What I Need to Do

Kenny Chesney

About What I Need to Do

"What I Need To Do" is a song written by Tom Damphier and Bill Luther, and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Chesney. It was released in January 2000 as the fourth and final single from Chesney's 1999 album Everywhere We Go. The song peaked at number 8 in the United States and number 13 in Canada in 2000.


Year:
1999
4:04
29 
#1

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I keep tellin' myself this is the right thing to do
I was wastin' her time, waitin' on dreams that just weren't comin' true
And this old highway seems to understand
Leadin' me on to somewhere that no one knows my name
I got the window rolled down, I got the radio up
I'm doin' all that I can to get my mind off us

What I need to do is turn this car around
Drive as fast as I can til I see the lights of our hometown
And run to her, take her in my arms
Make her see how sorry I am, well that shouldn't be so hard
But I drive on, and on, and on

Eighty-seven more miles gets me into Baton Rogue
There's a buddy of mine who says he might find some work that I can do
Or maybe head up north to Knoxville, Tennessee
I know my baby sister, has got a couch where I can sleep
Now the sun's goin' down on my broken heart
Lord, I gotta go back before I get too far

What I need to do is turn this car around
Drive as fast as I can til I see the lights of our hometown
And run to her, take her in my arms
Make her see how sorry I am, well that shouldn't be so hard
But I drive on, and on, and on

But I drive on
Yes I drive on, and on, and on

Knowin' what I need to do
Girl, I'm comin' home to you

Knowin' what I need to do
Girl I'm comin' home to you
I'm comin' home to you
Knowin' what I need to do...

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Kenny Chesney

Kenneth Arnold "Kenny" Chesney (born March 26, 1968) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Chesney has recorded 15 albums, 14 of which have been certified gold or higher by the RIAA. He has also produced more than 30 Top Ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, 22 of which climbed to the top of the charts. more »

17 fans

Written by: TOM DAMPHIER, N LUTHER

Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Classification
"What I Need to Do" is a country music ballad.
Artist Background
This song is performed by American country music artist, Kenny Chesney.
Songwriter
“What I Need to Do” was co-written by two standout names in the country music industry: Tom Douglas and Kenny Chesney himself.
Song Release
The song was released in April 2000 as the fourth and final single from his album “Everywhere We Go.”
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Album Success
The song contributed to the success of the "Everywhere We Go" album which sold over two million copies.
Song Narrative
“What I Need to Do” tells a story about a man, regretting leaving his lover and deciding to go back to make things right.
Music Video
The music video for the song, directed by Martin Kahan, was filmed in Puerto Rico and features Chesney riding a motorcycle across the country to get back to his lover.
Live Performances
Chesney included the song in several live performances during his tours, reiterating its popularity among his fans.
Influences
"What I Need to Do" is one of many Kenny Chesney songs that incorporate a beach or coastal theme, reflecting Chesney's own love of the sea and island life.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from music critics, applauded for its heartfelt lyrics and Chesney’s passionate delivery.
Genre Impact
The track represents the 2000's country sound, blending traditional country with pop elements, a trademark of Chesney's music.
Radio Airplay
Despite being over two decades old, "What I Need to Do" continues to receive regular airplay on classic country radio stations.

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    "What I Need to Do Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23585255/Kenny+Chesney/What+I+Need+to+Do>.

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    What I Need to Do

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2000

    Billboard #56


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