I inherited my love for Toby Keith from my mother, along with a pair of boots signed by him at
the Harris County Fair circa 1996. The only thing we ever listened to in the kitchen was his “Boomtown” album. Artists like Toby, Tim, and Kenny were pretty much the extent of my country music awareness until I turned 10, and I don’t have any complaints about it at all.
I knew for sure I would be a “Whiskey Girl” when I was in the 3rd grade; I was wrong… so, so wrong- whiskey does NOT make me frisky, whiskey makes me sob uncontrollably. That being said, Toby Keith is known for rambunctious, “Get Drunk and Be Somebody”-esque songs. He gets a bad rap for being some kind of ignorant wash-up who killed country music, but I think that’s pretty unbased as far as his music is concerned. He’s had his controversies, but he HAS great music. “I Love This Bar” as much as the next girl, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite songs both performed AND written by Keith that don’t really embody what most country fans would consider a typical TK song.
“Woman Behind the Man” is from his Boomtown album, and it’s a far more compelling love song than “Whiskey Girl” could even come close to. The song displays a capacity for love that an everyday country music fan wouldn’t begin to imagine possible of Toby. Similar in theme to “Stand Beside Me” by Jo Dee Messina, it’s a great example of women being viewed as equals and a healthy relationship, not based on tattoos or blue jeans.
“Every Night” is another example of Toby engaging with a more sensitive side, understanding the heartache and pain that a woman he is interested in is dealing with. It’s far from a boot stomping, beer drinking, all-american honky-tonk jive.
I love “Yesterday’s Rain” because even though the lyrics themselves are unabashedly miserable, it still manages to be a catchy song with a lively instrumental. It’s pretty typical country (albeit corporate) but it still stands out from the general Toby impression.
This is probably the most popular of the songs listed, and most people wouldn’t list ‘stoner’ as one of Toby Keith’s characteristics, it would fall farrrr below drunk and obnoxious; this song goes to prove just that. However, the song does mention his “great contact high” and he gives in and smokes again at the end of the song, so I like to think he came around at least a little bit. Also it’s just a fun TK song that I think is at least a little bit different from his typical rowdy redneck bad rap.
Hopefully after listening to these songs (and checking out his albums to find more on your own), you too will admit that his work has many dimensions, and I also hope to swing some fans in his favor- he’s a fun guy! I’m not saying he’s the next Albert Einstein, but his music doesn’t constantly cycle between tramp stamps, trucks, and red solo cups.
This is an interesting post because I do agree that Toby Keith has a crazy, party boy image with songs that reflect that but he is a person who has emotions and some of his songs reflect that. Also, I don’t get why people hate so much on the party music. Those songs are fun and every once in awhile it is nice to just have a song that you don’t have to get all emotional about. Toby Keith has fun music that you want to listen to when you are wanting to have a good time and there is nothing wrong with that. After reading this though I see his softer side and it is good to know that he does have another side to him.
I can’t say that I listen to Toby Keith but I really liked this article. I enjoyed listening to all the songs and you definitely picked good songs to give readers a taste of all the different sides to his sound. The last song reminded me of the Hank Williams Jr song we listened to in class since they both talk about smoking. It’s strange to hear it referred to blatantly in a song since it’s usually talked about through euphemisms. This fits in perfectly to the types of artists we’ve been talking about- Toby Keith almost has an outlaw persona too him.
This is one of my favorites (if not my favorite) post I’ve read on this site so far. It’s really funny, and your voice really comes out as an author. (I’m sorry that you found out the hard way that whiskey makes you sob uncontrollably) Plus, the picture you hyperlinked at the end is priceless. It’s awesome that you fought for an artist that you care about and tried to defend them. There are a LOT of country artists who receive a lot of hate (more so than many other genres I feel like), and you did a good job addressing this. I liked the songs you chose and it was a nice touch to add the music videos to each of them. It felt very personal and genuine, and the opening story about your childhood was a nice touch as well. Great job!
I loved reading your post! I am not the biggest country music fan but want to learn to like it. I think your post helped me familiarize myself with Toby Keith and some of his songs. Thank you for teaching me the ropes! I also thought that your writing in your post is compelling. I love how you started off with the cowboy boots and included a picture along with it! It made me feel like you put a lot of thought into your writing. I also thought that the music videos you included really aided in developing an opinion of Toby Keith. Great job!
I really enjoyed seeing a list of lesser know and more emotionally poignant Toby Keith songs! Like you I grew up with my family only listening to one Toby Keith Album, although mine was “Toby Keith’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2” so the majority of the songs that I know by heart are the popular drinking songs (thanks mom!). Toby Keith will sometimes surprise me with one of his songs and I am so glad that today I have been surprised by four new ones. Thanks Candace for this list and analysis – really great.