I am so sad to learn about the passing of country music artist, Toby Keith on Monday, 5 February 2024. He announced 18 months earlier that he had stomach cancer.
His collection of work is so expansive. Since his passing, I heard an interview in which he described writing his first song. He then said it was now about 5,000 songs later. When you listen to his music, you have to appreciate his lyrics' eloquence, imagery, and rhyme, and how he uses them so well to communicate ideas.
Keith’s work’s major themes are American patriotism, good times with a drink or at the bar, and what I guess you would call courtship or relationships. Below are some of my favourites.
‘Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,’ is probably the greatest wartime song ever written.
‘American Soldier’ describes the thoughts, emotions and patriotism of a member of the military.
‘As Good As I Once Was,’ describes the male realisation of getting older and the limitations that come with that fact.
‘I Love This Bar,’ a catchy song we can all appreciate that describes his favourite place for drinks.
‘Red Solo Cup,’ is a cool casual song about this mainstay of many keg parties frequented by young adults.
‘How Do You Like Me Know,’ describes how he achieved his dream of making music.
Last year, Keith performed, ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In,’ live on a Country People’s Choice Awards Show. You could tell he was unwell, as he was not his usual burly-sized figure on stage. The camera continued to flash to his wife, Tricia Lucus. It is emotional, as the way he sang it and her reaction that the camera kept shooting, showed they knew what was coming.
Aside from those songs mentioned, he has so many more released and you can see them on his YouTube Channel. Seeing all of his great work makes you feel like Keith lived life to the fullest. It feels like he did what he set out to do. He is gone way too soon and I know there were still so many songs he would still write. But I hope and pray that his personal life was as rich and enjoyable as his musical works. Rest in peace, Mr Toby Keith. Thank you for sharing all of your amazing art.
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