The song is from the 2000 film Coyote Ugly and was originally intended to be sung by American stage, film and television actress, Piper Perabo, but after her audition to sing "Can't Fight the Moonlight" and watching the film, American country pop artist LeAnn Rimes decided to record all the songs for the film and provide the singing voice for Perabo.[2] The theatrical trailer for the film included Perabo's original recording of the song prior to Rimes recording it.[3]
Release
"But I Do Love You" was first released on the soundtrack for Coyote Ugly on August 1, 2000.[4] It was later released as a B-side track to the single "Can't Fight the Moonlight" on August 22, 2000.[5] The song was released to country radio in the U.S. on February 9, 2001 as the first single from I Need You.[6] It was released in the UK the following year on February 11, 2002.[7]
"But I Do Love You" is a song of three minutes and twenty seconds. It was written by Diane Warren and recorded by LeAnn Rimes. The song is written in the key of C major with Rimes' vocals spanning two octaves, from B3 to B4[13] The song is produced by Trevor Horn with executive production by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kathy Nelson and Mike Curb. Orchestral arrangements were done by David Campbell with engineering and mixing done by Steve MacMillan. Additional engineering was done by Tim Weidner, Greg Hunt, Gary Leach and Austin Deptula.[14]
Critical reception
The song received a favorable review from Deborah Evans Price of Billboard, who wrote that "Rimes is an ever-evolving stylist of the first degree, and she nails this catchy midtempo track from start to finish."[15] Another review in Billboard, from 2000, stated that the song is "beautifully written" and that it is "AC-hitworthy."[16] Heather Phares of Allmusic considered the song a "Jewel-esque love song".[17]