My Fav Five: Toby Keith Songs

Toby Keith is a country music legend. He was a breakout artist in the 90s and managed to stay relevant for decades with his 21 studio albums and 69 singles.

Unfortunately on February 5, 2024, Toby Keith’s family announced that he lost his battle to cancer.

The icon was known for his incredibly recognizable voice but also for his gifted songwriting. He was proud to say that he wrote or co-wrote a plethora of his own songs.

While most, if not all, of his songs are worth recognizing and remembering as fans mourn, here are the top 5 Toby Keith songs from a central Pennsylvania girl in her twenties.

“Should’ve Been a Cowboy”

Keith’s debut single stands as his most listened-to song on Spotify.

The artist wrote this song about the freedom of the cowboy lifestyle while referencing many classic western television shows, including “Gunsmoke.”

It was an instant classic when it came out and remains an iconic song today. After sporting events at Oklahoma State University, home of the Cowboys, the song is played.

Listening to this song constantly makes me want to drop out of college and use the money I don’t have to live out west, wrangle cattle and catch bad guys, the way God intended for it to be.

“Beer For My Horses”

I know what you’re thinking, can horses actually drink beer? I looked it up and they can! Today when you give your horses their beer, pour one out for Toby.

Keith is accompanied on the song by Willie Nelson.

The duo sings about the injustice of society today (meaning 2003).

The main line of this song “Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses,” comes from the 1975 film “Bite the Bullet.”

This song preceded the handful of drinking anthems released by Keith later in his career.

“Courtesy of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)”

This was the lead song on his 2002 album “Unleashed”. The song was written about the death of Keith’s father in early 2001 along with the September 11 attacks.

A patriotic anthem with an emotional conception that inspired troops and Americans was all this song was supposed to be, but it led to so much more.

The song led to a heavily publicized feud with the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks.

Songs about putting a “boot in your ass” are not received well by all, but on the 4th of July it goes hard.

“I Wanna Talk About Me”

This song dominated early 2000s country radio and encouraged men to stand their own truth and defend themselves against blabbing women.

Do I necessarily agree with this message? Depends on the day, however, I can not disagree with the fact that this song is a banger.

This is a very original concept and is what country music is all about, storytelling.

“God Love Her”

This song is just precious.

A heartfelt and sweet song about falling in love with a preacher’s daughter. Would it even be a country song if she wasn’t rebellious?

“She was baptized in dirty water.” Can’t beat it.

This could be considered one of Keith’s more cliche songs, however, what sets it apart is Keith’s vocals.

Presents him the opportunity to show off his one-of-a-kind voice.

The self-proclaimed “Big Dog Daddy” may be gone, but he will not soon be forgotten.

Savannah Swartz is a third-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.