Toby Keith – How Do You Like Me Now?!

“How Do You Like Me Now?!” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith.

The song spent five weeks at Number One on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart beginning in March 2000. It was his first major crossover hit peaking at number 31 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Keith discussed the inspiration for the song on his website in 2000. “Initially, I said, ‘Here’s my title: “You Never Loved Me Before, So How Do You Like Me Now?’” It’s one of my catch-phrases. A lot of people become successful after they’ve been told they won’t ever be, so people can relate to this. It can be about an old flame or a boss or a teacher -whatever it means to each individual. It was a fun song to write.”

The song’s music video premiered on The CMT Delivery Room on November 26, 1999, and was directed by Michael Salomon. It features Toby Keith singing at a hometown football field in the middle of the night.

In 2000, both the single and the album earned recognition at the Annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony. Keith was nominated for ACM Single of the Year and Song of the Year in addition to Album of the Year as both artist and producer.

Keith said in 2000 regarding the inspiration for the tune: “A lot of people become successful after they’ve been told they won’t ever be. So people can relate to this. It can be about an old flame or a boss or a teacher – whatever it means to each individual. It was a fun song to write.”

“How Do You Like Me Now?!” – Single by Toby Keith from the album How Do You Like Me Now?!
Released November 22, 1999
Songwriters Toby Keith and Chuck Cannon
Producers James Stroud and Toby Keith
Charted No.1 US Country Songs (Billboard); No.82 US Hot 31 (Billboard) ; No.1 Canada Country Tracks.