Released October 20, 2003 Recorded 2003 Length 3:30 | Format CD single Genre Country Label Capitol Nashville | |
"My Last Name" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Dierks Bentley. It was released in October 2003 as the second single from his self-titled album. The song is Bentley's first single to miss the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, reaching a peak of #17, and his last, until 2010's "Up on the Ridge," which peaked at #21.
Contents
Content
The narrator describes the origins and the experiences of his last name, such as when he beat up a bully who made fun of his name and when his grandpa "took it off to Europe to fight the Germans in the war". In the final verse, the narrator then says that he wants to marry his lover — to give her his last name because he does not have much.
Music video
The music video was directed by Peter Zavadil, who directed his previous video for "What Was I Thinkin'". At the beginning, it shows Dierks Bentley's name spelled wrong on a marquee, but at the end of the video, it has been corrected.
Reception
Samantha H., reviewing the song for Country Music Online.net, wrote that the song "My Last Name" "is a great story song. All about getting teased because of his last name and still being proud of it. Then one day he offers it to a woman through marriage." Robert L. Doerschuk of Allmusic, however, called it "gauzy nostalgia."
Chart performance
"My Last Name" debuted at number 55 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week ending October 25, 2003.