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Introduction:

Ah yes, Toby Keith’s “Country Comes To Town”, a veritable anthem for those who relish the unpretentious spirit of country life. Released in 2000 as the third single from his chart-topping album How Do You Like Me Now?!, the song became an instant classic, climbing the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart to a respectable number four and reaching number three in Canada.

Keith, a cornerstone of the American country music scene for decades, is known for his unapologetic patriotism, working-class anthems, and a sound that’s distinctly rooted in the heartland. “Country Comes To Town” perfectly encapsulates this essence. While some of his contemporaries were venturing into more pop-influenced territory, Keith stayed true to his guns, crafting a song that resonated deeply with fans who craved a simpler, more down-home experience.

The driving force behind the track is veteran producer Don Cook, a Nashville heavyweight known for his work with Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, and Vince Gill. Cook’s signature production style – a blend of clean guitars, a steady backbeat, and a touch of steel guitar – provides the perfect platform for Keith’s gruff vocals and relatable storytelling.

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“Country Comes To Town” isn’t a song about dusty tractors or wide-open plains. It’s about the electric energy that crackles through a small town when the work week ends and the locals are ready to unwind. Keith paints a vivid picture of a community where everyone knows everyone, rivalries are good-natured, and letting loose is a time-honored tradition. There’s a mischievous glint in his eye as he sings about chasing after “hillbilly girls” and the promise of a good time “when the sun goes down.”

But beneath the surface of the song’s carefree exterior lies a deeper current of nostalgia. The line “Ain’t doing nothing me and Papa ain’t done” hints at a generational connection, a sense that the revelry unfolding is part of a long-standing tradition. It’s a subtle reminder that while times may change, the core values of small-town America – community, camaraderie, and a love for life’s simple pleasures – remain constant.

“Country Comes To Town” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural touchstone. It captures the essence of a particular time and place, offering a glimpse into a world where troubles fade away with the setting sun and the locals come together to celebrate the joys of life. It’s a song that will continue to resonate with anyone who cherishes the unique spirit of small-town America.

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Lyrics:

“Country Comes To Town”
Well the weatherman said it might storm today
I gotta hit the field
Gotta bail some hay
And I can’t let it rain on my daddy’s farm
Til I get it all stacked up high in the barnAnd I’m gonna call my baby
She’s been waiting on me
She lives down town on Sycamore Street
And the wheels on the black top
A startin’ to whine
As I pass that Oklahoma City limit sign

I’m a hayseed
And a plow boy
I’m a farm kid
And a cowboy
I’m a roughneck
My daddy was a roughneck too

I run around with hillbilly girls
The weekend sits on my hillbilly world
You better be ready when the sun goes down
That’s when country comes to town

Well her Daddy said child you better let him be
Well I don’t like him and he sire don’t like me
Momma just says ya’ll have a little fun
Ain’t doin’ nothing me and papa ain’t done
Open up the door to my pick-up truck
And my baby jumps in and she fires it up
And she gives me a kiss
As I crawl in
We’ve been waiting all week for a weekend

I’m a hayseed
And a plow boy
I’m a farm kid
And a cowboy
I’m a roughneck
My daddy was a roughneck too

I run around with hillbilly girls
The weekend sits on my hillbilly world
You better be ready when the sun goes down
That’s when country comes to town

Yeah it’s true I run around with hillbilly girls
The weekend sits on my hillbilly world
You better be ready when the sun goes down
Cause that’s when country comes to town
Here I come