Introduction:
Country music icon Toby Keith and the “King of Parrot Heads” himself, Jimmy Buffett, joined forces in 2007 for a collaborative track that would become a hit not just on the charts, but also in the hearts of barflies everywhere. Titled “I Love This Bar”, the song is a lighthearted and celebratory ode to the local tavern, a place that transcends social status and brings people together.
Released on Keith’s album “Shockwave”, “I Love This Bar” wasn’t just another single. The album itself marked a significant milestone for the singer-songwriter, his tenth studio album to achieve platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “Shockwave” was produced by Keith along with budding country music producer Scotty Emerick, who would go on to work with superstars like Tim McGraw and Keith Urban.
While “Shockwave” leaned towards a more rock-infused country sound, “I Love This Bar” stood out with its easygoing, almost tropical vibe. This shift in sound can be attributed in part to the influence of Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, known for his relaxed, beach-themed country rock style, brought a touch of paradise to the track. Interestingly, “I Love This Bar” wasn’t originally intended as a duet. However, after hearing the song, Buffett reportedly loved it and offered to sing on it. This chance encounter turned into a masterstroke, as the contrasting vocals of Keith, with his gruff, everyman charm, and Buffett’s smoother, laid-back drawl, perfectly captured the essence of the song’s inclusive message.
Lyrically, “I Love This Bar” paints a vivid picture of a local watering hole. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, from cowboys and truckers to businessmen and tourists. The song doesn’t shy away from the bar’s eclectic clientele, referencing “hustlers and fighters” alongside “early birds and all-nighters.” This creates a sense of camaraderie, a place where differences fade away and everyone can share a drink and a story.
The critical reception for “I Love This Bar” was positive. While some reviewers noted the departure from Keith’s usual sound, most praised the collaborative effort and the song’s feel-good atmosphere. Commercially, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “I Love This Bar” also won the duo a Country Music Television (CMT) Award for Collaborative Video of the Year in 2008.
More importantly, “I Love This Bar” transcended the charts and became an anthem for bar patrons across the nation. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the universality of the celebrated watering hole – a place of community, laughter, and shared experiences. Whether you’re a country music fan or a Parrot Head, “I Love This Bar” is a song that raises a glass to the unique and welcoming atmosphere that a good bar can provide.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Love This Bar”
We got winners, we got losers
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie starsHmm, hmm, hmm I love this barWe got cowboys, we got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scarsHmm, hmm, hmm I love this barI love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just walkin’ through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain’t too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this barI’ve seen short skirts, we got high-techs
Blue-collar boys and rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I’ve even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jarHmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I doI like my truck (I like my truck)
I like my girlfriend (I like my girlfriend)
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and thenBut I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just trollin’ around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I just love this old barAnd we’ve got divorcees, a big bouncer man
An old jukebox and a real bad band
We got waitresses, and we got barflies
A dumbass and a wise guy
If you get too drunk, just sleep out in your car
Reason number six, seven and two why
Hmm, hmm, hmm I just love this barPlay it on out boys
Beer thirty’s over, gotta take it on homeHmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I just love it