Released: 1999
Tim McGraw’s ‘Something Like That’ is a nostalgic country song that takes listeners on a journey of young love and unforgettable memories. The song paints a vivid picture of a summer romance that, despite the passage of time, remains etched in the heart of the narrator.
The song starts off with the narrator reminiscing about a Labor Day weekend when he was 17. He’s at the county fair, where he sees a girl for the first time. The ‘Coke and some gasoline’ line signifies a typical country teenager’s weekend outing, where a soda pop and a car ride are all that’s needed for a good time.
The ‘sailor sky made a perfect sunset’ line sets the scene for a perfect romantic evening. The ‘barbecue stain on my white t-shirt’ and ‘she was killing me in that miniskirt’ lines are classic country imagery, painting a picture of a casual, laid-back setting and a young girl turning heads.
The chorus talks about ‘skippin’ rocks on the river by the railroad tracks’, another classic country pastime. The ‘suntan line and red lipstick’ again paints a vivid picture of the girl. The ‘worked so hard for that first kiss’ line signifies the effort and anticipation that goes into a young love’s first intimate moment.
Five years later, the narrator runs into the same girl on a plane headed to New Orleans. The line ‘Only every other memory’ is a clever way of saying that he remembers her very well. The chorus repeats, reminding us of their shared past.
The song concludes with the lines ‘Like an old photograph, Time can make a feeling fade, But the memory of a first love, Never fades away’. This is a poignant reminder that while feelings may fade over time, the memories of a first love remain fresh, a sentiment that many can relate to.
Overall, ‘Something Like That’ is a beautifully written song that captures the essence of young love and the lasting impact it can have on a person’s life. It’s a testament to Tim McGraw’s ability to tell a story through his music, making him one of the stalwarts of country music.
