Toby Keith – My List

About the song

Toby Keith’s My List is one of those rare country songs that doesn’t just tell a story—it holds up a mirror to our own lives, gently reminding us of what truly matters. Released in 2002 as the third single from his album Pull My Chain, the song quickly resonated with listeners, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the weight of a never-ending to-do list. But beyond its commercial success, My List endures because it taps into a universal longing: the desire to slow down, appreciate the little things, and realign our priorities before life slips away.

At its core, My List is a reflection on the modern struggle with time—how easily we become consumed by obligations, deadlines, and routines, pushing off the things that truly bring us joy. The song’s narrator starts off as many of us do, staring at a long list of errands and responsibilities, prepared to chip away at them like any other day. But something shifts within him. Instead of getting lost in the mundane, he decides to set aside the “urgent” in favor of the “important.” He chooses to spend time with his wife, play with his son, and appreciate the moment—a simple but profound act of reclaiming his life from the endless cycle of busyness.

Keith delivers this message with his signature blend of warmth and sincerity. His rich, baritone voice carries a sense of lived-in wisdom, making the song feel like a heartfelt conversation rather than a sermon. There’s an authenticity to his delivery that makes you believe he’s not just singing words on a page—he’s been there. He’s had those moments of realization himself, and now he’s passing that wisdom along, not with judgment, but with the knowing nod of a friend who understands.

The instrumentation of My List reinforces this sense of intimacy. The arrangement is simple yet effective, with acoustic guitar and soft percussion providing a gentle foundation for Keith’s vocals. The melody is soothing, almost reflective, as if the song itself is inviting the listener to take a breath and slow down. Unlike many of Keith’s more rowdy, anthemic tracks, My List leans into restraint, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. This isn’t a song designed for honky-tonk revelry; it’s meant for quiet moments of introspection, best played on a front porch swing or during a drive down an open road.

Lyrically, the song is a masterclass in storytelling with an emotional punch. Lines like “Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list” aren’t just catchy hooks—they’re gentle wake-up calls, urging us to examine our own priorities. It’s not just about skipping work or ignoring responsibilities; it’s about recognizing that the things we often put off—family, love, self-care—are the things that ultimately make life meaningful.

In a world that constantly pushes us to be more productive, to hustle harder, and to measure our worth by our output, My List is a quiet act of rebellion. It reminds us that success isn’t just about checking off tasks—it’s about making time for the things that bring us happiness and fulfillment. That’s why, more than two decades after its release, the song still strikes a chord. It isn’t just a country hit; it’s a philosophy, a reminder, and, perhaps, an invitation.

So the next time you find yourself drowning in obligations, maybe take a page from Toby Keith’s book. Set the list aside, call a loved one, watch the sunset, and just live. After all, that’s the next thing on the list.

Video

Lyrics

Under an old brass paperweight is my list of things to do today
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
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

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