Remembering Toby Keith: A Garrulous American | National Review

Introduction:

It’s All Good, a feel-good country anthem released in 2002, is a testament to finding joy in life’s simple pleasures even amidst challenges. The song, written by Toby Keith himself alongside Scotty Emerick and Chris Stapleton, became a defining moment in Keith’s career.

Keith, a household name in country music, is known for his rough and rebellious persona, often incorporating themes of patriotism, blue-collar pride, and working-class struggles into his music. However, with It’s All Good, he delivered a more optimistic message that resonated deeply with fans.

It’s All Good wasn’t just a hit with audiences; it achieved impressive commercial success. The song climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart, solidifying Keith’s status as a country music powerhouse. It even managed to crossover appeal, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a testament to the song’s broad appeal. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song platinum, indicating sales exceeding one million units.

It’s All Good stands out in Toby Keith’s discography for its optimistic outlook. The song acknowledges the world’s imperfections with lines like “Mother earth has changed since I was a child/The east is a beast and the west is really wild/And the headlines say that the end looks grim.” However, the chorus quickly pivots to a more hopeful tone: “No can’t complain ’cause we’re alright/And it’s all good.” This sentiment resonated with listeners facing their own struggles, offering a reminder to find joy in the simple things and appreciate life’s good moments.

While Toby Keith continued to explore various themes throughout his career, It’s All Good remains a signature song, a reminder of his ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes and a signature sound.

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Lyrics:

Mother earth has changed since I was a childThe east is a beast and the west is really wildAnd the headlines say that the end looks grimAnd the future don’t look so bright
You can’t open your mailbox, you can’t take a planeEverybody lookin’ for somebody to blameI think I’m gonna let the president, hmmSave this ol’ world tonight
I’ll light us a fireAnd she’ll turn off the newsWe’ll open a cold one and shake these blues
It’s all goodIt’s alrightI’m gonna sit here with my baby all nightAnd let the troubles of this world roll on by usLike they should
It’s all coolIt’s okayWe’ve got everything going our wayCan’t complain if we’re alrightIt’s all good
Just a regular Joe, with a beautiful girlJust getting by in a day-to-day worldWe ain’t got a lot, nah, but we don’t need anything
Covered in kisses, surrounded by loveShowered with blessings from up aboveWhen you’re sitting on top of the worldAnd you got everything
We live out in the country where the working class doWe’ve got our health and our happiness too
It’s all goodIt’s alrightI’m gonna sit here with my baby all nightAnd let the troubles of this world roll on by usLike they should
It’s all coolIt’s okayAnd we’ve got everything going our wayCan’t complain if we’re alrightIt’s all good
No, can’t complain ’cause we’re alrightAnd it’s all good