Shania Twain: Whatever You Do! Don’t! – A Country-Pop Anthem of Self-Awareness and Attraction
In the realm of country music, Shania Twain stands as a towering figure, her voice and persona captivating audiences worldwide. Her music, a blend of country, pop, and rock influences, has earned her countless accolades, including five Grammy Awards. Among her extensive discography, the song “Whatever You Do! Don’t!” stands out as a prime example of her ability to craft infectious melodies and relatable lyrics.
Released in 1997 as the lead single from her third studio album, Come On Over, “Whatever You Do! Don’t!” quickly ascended to the top of the charts, reaching number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and Canadian Country Music charts. The song’s success propelled the album to international stardom, cementing Twain’s status as a country music icon.
Whatever You Do! Don’t! is a playful yet heartfelt exploration of the complexities of attraction and the struggle to control one’s emotions. Twain’s lyrics capture the giddy nervousness and overwhelming infatuation that accompany a budding romance, using vivid imagery and relatable language to paint a picture that resonates with listeners.
The song’s opening lines immediately set the tone, with Twain declaring, “Deep in Denialville, tryin’ a fight the way I feel.” This admission of denial sets the stage for the internal conflict that drives the song, as Twain grapples with her growing feelings for someone she knows she shouldn’t be attracted to.
The chorus perfectly encapsulates the song’s central message, with Twain pleading, “Whatever you do, don’t even think about it / Don’t go and get me started / Don’t you dare drive me crazy / Don’t do that to me, baby.” Her repeated pleas highlight the intensity of her attraction and the fear that giving in to her desires will lead to heartbreak.
Despite her attempts to resist, Twain’s feelings are undeniable, and she cannot help but succumb to the allure of her crush. She describes her physical reactions to their presence, confessing that she “go jello” when they smile and that her heart “pumpin’ to the max” when they’re near.
The song’s bridge offers a moment of self-awareness, as Twain acknowledges the absurdity of her situation. She sings, “You got my heart under attack / You give me shivers down my back / D’ya have to walk the way you do? / I get weak just watchin’ you.”
Despite her reservations, Twain is ultimately powerless to resist the magnetic pull of her attraction. The song ends with her repeating the chorus, her pleas now laced with a hint of surrender.
Whatever You Do! Don’t! is a timeless anthem of self-awareness and attraction, capturing the universal experience of fighting against one’s own desires. Shania Twain’s relatable lyrics and infectious melody have made the song a country music staple, ensuring its place in the hearts of fans for generations to come.