Toby Keith – Clancy’s Tavern

Introduction:

“Clancy’s Tavern” is the title track from Toby Keith’s fifteenth studio album, released on October 24, 2011. As a renowned American country music singer and songwriter, Toby Keith delivered this song as part of an album that highlights his ability to tell deeply personal stories through his music. The song is categorized under the country music genre, reflecting Keith’s signature style that blends traditional country elements with modern themes and storytelling.

The song “Clancy’s Tavern” is inspired by Toby Keith’s own family history. The song’s narrative centers around a lively bar, “Clancy’s Tavern,” a fictional establishment based on a real-life bar run by Keith’s grandmother in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the song, Keith paints a vivid picture of the bar and its patrons, offering listeners a nostalgic and heartfelt glimpse into his family’s past. Keith’s grandmother, Hilda, was a significant influence in his life, and this song serves as a tribute to her, encapsulating the spirit of her bar—a place where people from all walks of life came together to enjoy music, good times, and camaraderie.

“Clancy’s Tavern” showcases Keith’s ability to weave stories that resonate with his audience, combining a warm, inviting melody with poignant lyrics. It’s a song that embodies the core of country music: storytelling and emotional depth. The album itself was well-received by critics and fans alike, debuting at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number five on the Billboard 200 chart, reflecting Keith’s continued relevance and popularity in the country music scene. The album’s singles, including “Made in America,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “Beers Ago,” each achieved significant commercial success, further solidifying the album’s impact.

Overall, “Clancy’s Tavern” is a testament to Toby Keith’s prowess as a storyteller and his ability to draw from personal experiences to create music that is both authentic and relatable. The song is a standout track that captures the essence of Keith’s musical style and pays homage to his roots.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Clancy’s Tavern”

Any minute the five o’clock crowd will be coming
Taps will be flowing with beer
The cigarette smoke soon to be rising
And at 5:30 Clancy gets hereShe knows all their faces
She’s practically raised them
And that’s why they’re loyal and true
They’ll pay their tabs
And that pays the light bill
And she keeps a glass full of brew

And the welders and the drivers
And the old nine to fivers
And the regular Joe’s of the world
Are singing, here’s to you, Clancy
And your neighborhood tavern
Pour me another, my girl

There’s a waitress named Lilly
Shows up at 7
To make sure the service is great
And there’s a black dude named Elmo
That cooks in the kitchen
Burgers and chicken fried stake

Here round 9 o’clock the band will start playing
And the music will fill up the air
And they’ll take a break every 45 minutes
And the jukebox takes over from there

And the welders and the drivers
And the old nine to fivers
And the regular Joe’s of the world
Are singing, here’s to you, Clancy
And your neighborhood tavern
Pour me another, my girl

It’s 1:35 last call’s upon us
It’s time to settle a score
Won’t you call me a cab and bring me a tab
And while you’re at it bring me one more

She’s cleaned the last table
And shined up the bar
It’s late and everyone’s gone
Then she’ll cock her pistol
And count all her money
And drive that old Chrysler back home

And the welders and the drivers
And the old nine to fivers
And the regular Joe’s of the world
Singing, here’s to you, Clancy
And your neighborhood tavern
Pour me another, my girl

Have a good night sleep, Clancy
In your neighborhood tavern
We’ll see you tomorrow, my girl