I can’t count the barns I’ve passed
Painted red, white and black
See Rock city
And up ahead there’s a turn
Take me right through Gatlinburg
I hear it’s pretty
Maybe some other time
I can’t slow down
Right across that state line
Right about now
Her hair’s still wet from her bath
She’s sittin’ on the front porch
With a glass of ice tea
In my sweat shirt and her bare feet
This I gotta see
If I hurry I can catch
The colors on her skin from that sunset
And her face and that look waitin’ on me
This I gotta see, this I gotta see
I can’t wait to get to her
Man, I wish I were there already
She’s the only thing that keeps
This world from drivin’ me crazy
I just hit that city limit
Yeah and that’s a pretty good sign
If I pick it up a bit
I’ll be right on time
Her hair’s still wet from her bath
She’s sittin’ on the front porch
With a glass of ice tea
In my sweat shirt and her bare feet
This I gotta see
If I hurry I can catch
The colors on her skin from that sunset
And her face and that look waitin’ on me
This I gotta see, this I gotta see, yeah
Her hair’s still wet from her bath
She’s sittin’ on the front porch
With a glass of ice tea
In my sweat shirt and her bare feet
This I gotta see
If I hurry I can catch
The colors on her skin from that sunset
And her face and that look waitin’ on me
This I gotta see, this I gotta see
On the Road to What Matters Most
“This I Gotta See” by Jason Aldean paints a vivid picture of longing and anticipation. The song follows a narrator driving through the countryside, passing by classic Americana sights, but his focus is set firmly on what waits at home. The simple beauty of his partner—fresh from a bath, sitting on the porch with iced tea—represents the comfort and love that grounds him. Rather than being distracted by tourist stops or scenic spots, he’s drawn to a deeper sense of belonging and contentment found only in her presence.
Capturing Everyday Intimacy
Aldean’s storytelling captures the tenderness in everyday moments, emphasizing how small details—like bare feet, a shared sweatshirt, and the glow of sunset—carry profound emotional weight. The repeated refrain, “This I gotta see,” reflects both urgency and appreciation for the ordinary magic that makes life meaningful.
Song Credits
- Artist: Jason Aldean
- Songwriters: Tom Shapiro, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler
- Release Year: 2005
- Label: Broken Bow Records