Introduction:
Released in 2013, “Too Drunk To Karaoke” is a novelty country duet by two of the genre’s biggest stars: Jimmy Buffett and Toby Keith. The song injects a dose of humor into the well-trodden world of bar culture and the often-dicey proposition of amateur singing. While both Buffett and Keith are known for crafting songs that celebrate good times and good company, “Too Drunk To Karaoke” adds a layer of self-deprecating fun to the mix.
Jimmy Buffett, a pioneer of the “island rock” genre, is known for his laid-back, beach-themed sound. Buffett’s signature style incorporates elements of country, rock and roll, and folk, with lyrics that often center around tropical escapes, partying, and wasting away the days. Toby Keith, on the other hand, is a country music traditionalist known for his brash patriotism, working-class anthems, and rocking guitar riffs. Despite their seemingly disparate styles, both Buffett and Keith have cultivated enormous followings and achieved immense commercial success.
The idea for “Too Drunk To Karaoke” reportedly came about during a chance encounter between Buffett and Keith. The two legendary musicians were both performing at the 2012 CMA Music Festival when they struck up a conversation backstage. According to some accounts, they discovered a mutual love of karaoke, and the concept for the song was born.
“Too Drunk To Karaoke” was eventually produced by Mac McAnally, a longtime collaborator with Buffett. McAnally, who is himself a successful singer-songwriter, has produced numerous Buffett albums and co-written many of his hits. The carefree, party atmosphere of “Too Drunk To Karaoke” is a perfect fit for McAnally’s production sensibilities.
While the song itself is not a chart-topping smash, it has become a cult favorite among fans of both Buffett and Keith. The novelty of the pairing, combined with the good-natured humor of the lyrics, has ensured “Too Drunk To Karaoke” a place in the annals of country music. The song perfectly captures the camaraderie and occasional absurdity that can be found in any good karaoke bar, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most fun is to be had simply letting loose and singing along, regardless of how well you hit the notes. “Too Drunk To Karaoke” may not be a serious artistic statement, but it is a undeniably fun and lighthearted song that is sure to put a smile on the face of any listener.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Too Drunk To Karaoke”
(feat. Toby Keith)Too drunk!
Too drunk!Last night at the bar it was karaoke night
Yeah, everybody down there was feeling alright
They got big margarita pitchers, two-for-one (yum-yum)
They were feeling footloose and ready for some fun
When I signed up, I was ready to go
But they didn’t call my name for an hour or so
Damn if they didn’t make me wait too long
I was in no kind of shape to sing a Jon Bon songToo drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaoke
If you keep on drinking, you’re gonna be
Too drunk to karaoke, just like me
Too drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaokeWell, the place got rocking, temptation was strong
All the pretty girls kept a egging me on
Well, I shoulda kept my flip-flops glued to the chair
But no, I jumped right up and slicked back my hairToo drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaokeWell you can sing in the shower ’til you sound real good
You can terrorize the whole damn neighborhood
But when you hit that stage with that mic in your hand
You better pace yourself, son, if you wanna have fansToo drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaoke (play it, boys)If you ask me, hell, I killed that song
When I looked around, everybody was gone
Except a couple of bouncers ’bout half my age
They grabbed the microphone and threw me off the stage
You’re too drunk to karaoke, that’s what they told me
You’re too drunk to karaoke, how can that be?
You don’t have to be good, don’t have to be refined
You just have to be a legend in your own mind
Don’t have to rehearse, or even sing on key
Just prove that theory of drunkativityToo drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaoke (look at me!)
You’re too drunk to karaoke
Just like me
Too drunk to karaoke
(That’s what I’m talking about)