Introduction:
Ah, Toby Keith, a name synonymous with American Country music with a rebellious streak. Now, when we talk about Toby Keith, we can’t help but delve into the heartland anthems, the flag-waving rockers, and the occasional ballad that tugs at your heartstrings. But in 2005, nestled amongst the driving rhythms of his album Honkytonk University, Keith released a song that resonated with a different kind of truth – the truth of aging, the bittersweet acceptance of a time gone by, and the fight to hold onto a sliver of that youthful spirit. This song, of course, is the contemplative and reflective As Good As I Once Was.
Released in May 2005, As Good As I Once Was wasn’t your typical Toby Keith barnburner. Sure, there was still that signature Keith swagger in his voice, but the melody carried a melancholic undercurrent. Co-written with Scotty Emerick, the song struck a chord with audiences, perhaps because it mirrored the experiences of many. Here was a country music mainstay, a man known for his bravado, confronting his own mortality, or at least, the limitations time inevitably imposes.
Critically acclaimed, the song was praised for its honesty and vulnerability. Matt Bjorke, writing for About.com, even went so far as to say it rivaled anything from Keith’s iconic How Do You Like Me Now?! album. As Good As I Once Was transcended the boundaries of typical country music fare, becoming a relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever looked back and wondered, “Man, I ain’t as good as I once was.”
But As Good As I Once Was wasn’t just about lamenting lost youth. It was also a testament to the enduring human spirit. The song acknowledges the physical decline, the voice maybe not reaching the same heights, the body not quite as resilient. But within those lines, there’s a flicker of defiance, a refusal to completely surrender to the inevitable. Keith sings about still “throwing a few back, talking a little smack,” a reminder that the fire, though dimmed, still burns.
As Good As I Once Was wasn’t a chart-topping juggernaut, but it became a fan favorite, a song that resonated deeply with those who grew up alongside Toby Keith and his music. It secured its place not just on Honkytonk University, but within the larger tapestry of Keith’s career. It was a reminder that even the toughest cowboys have to confront the passage of time, and that the fight to stay relevant, to hold onto a piece of who you once were, is a battle worth waging. So, let’s delve into As Good As I Once Was, a song that celebrates the past, acknowledges the present, and whispers a quiet defiance in the face of aging.
Video:
Lyrics:
“As Good As I Once Was”
I said, “I’ve been here a time or two.”
She said, “Hello, my name is Bobby Jo.
Meet my twin sister Betty Lou.And we’re both feeling kinda wild tonight.
You’re the only cowboy in this place.
And if you’re up for a rodeo,
I’ll put a big Texas smile on your face.”
I said, “Girls,
I ain’t as good as I once was
I got a few years on me now
But there was a time
Back in my prime
When I could really lay it down.
And if you need some love tonight
Then I might have just enough.
I ain’t as good as I once was,
But I’m as good once as I ever was.”
I still hang out with my best friend Dave.
I’ve known him since we were kids at school.
Last night he had a few shots,
Got in a tight spot
Hustlin’ a game of pool
With a couple of redneck boys.
One great big bad biker man.
I heard David yell across the room,
“Hey, buddy, how ’bout a helping hand!”
I said, “Dave,
I ain’t as good as I once was.
My, how the years have flown,
But there was a time
Back in my prime
When I could really hold my own.
But if you wanna fight tonight,
Guess those boys don’t look all that tough.
I ain’t as good as I once was
But I’m as good once as I ever was.”
I used to be hell on wheels
Back when I was a younger man.
Now my body says, “You can’t do this, boy,”
But my pride says, “Oh, yes you can.”
I ain’t as good as I once was.
That’s just the cold hard truth.
I still throw a few back,
Talk a little smack
When I’m feeling bullet-proof.
So don’t double-dog dare me now
‘Cause I’d have to call your bluff.
I ain’t as good as I once was,
But I’m as good once as I ever was.
May not be good as I once was,
But I’m as good once as I ever was.