Introduction:
Toby Keith, one of country music’s most prominent and influential figures, released the song “Country Comes to Town” on May 16, 2000, as the fourth single from his successful album “How Do You Like Me Now?!”. This album, released in 1999, marked a turning point in Keith’s career, solidifying his status as a major force in the country music industry. Known for his larger-than-life persona and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary influences, Keith delivers an energetic and infectious track with “Country Comes to Town.”
The song is classified within the country rock genre, a hybrid of country and rock elements that underscores the song’s bold and rebellious spirit. It features electric guitars, a driving rhythm, and Keith’s commanding vocal presence, which all come together to create a high-energy anthem that celebrates rural life and small-town pride. The song is a tribute to the good times and communal spirit that comes alive when country folks gather for fun, whether in honky-tonks, rodeos, or town festivals. Its vibrant energy and up-tempo rhythm make it a standout track in Toby Keith’s extensive catalog.
“Country Comes to Town” was produced by James Stroud, a well-known producer in the country music scene, who has worked with other big names like Tim McGraw and Shania Twain. Stroud’s production expertise helped enhance the song’s rowdy vibe while maintaining its radio-friendly appeal. The track was written by Toby Keith himself, showcasing his talent not just as a performer but also as a skilled songwriter. His ability to craft songs that resonate with everyday life, combined with his signature humor and brash confidence, has been a defining characteristic of his career.
In terms of achievements, “Country Comes to Town” received significant airplay upon its release and reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. While it wasn’t as commercially dominant as other singles from “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, it became a fan favorite and a staple of Keith’s live performances. The album itself was a major success, earning multi-platinum certification and establishing Keith as a leading figure in the 2000s country music revival.
Keith’s unapologetic embrace of rural culture, combined with his ability to fuse country storytelling with rock influences, made “Country Comes to Town” a perfect representation of his broader musical style. The song remains a testament to Toby Keith’s ability to connect with his audience, reflecting both his roots in small-town America and his flair for crafting anthems that resonate with country fans across the nation.
Video:
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 signI’m a hayseed
And a plow boy
I’m a farm kid
And a cowboy
I’m a roughneck
My daddy was a roughneck tooI 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 townWell 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 weekendI’m a hayseed
And a plow boy
I’m a farm kid
And a cowboy
I’m a roughneck
My daddy was a roughneck tooI 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 townYeah 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