Introduction
Have you ever felt a song reach out and grab you by the hand, daring you to stay true to yourself? That’s exactly what happens when Toby Keith’s “Love Me If You Can” kicks in. Written by Chris Wallin and Craig Wiseman, the song was released on June 26, 2007, as the second single from his self-produced album Big Dog Daddy. Upon its debut, it entered the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 42 for the week of June 23, 2007, before climbing steadily to become his 16th number-one hit and 34th Top Ten single. It also marked his first Billboard chart-topper since launching his own Show Dog Nashville label in 2005. By the end of the year, Billboard ranked it as the 18th top country song of 2007, proving listeners were hungry for its message of honesty and grit.
At its heart, “Love Me If You Can” is a mid-tempo ballad where Keith faces down critics with a wry smile. He lays out his beliefs—sometimes prayer for peace, sometimes the right to work hard—and then says, “Hate me if you want to, love me if you can”. It’s an open invitation: respect my convictions, even if you disagree with them.
Musically, the track balances sturdy acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and Keith’s warm baritone, crafting a sound that’s both reflective and uplifting. The official music video, directed by Michael Salomon and released on July 3, 2007, frames Keith in intimate performance shots—close enough that you can see the sincerity in his eyes, matching the song’s candid tone.
Listening as someone who’s wrestled with doubts of my own, I felt the song resonate like advice from a good friend. It’s the kind of track you play when you need the courage to stand by your choices, knowing that people might not always agree—yet hoping they’ll still stick around.
What about you? Is there a moment when you spoke your truth and found support where you least expected it? Next time you need a reminder to stay genuine, give “Love Me If You Can” a spin and let it be your anthem.