Toby Keith – Drunk Americans

Introduction:

Country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith kicked off his 2014 album, 35 MPH Town, with a celebratory anthem titled “Drunk Americans.” Released in October 2014, the song captured a lighthearted yet unifying message about the diversity within American society.

While not explicitly credited as a producer on the track listing, Toby Keith is known for being heavily involved in the production of his albums. “Drunk Americans” was likely a collaborative effort, potentially with his long-time co-producer Bobby Pinson who worked on several of Keith’s previous albums. The song itself was written by a trio of Nashville-based songwriters: Brandy Clark, Bob Di Piero, and Shane McAnally.

Although “Drunk Americans” didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of some of Keith’s other singles, it resonated with fans for its portrayal of a shared American experience that transcended social and political divides. The song reached a respectable number 21 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, staying on the charts for 20 weeks. It also peaked at number 58 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrically, “Drunk Americans” paints a picture of a diverse group of people coming together in a casual setting, united by their enjoyment of life and a shared sense of American identity. The song avoids mentioning specific political affiliations or social issues, focusing instead on the unifying power of shared experiences and a carefree spirit. Lines like “We ain’t East, we ain’t West / We ain’t left, we ain’t right / We ain’t black, we ain’t white / We just came here to drink” establish a sense of camaraderie that transcends traditional labels.

“Drunk Americans” wasn’t without its critics. Some felt the song’s lighthearted portrayal of alcohol consumption glossed over the potential dangers of excessive drinking. However, the song’s overall message of unity and the celebration of American diversity resonated with many listeners who saw it as a refreshing departure from the often divisive political climate.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Drunk Americans”

We ain’t east, we ain’t west, we ain’t left, we ain’t right
We ain’t black, we ain’t white, we just came here to drink
We’re all mud flaps and ‘burbans, all ball caps and turbans,
All prom queens and strippers, we’re the whole kitchen sink
And in here, were the same, everyone knows your nameWe just raise up our glass, we don’t give a rat’s ass if you’re a
Democrat or republican, We’re happy to be here and that you can see we’re just all drunk Americans.

We ain’t second ex-wives, we ain’t cowboys or redskins,
Ain’t preachers or kingpins, we’re just having fun
We’re all suits and blue collars, short orders, long haulers
Paper and plastic, too old and too young, CEO’s, GED’s, DUI’s, FBI’s, BHD’s

And we raise up our glass, we don’t give a rat’s ass if your belly’s too fat or your wallet’s too thin,
We’re happy to be here and that you can see we’re just all drunk Americans.

La la la la la la la la la la la la la la la-a
La la la la la la la la la la la la la la la-a
All drunk Americans

We’ve been in, we’ve been out, we’ve been cool, we’ve been weird
Thank God we’re still here, in the land of the free
And we all sing it wrong but we all sing a-long
Sing along

We just raise up our glass, we don’t give a rats ass if you’re a
Democrat or republican, We’re happy to be here and that you can see we’re just all drunk Americans.
In these neon lights, we’re all stars, we’re all stripes,
And we’re all drunk Americans.