About the song
Toby Keith has long been one of country music’s most unshakable figures—bold, brash, and wholly unapologetic in his approach. His songs, much like the man himself, embody a rough-edged authenticity that speaks to the working-class experience, American pride, and a love for life’s simple pleasures. With Loaded, Keith once again proves that he hasn’t lost a step, delivering a track that feels both celebratory and defiant, carrying the hallmarks of his signature style while injecting a dose of the wry humor and barroom bravado that have made him a mainstay in the genre.
From the opening notes, Loaded makes its intentions clear: this is a song meant to be played loud, preferably with a cold drink in hand and a jukebox nearby. The instrumentation is quintessentially Toby Keith—thumping drums, a rollicking guitar riff, and just enough honky-tonk swagger to make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The song has a buoyant, almost reckless energy, as if Keith is grinning behind every line he delivers. He’s always had a knack for writing (or selecting) songs that blur the line between good-time anthems and lived-in wisdom, and Loaded sits squarely in that tradition.
Lyrically, the song leans into Keith’s penchant for storytelling and playful wordplay. It’s a toast to excess—whether it be liquor, laughter, or just a little bit of trouble. While some country artists have taken a more polished, Nashville-approved approach to party songs, Keith has always kept his version raw and relatable. His voice, worn but strong, carries a knowingness that adds weight to the otherwise lighthearted theme. There’s a self-awareness here; this isn’t just a song about cutting loose for the night—it’s a recognition that sometimes, life demands it.
What makes Loaded work so well is that it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s a simple, straightforward dose of honky-tonk fun, but it’s delivered with the confidence and craftsmanship of a seasoned veteran. Keith, now decades into his career, understands the power of a great barroom anthem better than most. He doesn’t need to chase trends or reinvent the wheel—he knows his audience, and he knows exactly how to get a room full of people singing along.
In a time when country music continues to expand and experiment, blending pop, rock, and even hip-hop influences, Toby Keith remains a steadfast reminder of the genre’s rowdier, honky-tonk roots. Loaded isn’t meant to be dissected—it’s meant to be felt. It’s a shot of adrenaline, a reminder that country music, at its best, is about connection, camaraderie, and knowing when to let loose. With this track, Keith delivers exactly what his fans expect from him: a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to hit just the right note.
Video
Lyrics
Sun gettin’ heavy and the night is fallin’
Phone ringin’ it’s a good time callin’
Old truck slicked up shinin’ like a rhinestone
Takin’ off like a big red pocket
Flyin’ high by the time the band comes on
I’m loaded, got a fist full of cash
I’m rollin’ just filed her up with gas
I’m goin’ where I wanna be, I got my baby beside me
She’s strollin’ and I like it a lot
She’s showin’ everything she’s got
We’re blowin’ these twenty dollar bills
I can’t tell ya how good I feel
I’m loaded
My baby’s got her shoes off out on the dance floor
Gonna dance ’til she can’t dance anymore
They haven’t played “Give Me Three Steps,
Give Me Three Steps yet
Bought ten rounds for my buddies at the back bar
Struck my last five in the tip jar
Stretched my dollar ’bout as far as it can stretch
What’s that?–Checks?–You’d cash a check?–Well, hell!
I’m loaded, bring another round
Rock ‘n rollin’ my baby’s still getting down
I’m blowin’ through my twenty dollar bills
I can’t believe how good I feel
I’m loaded–got a fist full of cash
I’m rollin’ just filled her up with gas
I’m goin’ where I wanna be–I got my baby beside me
I’m loaded (loaded)
Loaded (loaded)
Loaded (loaded)
Got my baby beside me
I’m loaded (loaded)
Rollin’ (rollin’)
Strollin’ (strollin’)
I got my baby beside me
I’m loaded (loaded)
Loaded (loaded)
Loaded (loaded)
