I Almost Do

I Almost Do is a song by American recording artist Taylor Swift, taken from her fourth studio album, Red (2012). The song was written by Swift, and produced by her long time collaborator Nathan Chapman, with additional production her Swift. It is the seventh song on the record. It is reminiscent of Swift's old material on Speak Now, being heavily influenced by country. The lyrics are about Swift missing her old lover, and trying to express the feelings of missing him.

"I Almost Do" received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented Swift for her usual country talent. Upon the release of Red, the song has charts on several charts, peaking at number 65 and 50 respectively in the US and Canada.

Critical reception

The song has received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented Swift's talent in country music. About.com called the song "an everyday scene from an independent film of uncertain quality", giving it a rate of 3 out of 5 stars. Billboard has also given the song a very positive review, saying: "gentle guitar strums soundtrack Swift's ode to reaching for the phone to reconnect with an ex, but not being able to "risk another goodbye." Unlike the slices of radio fodder that sandwich "I Almost Do" on the album, the mid-tempo ballad is a slow grower, with shards of ace songwriting presenting themselves over time." Idolator praised the placement of the song after "22" on the record saying that "“I Almost Do” breaks up the pop nicely." Allmusic also gave the song a positive review, giving it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Chart performance

Due to strong digital download sales upon the release of Red, the song peaked at number 65 and 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100, respectively. It also charted on the US Country Songs, peaking at number 13.

Lyrics

VERSE
I bet this time of night you're still up
I bet you're tired from a long hard Week
I bet you're sittin’ in your chair by The window
Looking out at the city and I bet
Sometimes you wonder about me

CHORUS
And I just want to tell you
It takes everything in me
Not to call you
And I wish I could run to you
And I hope you know that
Every time I don't, I almost do
I almost do

VERSE
I bet you think I either moved on or hate you
Cause' each time you reach out, there's no reply
I bet it never, ever occurred to you
That I can't say hello to you and risk another goodbye

CHORUS
And I just want to tell you
It takes everything in me
Not to call you
And I wish I could run to you
And I hope you know that
Every time I don't, I almost do
I almost do

VERSE
We made quite a mess, babe
It's probably better off this way
And I confess, babe
In my dreams you're touching my face
And asking me if I’d want to try again with you
And I almost do

CHORUS
And I just want to tell you
It takes everything in me
Not to call you
And I wish I could run to you
And I hope you know that
Every time I don't, I almost do
I almost do

VERSE
I bet this time of night you're still up
I bet you're tired from a Long hard week
I bet you're sittin’ in your chair by the window
Looking out at the city and I hope
Sometimes you wonder about me