About the song
When it comes to capturing the essence of life’s simplest yet most profound moments, Toby Keith proves time and again that he’s a master storyteller. His song “My List” is no exception—an intimate, heartwarming ballad that gently nudges us to reassess our priorities and remember what truly matters. Released in 2001 as part of his album Pull My Chain, this song resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever found themselves too busy to savor life’s fleeting joys.
The song unfolds with a relatable honesty, as the narrator reflects on the mundane tasks that dominate his to-do list—washing the truck, paying the bills, cutting the grass. Yet, as the gentle melody glides along, he begins to realize that his list has been missing the most important items: spending time with his loved ones, calling his dad, and simply living in the moment. In Keith’s signature laid-back drawl, the lyrics feel like a soft confession—an acknowledgment of how easy it is to get caught up in the grind and forget to nurture what makes life worthwhile.
What makes “My List” so compelling is its unpretentious approach to storytelling. Keith doesn’t preach or moralize; instead, he shares a quiet epiphany, inviting listeners to join him in a moment of reflection. The instrumentation, marked by gentle acoustic guitars and a steady rhythm, complements the song’s reflective tone without overwhelming the message. There’s a certain authenticity in how Keith delivers each line—an honesty that feels genuine, almost as if he’s letting us into his own world.
Toby Keith has a knack for weaving sentiment into everyday scenarios, and “My List” is a prime example of his ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal. It’s not just about slowing down—it’s about realizing that the most valuable things in life aren’t tasks to check off but moments to cherish. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the fiftieth, the song’s message lands with a comforting sense of truth, reminding us that sometimes, the most important lists don’t come written on paper—they’re lived out through actions and memories.
With its thoughtful lyrics and Keith’s sincere delivery, “My List” remains a timeless reminder to pause, reflect, and make time for the people and experiences that shape who we are.
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 yetGo 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 listWouldn’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 todayLike 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 listRaise 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 listUnder an old brass paperweight
Is my list of things to do today
