When it comes to iconic music videos and memorable lyrics, Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much” certainly stands out as one of the ultimate classics from the late 90s. With its catchy tune, sassy attitude, and overall uplifting message, the song has resonated with audiences for years, both as a fun party tune and as an anthem for anyone who’s ever rejected status quo and embraced their own individuality.
However, one particular line from the song has always raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates among fans and critics alike – “Okay, so you’re Brad Pitt? That don’t impress me much.” When the song was released in 1998, Brad Pitt was arguably at the peak of his fame, with some of his most iconic roles and performances still ahead of him. To many, him being used as an example of someone who wasn’t impressive enough seemed like a bold and risky move for Shania, who was still a rising star in the music industry.
Over the years, plenty of theories and rumors have circulated about why Shania chose to call out Brad Pitt specifically, with some suggesting that it was because she didn’t find him attractive, while others speculated that it was a nod to the public’s obsession with celebrity culture and the pressure to idolize certain stars. However, in a recent interview with Billboard, Shania finally revealed the true reason behind the lyric, and it’s not what anyone expected.
As it turns out, the line wasn’t originally written with Brad Pitt in mind at all. In fact, it was a last-minute addition to the song, made by Shania herself as she was trying to come up with a relatable and catchy example of someone who didn’t meet her standards. “I just thought he was the most likely person to rhyme with ‘impress’,” she explained. “I wasn’t really thinking about Brad Pitt specifically, I just needed a name that sounded good in the line.”
Of course, once the song became a massive hit and the lyric went viral, Shania realized that she had inadvertently sparked a trend of using Brad Pitt’s name in pop culture as a shorthand for someone who wasn’t impressive or exceptional enough. “I had no idea it would blow up like that,” she said. “It’s funny to me, looking back on it now, because it really wasn’t meant to be a diss against Brad or anyone else. It was just a fun, silly line that people latched onto.”
Now, more than two decades after “That Don’t Impress Me Much” took the world by storm, Shania has decided to make things right by officially picking a new name to replace Brad Pitt in the song’s lyrics. In a move that’s sure to delight fans and critics alike, she has chosen none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the new standard-bearer for those who fail to impress her.
In an exclusive statement to Billboard, Shania explained her decision, saying, “I feel like Dwayne is the perfect replacement for Brad. He’s got that same kind of charisma and confidence, but he’s also got this whole other level of talent and work ethic that really impresses me. Plus, he’s just a really cool guy. I think if I had met him back when I was writing the song, I would have used his name instead.”
While some might argue that Dwayne Johnson is a more impressive figure overall than Brad Pitt, it’s worth noting that the original lyric wasn’t intended to be a measure of someone’s actual worth or accomplishments. Instead, it was a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that no matter how famous or successful someone might be, they still have to prove themselves in order to earn Shania’s admiration and respect.
With that in mind, the fact that Shania has chosen to update the lyric with a modern, relevant figure speaks to her longevity as an artist and her ongoing commitment to staying true to herself and her fans. By recognizing that times have changed and that Brad Pitt is no longer the go-to example of celebrity success, she has reaffirmed her place in the music industry as a trailblazer and a leader, always willing to adapt and evolve with the times.
As for whether or not The Rock will be flattered by the new shoutout in “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” that remains to be seen. However, given his reputation for being one of the most down-to-earth and likable stars in Hollywood, it’s safe to say that he probably won’t take it personally. In fact, he might even see it as a compliment – after all, who wouldn’t want to be in the same league as Brad Pitt and Dwayne Johnson?