Toby Keith – Sundown

Introduction:

The song “Sundown” by Toby Keith is a notable country cover of the classic Gordon Lightfoot track. Keith’s version was released in 2010 as part of his studio album “Bullets in the Gun.” While Lightfoot’s original song came out in the 1970s and topped various charts globally, including reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., Keith’s rendition adds a country twist to the folk-rock roots of the original.

“Sundown” is known for its storytelling, characteristic of country music, yet remains faithful to the contemplative and reflective style of the original track. The song belongs to the country and country rock genres, drawing on Keith’s signature sound while paying homage to Lightfoot’s folk-rock legacy. Thematically, it revolves around suspicion and mistrust in a relationship, capturing emotions that resonate in both the country and rock audiences.

The album “Bullets in the Gun” itself was a commercial success for Toby Keith, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and topping the Top Country Albums chart. Though “Sundown” did not chart individually as high as the original, it remains a fan-favorite cover, showcasing Keith’s ability to reinterpret classic hits while staying true to his musical roots.

Keith’s version highlights his distinctive vocals and the polished production of the album, offering a fresh take on the classic, while still retaining the melancholic essence that made Lightfoot’s version a classic​

Video:

Lyrics:

“Sundown”

I can see her lyin’ back in a satin dress
In a room where you do what you don’t confessSundown, you better take care
If I find you’ve been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you’ve been creepin’ ’round my back stairs

She’s been lookin’ like a queen in the sailor’s dream
And she don’t always say what she really means

Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better, when I’m feelin’ no pain
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better, when I’m feelin’ no pain

Y’all can probably sing this thing, can’t you?

I can picture every move that a man can make
Gettin’ lost in a woman is your first mistake

Sundown, you better take care
If I find you’ve been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winnin’ when I’m losin’ again

I can see her lookin’ fast in her faded jeans
She’s a hard lovin’ woman, got me feelin’ mean

Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better, when I’m feelin’ no pain
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you’ve been creepin’ ’round my back stairs

Sundown, you better take care
If I find you’ve been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winnin’ when I’m losin’ again