Dwight Yoakam – I Want You To Want Me

About The Song

“I Want You to Want Me” is a cover of the 1977 Cheap Trick song written by Rick Nielsen, reinterpreted by American country music artist Dwight Yoakam. It was released in July 1999 as the second single from his compilation album Last Chance for a Thousand Years: Dwight Yoakam’s Greatest Hits from the 90’s on Reprise Records. The track peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing Yoakam’s ability to infuse a rock classic with country flair.

The song was recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, produced by Pete Anderson, with Yoakam’s twangy vocals leading the track. The recording features a country-rock arrangement, with Anderson’s guitar work and a lively rhythm section adapting the original’s power-pop sound into a honky-tonk style. The track runs 3:30.

The lyrics express a longing for mutual affection, with lines like “I want you to want me, I need you to need me.” Yoakam’s version retains the song’s romantic plea but adds a country twist, reflecting his admiration for rockabilly and early rock influences, making it a natural fit for his catalog while honoring Cheap Trick’s hit.

The music video, directed by Yoakam, premiered in 1999 and features him performing in a retro setting, aligning with the song’s upbeat energy. The video’s playful vibe complemented the track’s lighthearted tone, contributing to its modest airplay success.

Upon release, “I Want You to Want Me” achieved moderate success, supporting the album’s gold certification. The compilation, released in 1999, compiled Yoakam’s hits from the 1990s, and this cover stood out for its cross-genre appeal, appealing to both country and rock fans.

Yoakam, born on October 23, 1956, in Pikeville, Kentucky, promoted the single with live performances and TV appearances. Known for his neotraditional country sound, this cover highlighted his versatility, building on earlier hits like “Little Ways” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”

The song remains a fan favorite, often featured in Yoakam’s live sets and country music retrospectives, appreciated for its spirited reinterpretation of a rock classic.

Video

Lyric

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m begging you to beg me

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’ll shine up my old brown shoes
I’ll put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me

Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m begging you to beg me

I’ll shine up my old brown shoes
I’ll put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me

Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’
Feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m begging you to beg me

I want you to want me
I want you to want me
I want you to want me
I want you to want me