Introduction:
“Too Drunk to Karaoke,” released in 2013 on Jimmy Buffett’s album Songs from St. Somewhere, is a humorous duet featuring Buffett and country star Toby Keith. Known for his iconic island-inspired tunes, Buffett wrote this track to capture the relatable misadventures of an overly confident karaoke participant. The song’s lighthearted narrative follows someone whose enthusiasm for performing clashes with their excessive inebriation, leading to a memorable chorus that insists, “You’re too drunk to karaoke.”
The collaboration between Buffett and Keith was a natural choice, given their shared love for good-natured, party-centric music. Known for his rowdy country hits, Keith’s style complements Buffett’s tropical sound, creating a song that resonates with both artists’ fan bases. Recorded in locations from Key West to Nashville, the track reflects Buffett’s affinity for blending musical styles from varied settings, giving it an easygoing, summery vibe.
“Too Drunk to Karaoke” quickly became popular, often performed live by both artists to enthusiastic audiences. Its catchy, sing-along nature has made it a fan favorite at concerts, where Buffett’s Parrothead followers and Keith’s fans embrace the humorous, celebratory lyrics. The song highlights the friendship and mutual respect between Buffett and Keith, a bond that led them to team up again on other projects, including Keith’s own “Sailboat for Sale” on his 35 MPH Town album. The track embodies a carefree spirit, offering a tribute to the fun and unpredictability of nights out, and remains a favorite in both artists’ repertoires.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Too Drunk To Karaoke”
(feat. Toby Keith)
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 song
Too 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 karaoke
Well, 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 hair
Too drunk to karaoke
Too drunk to karaoke
Well 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 fans
Too 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 drunkativity
Too 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)