About the song
Background of Kenny Chesney’s “Anything But Mine”
- Released in January 2005, it was the fifth single from Chesney’s ninth studio album, “When The Sun Goes Down.”
- The song was written by songwriter Scooter Carusoe.
- It became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in April 2005.
- Interestingly, the Cleveland mentioned in the lyrics refers to Cleveland, Tennessee, not Cleveland, Ohio.
Themes in “Anything But Mine”
- Summer Love: The song captures the fleeting intensity of a summer romance, likely between teenagers.
- Loss and Poignancy: The narrator knows the relationship will end as he has to leave town, creating a bittersweet tone.
- Yearning and Hope: Despite the inevitable parting, the narrator expresses a strong desire for the connection to last.
- Nostalgia: The song evokes a sense of nostalgia for youthful experiences and the bittersweetness of growing up.
The song’s emotional core lies in the tension between enjoying the present moment and the looming reality of separation.
Video
Lyrics
Walking along beneath the lights of that miracle mileMe and Mary making our way into the nightYou can hear the cries from the carnival ridesThe pinball bells, and the skee ball slidesWatching the summer sun fall out of sight
There’s a warm wind coming in from off of the oceanMaking it’s way past the hotel walls to fill the streetMary is holding both of her shoes in her handSaid she likes to feel the sand beneath her feet
And in the morning I’m leaving, making my way back to ClevelandSo tonight I hope that I will do just fineAnd I don’t see how you could ever beAnything but mine
There’s a local band playing at the seaside pavilionAnd I got just enough cash to get us inAnd as we are dancing, Mary’s wrapping her arms around meAnd I can feel the sting of summer on my skin
In the midst of the musicI tell her I love herAnd we both laugh, ’cause we know it isn’t trueOh, but Mary, there’s a summer drawing to an end tonightAnd there’s so much that I long to do to you
But in the morning I’m leaving, making my way back to ClevelandSo tonight I hope that I will do just fineAnd I don’t see how you could ever beAnything but mine
Ooh
And in the morning I’m leaving, making my way back to ClevelandSo tonight I hope that I will do just fineAnd I don’t see how you could ever beAnything but mineMary, I don’t see how you could ever beAnything but mine
OohOoh
In the morning I’m leaving, making my way back to ClevelandSo tonight I hope that I will do just fineHey, I don’t see how you could ever beAnything but mine