About the song
“I’m That Kind Of Girl.” Released in 1990 as a single from her album On Down the Line, this track wasn’t just a hit; it soared straight to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, firmly establishing Loveless as a formidable and relatable voice in country music. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a spirited anthem of knowing your worth, setting your own terms, and embracing a no-nonsense approach to love and life.
The lyrics of “I’m That Kind Of Girl” are a direct and delightful manifesto from a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she expects from a relationship. She’s not playing games or pretending to be something she’s not; she’s honest, straightforward, and expects the same in return. Phrases like “If you’re looking for someone to play with / Then I ain’t the girl for you” and “I’m the kind of girl who likes to settle down / I want to build a little home in a little town” perfectly capture this blend of traditional values and modern self-possession. The song speaks to the universal desire for genuine connection, for a partner who appreciates authenticity and is ready for something real. It’s about being upfront about your intentions, valuing commitment, and being comfortable in your own skin, even if it means not fitting everyone’s ideal. It’s an empowering message, delivered with a wink and a smile, that resonated deeply with women who also carried a similar spirit.
Patty Loveless’s vocal performance on “I’m That Kind Of Girl” is absolutely stellar. Her voice, renowned for its incredible power, its soulful depth, and that unmistakable raw edge, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of sass, conviction, and undeniable emotional truth. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the narrator’s confidence and clarity, making every line feel deeply personal and utterly relatable. There’s a palpable sense of strength in her phrasing, a playful yet firm tone that makes the song utterly exhilarating. Loveless’s brilliance lies in her ability to infuse even a seemingly straightforward declaration with such a visceral, authentic emotional punch, connecting with audiences on a deeply spirited and empowering level. This performance is a prime example of why she’s considered one of the all-time greats.
The musical arrangement of “I’m That Kind Of Girl” is a vibrant, upbeat country track, perfectly showcasing the kind of dynamic, driving sound that defined Patty Loveless’s most successful era. It features a prominent, infectious guitar riff that sets an immediate, energetic tone, a tight, driving rhythm section, and tasteful touches of steel guitar and fiddle that firmly ground it in country while still possessing a contemporary polish. The arrangement is full of verve and momentum, perfectly complementing the song’s feisty lyrical content. The production is clean, crisp, and powerful, designed for maximum impact on radio while still retaining an organic, live-feel energy. It’s an arrangement that feels both traditional in its roots and undeniably fresh for its time.
“I’m That Kind Of Girl” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of self-worth, honest intentions, and finding true love on your own terms are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Patty Loveless’s most iconic and enduring hits, solidifying her status as a vocal powerhouse and a master of authentic storytelling. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the best way to find love is to be unapologetically yourself, because after all, “I’m That Kind Of Girl.”
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Lyrics
Well, there’s a man in a Stetson hat
Howlin’ like an alley cat
Outside my window tonight
Sayin’, baby, put on something hot
Meet me in the parking lot
About a quarter ’til nine
Well, I get the feelin’ that he’s never read
Romeo and Juliet
I’m gettin’ tired of these one night stands
But if you wanna make a real romanceWell, I’m that kind of girl
Yeah, I’m that kind of girl
And I ain’t the woman in red
I ain’t the girl next door
But if somewhere in the middle’s what you’re lookin’ for
Well, I’m that kind of girl
Yeah, I’m that kind of girlLet me tell you that I like my lovin’
Just as much as any woman
But I’m drawin’ the line
Hey, a little sensitivity always seems to get to me
Every time
Well, I’m a sucker for a love-sick fool
The kind that carries all your books in school
I’m getting tired of these one night stands
But if you’re lookin’ for a real romanceI’m that kind of girl
Yeah, I’m that kind of girl
I ain’t the woman in red
I ain’t the girl next door
But if somewhere in the middle’s what you’re lookin’ for
Yeah, I’m that kind of girl
I’m that kind of girlAnd I ain’t the woman in red
I ain’t the girl next door
But if somewhere in the middle’s what you’re lookin’ for
I’m that kind of girl
Oh, yeah, I’m that kind of girl, oh
