Signed to DreamWorks Records Nashville in 1998, Keith released his breakthrough single "How Do You Like Me Now?!" in late 1999. This song, the title track to his 1999 album of the same name, was the #1 country song of 2000, and one of several chart-toppers during his tenure on DreamWorks Nashville. His next three albums, Pull My Chain, Unleashed, and Shock'n Y'all, produced three more #1's each, and all of the albums were certified 4× Platinum. A second Greatest Hits package followed in 2004, and after that, he released Honkytonk University.
When DreamWorks closed in 2005, Keith founded the label Show Dog Nashville, which merged with Universal South Records to become Show Dog-Universal Music in December 2009. He has released ten studio albums through Show Dog/Show Dog-Universal: 2006's White Trash with Money, 2007's Big Dog Daddy, 2008's That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, 2009's American Ride, 2010's Bullets in the Gun, 2011's Clancy's Tavern, 2012's Hope on the Rocks, 2013's Drinks After Work, 2015's 35 MPH Town, 2017's The Bus Songs, and 2021's Peso in My Pocket, as well as the compilation 35 Biggest Hits in 2008. Keith also made his acting debut in 2006, starring in the film Broken Bridges, and co-starred with comedian Rodney Carrington in the 2008 film Beer for My Horses, inspired by his song of the same name. On February 5th, 2024, Toby passed away from a 3 year battle with Stomach Cancer.
My List
Toby Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go to the bank and the hardware store, put a new lock on the cellar door
I cross 'em off as I get 'em done but when the sun is set
There's still more than a few things left I haven't got to yet
Go for a walk, say a little prayer
Take a deep breath of mountain air
Put on my glove and play some catch
Wade the shore and cast a line
Look up a long lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin', that's the next thing on my list
Wouldn't change the course of fate but cuttin' the grass just had to wait
Cause I've got more important things like pushin' my kid on the backyard swing
I won't break my back for a million bucks I can't take to my grave
So why put off for tomorrow what I could get done today
Like go for a walk, say a little prayer
Take a deep breath of mountain air
Put on my glove and play some catch
It's time that I make time for that
Wade the shore and cast a line
Look up a long lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin', that's the next thing on my list
Raise a little hell, laugh 'til it hurts
Put an extra five in the plate at church
Call up my folks just to chat
It's time that I make time for that
Stay up late, then oversleep
Show her what she means to me
Catch up on all the things I've always missed
Just start livin', that's the next thing on my list
Under an old brass paperweight
Is my list of things to do today
In Toby Keith’s song, “My List,” he reflects on the important things in life and reminds himself to make time for them. At the start of the song, Keith lists mundane tasks like going to the bank and hardware store and putting a new lock on the cellar door. As the song progresses, Keith reminds himself to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures like going for a walk, playing catch with his son, visiting an old friend, and giving his girl a kiss. He concludes with the message that life is too short to put off the important things, and it’s time to start living.
The song’s beautiful melody and Keith’s reflective lyrics make it easy for listeners to relate to the message of the song. The idea that there’s a balance in life between taking care of responsibilities and taking time to enjoy life is something everyone can relate to. The song is a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
Overall, “My List” is a heartfelt, introspective song that reminds us of the importance of making time for the most essential things in our lives, like spending time with loved ones and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Line by Line Meaning
Under an old brass paperweight is my list of things to do today
My daily to-do list is kept under a vintage brass paperweight.
Go to the bank and the hardware store, put a new lock on the cellar door
I have tasks to do like visiting the bank, hardware store, and install a new lock on the cellar door.
I cross 'em off as I get 'em done but when the sun is set, there's still more than a few things left I haven't got to yet
I try to accomplish everything on the list by crossing off the completed tasks, but there are still a couple of pending tasks that remain uncompleted even after sunset.
Go for a walk, say a little prayer, take a deep breath of mountain air
I need to take some time off to rejuvenate by going for a walk or taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air while saying a prayer.
Put on my glove and play some catch, it's time that I make time for that
I want to make time for activities that I enjoy, such as playing catch with my glove.
Wade the shore and cast a line, look up a long lost friend of mine
I would love to go wading and cast a line while also reconnecting with a friend I haven't seen in a long time.
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss, start livin', that's the next thing on my list
I should spend some quality time with my partner by sitting on the porch and kissing her, and in general, I need to start living life to the fullest.
Wouldn't change the course of fate but cuttin' the grass just had to wait
I may not be able to control certain things, but sometimes, I need to postpone yard work, like mowing the lawn.
'Cause I've got more important things like pushin' my kid on the backyard swing
I have to prioritize the most important things in my life, like spending quality time with my kids over less important things, like mowing the lawn.
I won't break my back for a million bucks I can't take to my grave
I am not willing to sacrifice my health and well-being for money that I can't take with me when I die.
So why put off for tomorrow what I could get done today
There is no point in postponing tasks that I can complete today.
Raise a little hell, laugh 'til it hurts, put an extra five in the plate at church
I want to have fun, be mischievous, and laugh uncontrollably. Also, I would love to give a little extra money to the church.
Call up my folks just to chat, it's time that I make time for that
I feel the need to pick up the phone and call my parents just to chat with them and catch up.
Stay up late, then oversleep, show her what she means to me
I want to stay up late with my partner and show her how much she means to me. However, if I oversleep because of it, so be it.
Catch up on all the things I've always missed, just start livin', that's the next thing on my list
I need to take the time to do everything that I have been putting off and start living life to the fullest, one task at a time.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TIM JAMES, ANTONINA ARMATO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@igropeyourmommy
Had the honor of meeting Toby in Iraq on my first deployment… mortar attack almost ended the concert before it started lol … nicest guy ever.. he could have bailed but stayed and even took time after the show for a meet and greet… my mom was your biggest fan and has that signed photo that undoubtedly will hold an even more special place in her heart after hearing of his passing this morning hanging next to her bed… rest in peace Mr Keith
@alyssahorner3589
This is so sad...Rest in Peace Toby...I pray your family and your closest friends can find comfort in these moments.
@mikerossman9863
2006 ish???
@LoganYoung-ji2gq
Thank u for ur service and may he be at peace rest easy Toby Keith hold it down till we make it there 🕊️🕊️
@igropeyourmommy
@@mikerossman9863 yep! VBC
@kaaonakipuka1937
Proud OIF Vet I-II, ‘08-‘09 🫡
@Kindisbetter
Rest in peace brother. You only lived 62 short years but lived 104 in accomplishments. Thank you for the songs written from your heart that showed us to look to the good and funny things first. Your support of our troops and First Responders will always be remembered. Your trust in God was obvious. See you on the other side.
@Vault01
What does the 104 represent?
@lathenmegginson5452
@@Vault01 he’s just saying he only lived to 64 but accomplished everything a 104 year old would have
@Vault01
@@lathenmegginson5452 oh okay, 104 just seemed like a very random/specific number lol, wasn’t sure if it there was a deeper meaning to 104. Thanks