My Give A Damn's Busted

Album: Delicious Surprise (2005)
Charted: 63
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nobody does straightforwardness more sincerely than Jo Dee Messina. She is a person of action and decisions, and by her own description, she does not possess a gentle bedside manner. So it's only natural that she would choose songs that reflect that inner strength, and this song is no exception. "I really gravitate towards songs that I relate to, and I think that a lot of those are how I'm structured as a person," she says. Raised in Boston, and of Irish/Italian descent, she says that her notorious 'attitude' is more a matter of distaste for cushioning her words. "A lot of times in business people don't know how to take me, because instead of sugarcoating something by saying, 'Oh, well, maybe we could take a different avenue,' I'm like, 'No!' And so I think my songs are that way, and people are like, 'Wow, what attitude!' And I'm like, 'That's nothing. You should see the people I grew up with. Their give a damn would be busted, and they'd kick your ass!" (laughs)

    This song spoke to her sense of getting things done and moving on. She says she hates it "when people spin around in circles. I don't like to discuss the problem. I like to find the solution." (Read more in our interview with Jo Dee Messina.)

Comments: 3

  • Dave from Cullman, AlI like the song. I may not say the words out loud, but it reflects my attitude when people start whining and complaining to me about anything.
  • Paul from Marysville, WaGreat, great kiss-off song.
  • Nick from Las Vegas, NvJoe Diffie originally recorded the song on his 2001 album In Another World.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.