Toby Keith – Honkytonk U

Introduction:

Honkytonk U (2005), the lead single and title track from Toby Keith’s ninth studio album of the same name, is a boisterous ode to the quintessential American institution: the honky-tonk bar. Released in February 2005 on DreamWorks Records, the song became a major hit for Keith, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number six on the Canadian Country Music charts. This success helped propel the album Honkytonk University to achieve platinum certification, signifying sales exceeding one million units.

Honkytonk U not only served as the album’s title track but also embodied its overall theme. The album itself was a return to Keith’s roots in traditional country music, a move that resonated with fans after a brief foray into a more pop-country sound on previous releases. Honkytonk University was produced by James Stroud, a frequent collaborator of Keith’s who had worked on several of his most successful albums. Stroud’s signature production style, characterized by its tight arrangements and emphasis on Keith’s vocals, is on full display in Honkytonk U.

The song itself is a high-energy celebration of the honky-tonk experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lively bar scene, filled with two-stepping couples, laughter, and the twang of a jukebox. Keith’s distinctive vocals deliver lines about cold beer, bar fights, and the camaraderie found within the walls of a honky-tonk, all with a sense of humor and a touch of nostalgia.

Honkytonk U‘s success solidified Toby Keith’s status as a country music superstar. The song became a staple of country radio playlists and a favorite among fans at his live concerts. It also served as a reminder of Keith’s ability to capture the essence of working-class Americana in his music. Honkytonk U continues to be a beloved anthem for those who cherish the traditions and atmosphere of the classic honky-tonk bar.

Video:

Lyrics:

My grandmother owned a night club on the Arkansas-Oklahoma line.
Momma put me on a Greyhound an’ I went to stay with her in the summertime.
I’d box up those empty long-necks and stack ’em in the back and bake a ham.
Then at night she’d let me sneak out of the kitchen and sit in with the band.

Yes, I have sacked some quarterbacks
An’ broke my share of bones along the way.
I knew it wouldn’t last forever; semi-pro always means semi-payed.
I started climbin’ drillin’ rigs: I’m oil field trash and proud as I can be, yeah.
Then I took my songs an’ guitar an’ sang ’em for a man from Tennessee.

I’ve played every beer joint tavern from New York City out to Pasadena.
Every corn-dog fair and rodeo an’ sold out every basketball arena.
Like to get down with my boys in Afghanistan and Baghdad City too.
I am a red, white and blue blood graduate of Honkytonk U.

A star can’t burn forever an’ the brightest ones will someday lose their shine.
But the glass won’t ever be half-empty in my optimistic mind.
I’ll still have a song to sing an’ a band to turn it up and play it loud.
As long as there’s a bar room with a corner stage and a honky tonk crowd.

I’ve played every beer joint tavern from New York City out to Pasadena.
Every corn-dog fair and rodeo an’ sold out every basketball arena.
I like to get down with my boys in Afghanistan and Baghdad City too.
Son, I’m a red, white and blue blood graduate of Honkytonk U.
That’s right: a red, white and blue blood graduate of Honkytonk U.