Introduction
“I Don’t Even Know Your Name” is a 1995 country hit by Alan Jackson, co-written with Ron Jackson and Andy Loftin. Initially penned as a humorous piece for family entertainment during a tour in 1993, the song was not intended for public release. However, after sharing a demo with his brother-in-law, the positive reception led Jackson to include it as the fifth and final single on his album Who I Am
The song narrates the tale of a man who becomes infatuated with a waitress at a roadhouse. After consuming tequila to muster the courage to approach her, he blacks out and awakens to find himself married to a different waitress, one with a missing front tooth. The comedic twist lies in the fact that he never learns her name, despite their newfound marital status
Accompanied by a music video featuring comedian Jeff Foxworthy, the visual portrayal aligns with the song’s humorous narrative. The video begins with Foxworthy’s character undergoing a dental procedure, leading into a dream sequence that mirrors the song’s storyline
Upon its release on May 15, 1995, the song achieved commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and peaking at number four on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart . This track exemplifies Jackson’s ability to blend humor with storytelling, contributing to his reputation in the country music genre.
Video
Lyrics
… Well, I was sitting in Roadhouse down on Highway 41
You were wiping off some ketchup on a table that was done
I knew you didn’t see me, I was in a corner booth
Of course, you weren’t my waitress, mine was missing her front tooth
So I flagged you down for coffee, but I couldn’t say a thing
But I’m in love with you, baby, and I don’t even know your name
… I’m in love with you baby, I don’t even know your name
I’ve never been too good with all those sexual game
So, maybe it’s just better if we leave it this way
I’m in love with you baby, and I don’t even know your name
… So I ordered straight Tequila, a little courage in a shot
And I asked you for a date, and then I asked to tie the knot
I got a little wasted, yeah I went a little far
I finally got to hug you, and you helped me to my car
The last thing I remember I heard myself say
I’m in love with you baby, and I don’t even know your name
… I’m in love with you baby, I don’t even know your name
I’ve never been too good with all those sexual game
So, maybe it’s just better if we leave it this way
I’m in love with you baby, and I don’t even know your name
… The next thing I remember, I was hearing wedding-bells
Standing by a woman, in a long white lacy veil
I raised the veil, and she smiled at me, without her left front tooth
And I said “where the hell am I, and just who the hell are you?”
She said “I was your waitress, and our last name’s are now the same”
“‘Cause I’m married to you baby, and I don’t even know your name”
… Yeah, I’m married to a waitress, I don’t even know her name
I’ve never been to good at all those sexual games
I never thought my love life would quite turn out this way
Hey, I’m married to a waitress, and I don’t even know her name