Introduction:
Alright, y’all gather ’round, because we’re about to delve into a song that’s as American as apple pie and a Fourth of July fireworks display. Buckle up for Toby Keith’s “Drunk Americans,” a rowdy anthem that hit the airwaves in 2014.
Keith, a country music titan for decades by then, is a man who doesn’t shy away from expressing his strong opinions, both patriotic and pointed. This single, the lead-off track for his album “35 MPH Town,” falls squarely in that wheelhouse. It’s a foot-stompin’, beer-swillin’ celebration of American identity, seen through the lens of folks who like to let loose and have a good time.
Now, before we get labelled as glorifying unhealthy habits, it’s important to understand the context. Keith isn’t advocating for alcoholism, but rather using it as a metaphor for a certain carefree spirit. “Drunk Americans” is a tongue-in-cheek ode to the everyday citizen, the ones who work hard, play hard, and find a sense of camaraderie in shared experiences, even if those experiences involve a cold one in hand.
The song itself is a classic country shuffle, with a driving beat and a melody that’s both catchy and nostalgic. It’s the kind of tune that gets a bar singalong going by the second chorus, fueled by a shared sense of belonging. Shane McAnally, Bobby Pinson, and Brandy Clark crafted the lyrics, which are equal parts playful and pointed. They weave together a tapestry of blue-collar imagery, small-town pride, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
“Drunk Americans” wasn’t a chart-topping juggernaut, but it resonated deeply with a certain segment of Keith’s fanbase. It became a staple at his live shows, a rowdy singalong moment that solidified the connection between the artist and his audience. Love it or hate it, the song sparked conversation, and in the world of country music, that’s no small feat.
So, whether you see it as a lighthearted celebration or a reminder of social anxieties, “Drunk Americans” is a snapshot of a particular time and place in American culture. It’s a song you can tap your foot to, have a laugh at, or maybe even raise an eyebrow to. But one thing’s for sure, it’s a Toby Keith song through and through, a slice of Americana served up with a healthy dose of Southern twang.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Drunk Americans”
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’sAnd 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.