About the song
“That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Released in 1998 as a single from her monumental Come On Over album, this track became a global phenomenon, topping charts in numerous countries, including hitting Top 10s across North America and beyond. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a spirited, humorous dismissal of superficiality and a bold declaration of what truly matters in a partner, wrapped in an incredibly catchy package.
The lyrics of “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” co-written by Shania Twain and her then-husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange, present a playful yet firm rebuke to various types of outwardly impressive but ultimately unappealing men. The narrator encounters suitors flaunting their intelligence, their expensive cars, or their rugged masculinity, only to find herself utterly unmoved if these qualities aren’t accompanied by genuine consideration, charm, or basic common sense. Phrases like “Okay, so you’ve got a car / But that don’t impress me much” and “You think you’re a ladies man / But that don’t impress me much” perfectly capture this delightful dismissal. The song speaks to the universal desire for substance over flash, for a partner who offers depth and true connection rather than mere appearances. It’s about recognizing that real attractiveness comes from character, respect, and a willingness to genuinely engage, not from superficial traits or material possessions. It’s an empowering message for anyone who’s tired of grand gestures that lack sincerity, humorously asserting a woman’s right to set her own standards for love and companionship.
Shania Twain’s vocal performance on “That Don’t Impress Me Much” is absolutely iconic. Her voice, renowned for its incredible clarity, its infectious energy, and its remarkable ability to convey both sass and warmth, delivers the lyrics with an undeniable smirk and a confident swagger. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the discerning narrator, making the listener feel every ounce of her playful skepticism and her ultimate unimpressed attitude. There’s a perfect blend of knowing humor and a subtle, almost dismissive tone in her phrasing, a powerful sense of self-assurance that makes the song utterly irresistible. Twain’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to infuse such a clever, conversational narrative with authentic charisma and a radiating sense of empowerment, connecting with audiences on a deeply spirited and relatable level. She perfectly balances the country storytelling tradition with a modern, global pop sensibility.
The musical arrangement of “That Don’t Impress Me Much” is a pristine example of Shania Twain’s innovative, genre-bending sound that defined the Come On Over era. It features a driving, rhythmic acoustic guitar providing a steady pulse, punctuated by distinctive, playful electric guitar riffs and a prominent, almost percussive string section that adds a unique pop texture. The inclusion of subtle banjo or fiddle elements grounds it in country, but the overall feel is undeniably pop, with a global appeal. The instrumentation is tight, clean, and meticulously crafted, ensuring that every element contributes to the song’s infectious, feel-good energy without ever overwhelming Twain’s distinctive vocals. The production is crisp, layered, and incredibly polished, designed for maximum impact on radio and in arenas, making it instantly recognizable and endlessly repeatable.
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” resonated deeply with audiences worldwide because its themes of rejecting superficiality, valuing genuine character, and asserting personal standards in love are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Shania Twain’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that cemented her status as a global superstar and an empowering voice. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that when it comes to love, some things just don’t impress me much.
Video
Lyrics
Ow
Uh-huh, yeah, yeah
I’ve known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you’ve got being right down to an art
You think you’re a genius, you drive me up the wall
You’re a regular original, a know-it-all
Oh-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Okay, so you’re a rocket scientist
That don’t impress me much (oh, oh, ooh)
So you got the brains, but have you got the touch?
Now, don’t get me wrong, yeah, I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much
Uh-huh, yeah, yeah
I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve, just in case
And all that extra hold gel in your hair oughta lock it
‘Cause Heaven forbid it should fall outta place
Oh-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Okay, so you’re Brad Pitt
That don’t impress me much (oh, oh, ooh)
So you got the looks, but have you got the touch?
Now, don’t get me wrong, yeah, I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much
Ow, and yeah
Woo
You’re one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
I can’t believe you kiss your car good night
Now come on, baby, tell me, you must be jokin’, right?
Oh-oh, you think you’re something special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Okay, so you got a car
That don’t impress me much (oh, oh, ooh)
So you got the moves, but have you got the touch?
Now, don’t get me wrong, yeah, I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much (that don’t impress me)
Oh, oh no, you think you’re cool, but have you got the touch?
Now, now, don’t get me wrong, yeah, I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely nights
That don’t impress me much
Uh-huh, yeah, yeah
Okay, so what do you think, you’re Elvis or something?
That don’t impress me much
Oh no
That don’t impress me much
Oh no
Ow, and yeah
