Introduction
“High Maintenance Woman” is a country song co-written and recorded by American artist Toby Keith. Released on February 13, 2007, it served as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, Big Dog Daddy. The song achieved significant success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The inspiration for “High Maintenance Woman” stemmed from a conversation between Keith and his associates. During a dinner with his manager, T.K. Kimbrell, and Curt Motley, a booking agent, the trio reminisced about Kimbrell’s ex-wife, Betty. She had transitioned from being a country girl working at an apartment complex to someone who appreciated high-end fashion. Motley, who had been the maintenance man at the complex, joked that Betty was “too high maintenance for the maintenance man.” This remark sparked Keith’s creativity, leading him to pen the song. Aware that comedian Tim Wilson and Danny Simpson had a similar-themed piece, Keith reached out to them and, with their blessing, credited them as co-writers to avoid any misconceptions.
The narrative of the song centers on an apartment maintenance man who admires an attractive, affluent woman residing in the same complex. He laments that “a high-maintenance woman don’t want no maintenance man,” highlighting the social and economic disparities between them. The term “high maintenance” traditionally refers to someone perceived as overly demanding or particular, a theme Keith humorously explores in the lyrics.
Critically, “High Maintenance Woman” was well-received. Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe awarded it an A− rating, praising its clever writing and Keith’s vocal delivery. Kathi Kamen Goldmark of Common Sense Media highlighted the song’s catchy energy and memorable lyrics, while Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly commended its witty wordplay.
The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Salomon, features Keith portraying various professions, including a maintenance man, as he daydreams about winning the affection of the high-maintenance woman. The video adds a visual layer of humor and storytelling to the song’s narrative.
“High Maintenance Woman” stands out in Toby Keith’s discography as a track that combines humor, storytelling, and relatable themes, solidifying its place in country music from the late 2000s.