Introduction:
“I Love This Bar” is one of Toby Keith’s most iconic country songs, celebrating the camaraderie and diverse characters found in a local bar. Released as the lead single from his 2003 album Shock’n Y’all, the song showcases Keith’s talent for storytelling, blending humor and heart with relatable, down-to-earth imagery. Co-written with frequent collaborator Scotty Emerick, “I Love This Bar” captures a lively and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the many types of people—from cowboys to truckers to “yuppies”—who make up the bar’s community. Keith himself has said the song was inspired by his fondness for classic bars and the unique slice of life they represent.
The song quickly resonated with fans, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it held the top spot for five weeks. Its popularity also led Keith to open a chain of restaurants, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, designed to reflect the same atmosphere depicted in the song. The accompanying music video, shot in various bar settings, further emphasized the down-home vibe and brought Keith’s vision of the song to life.
“I Love This Bar” exemplifies Keith’s distinctive style, combining humor, patriotism, and a genuine love for everyday people. Its success solidified his reputation as a storyteller who celebrates American culture through music, creating an anthem that continues to be a fan favorite and a staple in his live performances. For more information, you can explore additional insights about the song’s history on official music sites and Toby Keith’s own platforms.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Love This Bar”
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie starsHmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
We got cowboys, we got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just walkin’ through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain’t too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I’ve seen short skirts, we got high-techs
Blue-collar boys and rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I’ve even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I do
I like my truck (I like my truck)
I like my girlfriend (I like my girlfriend)
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then
But I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just trollin’ around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I just love this old bar
And we’ve got divorcees, a big bouncer man
An old jukebox and a real bad band
We got waitresses, and we got barflies
A dumbass and a wise guy
If you get too drunk, just sleep out in your car
Reason number six, seven and two why
Hmm, hmm, hmm I just love this bar
Play it on out boys
Beer thirty’s over, gotta take it on home
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I just love it