to be top 5 or # 1 until someone else comes along or he may become another Kenny Chesney and be able to sing about anything & everything and it automatically gets played and sent directly to #1. Do I sound bitter? Yes! Because country radio has turned into nothing but a political arena! I hardly listen to country radio anymore! Well, I did today, so gotta go listen to Shiftwork for the 50th time today…..YUK!
February 28, 2008 at 2:55 pm Permalink
Our bitter friend makes a good point: Radio is embracing Brad so completely right now that any single he releases, no matter what song it is, will at least get to the Top 5.
I’m just wondering when they’re going to get around to releasing the Carrie Underwood duet. That’s gonna be a monster.
February 28, 2008 at 3:03 pm Permalink
I’m happy that radio is embracing Brad Paisley because I think he has a lot of talent. I just wish his single releases could be stronger, sometimes.
February 28, 2008 at 4:03 pm Permalink
Agreed with the review of the song. I like Brad, but I wish he would release more songs like “Whiskey Lullaby” or “Letter To Me”, those songs show off his talent and are memorable. Songs like these are just “blah” and do nothing for me.
February 28, 2008 at 6:22 pm Permalink
As was mentioned earlier Brad could put out anything he wants and it will be a hit. We know he has good taste, “Whiskey Lullaby” was a shining example of great country music, the fact that he is more concerned with “Funny” than serious country music is really disappointing. Not everyone has the opportunity to put out whatever they wanted: and with great power comes great responsibility. If country music is going to have staying power, there needs to be more substantive songs released and that means that these top artists need to lead the way.
February 28, 2008 at 6:35 pm Permalink
While I don’t think he should have released yet another humorous song off 5th Gear (even though it’s much better than Online), I think this is a great song and the review is waaay off target.
February 28, 2008 at 8:06 pm Permalink
I agree Corey. Why not “All I Wanted Was A Car”? Or “It Did”. I also think his next single, if he gets another off this album, will be “Better Than This”.
February 28, 2008 at 8:24 pm Permalink
Dang it, James, I’m gonna have to concede to Ben that that’s one of those list songs that he was talking about. Thanks a lot for bringing that one up.:)
February 28, 2008 at 8:30 pm Permalink
I heard Brad perform this song acoustically nearly a year ago. It was a blast to hear live… The radio version, not so much. When I heard the acoustic version I didn’t have to hear those awful tinkling music box sounds!
February 29, 2008 at 8:37 am Permalink
I agree, this is not the most well written or meaningful song on today’s radio. However, I must admit it was one of the songs I enjoy most when listening to Brad’s newest disk. It’s just a fun song that we can all laugh with. I did not see it as a single. It’s a fun song but not radio worthy.
March 1, 2008 at 12:19 am Permalink
This song is just a good time!
While everybody else tries to tackle issues, Brad throws out a reminder that country music fan be fun too.
I love this song, it’s a great live song. Any person that enjoys it is obviously still a guy.
March 1, 2008 at 7:37 am Permalink
Great written review, captures the exact reason I dislike this song. If it was the first song Paisley had done like this, fine. As it is, it’s tired and hackneyed.
However, the fact that it does have a good hook, and that I like Paisley’s voice, makes it quite istenable. But he has far better material on the album.
March 9, 2008 at 8:39 am Permalink
I like the song. I think it got over anylized in the review.
March 9, 2008 at 12:21 pm Permalink
Lighten up people it was a cute song.
March 10, 2008 at 9:57 am Permalink
i like it cause it sortof describes me and my fiance
March 14, 2008 at 10:35 am Permalink
Such hostility, Ben!? Your jealousy of Brad shows…could it be you’re leaning a little to the feminine side yourself, and found the song offensive? In our fallen culture it’s great to hear a real man (Brad, not you) speak out. It’s a very honest and humorous song, and brave considering he’ll be labeled a homophobe and a “killer” for being a hunter and fisherman. People who call hunters & fisherman “killers” had better be strict vegetarians who don’t own any leather or they are the biggest hypocrits alive. At least sportsmen and women do our own “harvesting,” rather than being cowards and paying others to do the killing for us. Kudos to Brad also for being proud that law-abiding citizens still have the right to bear arms!! There is more food for thought in this song than you give it credit for. Two thumbs up — but I will say “Better Than This” would have been better than this for single material!
March 14, 2008 at 11:12 am Permalink
It takes all kinds to make this crazy world go round. Now when I wonder, “who could Brad Paisley possibly be appealing to with this hollow, cliche listing song”, I’ll know.
Thank you for your opinions Debby.
March 25, 2008 at 8:49 am Permalink
I absolutely love this song! when me and my boyfriend are ridin in the truck he plays this song and we both laugh altho he tries use the phrase I’m still a guy when I put my foot down I can’t help but laugh at him! it’s a definte good time song! <3
March 31, 2008 at 1:45 am Permalink
haha this review is all very true! I like songs with meaning and it scares me because my bf just told me this is his life theme song!
April 19, 2008 at 12:15 am Permalink
When this song came on the radio I listened to it for the first time. You see I was driving to help a friend meet her soon to be abusive ex-husband recevie his “state ordered supervised visitation” with the children he abused.
Being happily married myself, I’m married to the man this song was written and despite what was happening THIS SONG made me laugh outload so hard all I wanted to do was to call my husband and tell him how much I love him for being “so wonderful”.
To criticize a song poking fun of simple differences in the sexes is bizzar. Why don’t all of you who want to be negative about the great song get a dose a reality by looking around at life’s REAL ISSUES AND BE OUTRAGED AND WHAT”S REALLY WRONG INSTEAD OF BEING PETTY. TH SO TRIVAL AT A LITTLE DOSE OF HUMOR IN A LIFE FULL OF TRAGEDY!!
April 19, 2008 at 8:48 am Permalink
I’m of the opinion that Bad Paisley is still better than most radio. That said, it is a bad choice for a single. There are better songs on the album than that. Now, THAT said, as long as he doesn’t release the plague that is “Oh Love” with Carrie Underwood, I won’t have to take the wife and kids down to the basement and wait for it to run its course on the charts.
May 6, 2008 at 11:01 am Permalink
I figured this song would be a hit when i first listened to the CD. I like the song but i agree with everyone else that says there are many other songs that could haave been picked to be on the radio, i still think that this cd could produce 2 or 3 more hits, im going with oh love, all i wanted was a car, and some mistakes.
I could be overshooting though, since im a huge fan and grew up 5 minutes from his hometown.
May 7, 2008 at 10:30 pm Permalink
This song is perfect for the radio. Where I come from not far from Portland Oregon, I as a woman wish that men would be men. It is a misnomer that women like men to be feminized. I don’t know about you girls but isn’t nice when a man tries to cop a feel during a backrub I mean as long as he gets back to the backrub. It makes her feel sexy and wanted. I think that this song reminds women that men are men and aren’t we glad! I sing along and think very nasty thoughts about just how manly my husband can be!!!! RRRR
Keri Gray your reaction was awesome! Thank you for it!!!!
May 13, 2008 at 10:15 am Permalink
As a new country fan, I’m not judging this song in light of other country music that has come before, or even Brad’s other work. I just listen to it as a stand-alone song, and I get a kick out of it.
It’s not meant to be a serious dissertation on differences between the sexes — it’s a humorous commentary on real life. (The “real life” aspect of country music is why I’m a new fan.)
I’m disturbed by guys who put more effort into their appearance than I do. (And probably end up looking prettier than me, too.) And I was bugged by the young man in church last Sunday who kept messing with his hair, so that it swept down into his face just so.
Bottom line, this song happens to strike a chord with me right now. And if I can laugh about it, so much the better.
May 28, 2008 at 9:27 am Permalink
Oh Damit! Just Laugh! It’s funny!
Now move on!
May 28, 2008 at 10:16 am Permalink
That’s the worst thing about it, it’s not funny!
it’s like “Mind of Mencia” not funny.
If I thought it was funny all would have been forgiven.
May 28, 2008 at 10:25 am Permalink
Brad needs to cool it with the novelty songs for a while. That well is dry. The problem is that it almost feels like he feels like every other song has to be a novelty song and:
1. That gets old fast.
2. If you have to force a novelty song it sounds bad.
3. There are myriad funny songs that are not novelty songs and those tend to work much better.
May 28, 2008 at 10:44 am Permalink
I don’t mind the novelty songs… maybe 1 per album. But “Ticks,” “Online,” and “I’m Still A Guy” are all novelties and it’s overkill. I do like all three, but they don’t need to all be singles.
I thought the priceless French painting/drunk naked girl thing was funny. The rest of it mildly amusing.
I remember watching Brad in the crowd when “Ticks” was up for song or single of the year (on one of the twenty award shows) and he actually looked a bit embarrassed- and it only made me like the guy more…
May 28, 2008 at 11:19 am Permalink
See, I don’t think any of them have been up to the standard of his earlier songs.
May 28, 2008 at 11:24 am Permalink
Stormy…
I agree- but I still think they’re better than most everything else.
May 28, 2008 at 12:19 pm Permalink
Better than She Left Me for Jesus?!
May 28, 2008 at 12:29 pm Permalink
Actually I think “Ticks” and “Online” are better than “She Left Me For Jesus.” SLMFJ has a few funny punchlines, but beyond that, it is musically kind of stale for me. “Ticks” and “Online” (and “Still A Guy” even) have more interesting melodies and/or arrangements than SLMFJ that I can get into even when the lyrics get a bit stale. Plus the humor (or attempts at humor) aren’t as caustic.
I just discovered Hayes Carll, and will definitely be buying his back catalog. I’ve about worn out my Zune the last month or so listening to Trouble In Mind. His sense of humor is a bit more sarcastic than Paisley’s. Paisley is more akin to a modern day Roger Miller and Carll is a honkey tonk Todd Snider. I love all those guys, so I’m not complaining…
And to ramble a bit further… SLMFJ seems to me a runner up to Snider songs like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Happy New Year.”
May 28, 2008 at 12:38 pm Permalink
I like the caustic humor. I rather think one of the things holding Brad Pailsey back is the fear that something might offend someone so his songs are the equivilent of an episode of Everyone Love Raymond.
May 28, 2008 at 12:47 pm Permalink
That’s one of the drawbacks of being so mainstream and having the media image he’s created. I don’t think his bus songs would go over as well as Toby Keith’s. It’s hard to know what’s going to bring down the wrath of the media. “Goodbye Earl” (which wasn’t even that good of song) caused quite a stir, but really no damage to the Dixie Chicks fan base. I’m willing to bet Paisley’s got some off-color songs and just isn’t at a point where he can release them. As for Everybody Loves Raymond- at least you didn’t compare it to According to Jim…yikes.
I enjoy caustic humor too… Shoot, between Todd Snider and Robbie Fulks I pretty much submerge myself in it daily.
May 28, 2008 at 12:48 pm Permalink
Mike, as much as you have worn out “Trouble in Mind”, you will likely get the same mileage out of Carll’s “Little Rock” cd. “Wish I Hadnt Stayed So Long”, “Hey Baby, Where You Been”, “Down the Road Tonight” and the title track are highlights for me from that amazing disc.
May 28, 2008 at 12:55 pm Permalink
thanks Kelly. Good to know.
May 28, 2008 at 1:45 pm Permalink
But the place where to this song fails, where SLMFJ suceeds is that I’m Still a Guy has a single layer and it goes in a predictable direction that assumes that you are stupid, or at least that you do not want to think very hard. SLMFJ can throw out a line like “I’ll be that he is a commie, or even worse yet a Jew” is that its funny because the protagionist is prejudice, but the song also assumes that you are smart enough to get that Jesus was both Jewish and had many communist-like beliefs. And I think that one of the things that people are getting tired of in the mainstream is an assumption that things have to be dumbed down for us.
May 28, 2008 at 8:00 pm Permalink
I love the convention in the song… and the commie/jew line is fantastic. But for me that was the best joke in the song. Again, I really like the song, but it’s the melody/arrangement that keep me from enjoying repeated listens.
That song SLMFJ, also reminds me of Charlie Robison’s “The Preacher.” Don’t know if he wrote it… and can’t find that info off hand- but it’s definitely in the same ballpark as SLMFJ.
Well he drove a Ford Fiesta
What the hell kinda car is that
Well he’d drive around here tryin’ to flush out a queer
Or the man that ran over his cat
But his heart couldn’t take all the pressure
Tryin’ to find what I already know
And my face has gone pious to cheshire
Cause my sins went with him when they put him in the hole
Genius…
October 12, 2008 at 5:15 pm Permalink
Yes, it’s a novelty song. And yes, it’s a little stereotypical. But it’s all about presentation, and this song is FUNNY. When you just sum it up into its major points, you lose something of it. Speaking for myself, I laughed till my stomach ached the first time I heard this song.
After all, “There is a current trend toward male concern for appearance, which is contrary to the traditional idea of manhood,” sounds so much better as, “These days, there’s dudes gettin’ facials…” It’s not making a point. It’s making laughter. And the world could use some of that.
March 16, 2009 at 1:57 pm Permalink
i love this song this was the second most play on the radio last year i love it Brad what can i say it awesome it funny if u don’t like this song then u don’t have a sense of humor
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