About the song
Toby Keith was never one to mince words. Whether he was delivering rowdy barroom anthems, heartfelt patriotic ballads, or tongue-in-cheek tales of everyday life, he always did so with an undeniable swagger—one that made him a defining voice in country music for decades. Every Dog Has Its Day, a track from his 2009 album American Ride, is a prime example of Keith’s ability to craft a song that is both lighthearted and infectious, blending his signature mix of humor, bravado, and blue-collar wisdom.
At its core, Every Dog Has Its Day is a celebration of the underdog—both figuratively and literally. The song’s narrator, a man who doesn’t fit the mold of the typical high-society suitor, finds himself in the middle of an unexpected romantic opportunity. He’s up against a wealthier, more polished competitor, but rather than wallow in self-pity, he leans into the idea that sometimes fate smiles on the unlikeliest of contenders. The song’s central message is as old as time: persistence, luck, and a little bit of confidence can turn the tables in one’s favor, no matter how slim the odds may seem.
Musically, the track stays true to Keith’s signature sound, with a driving beat, twangy electric guitars, and a vocal delivery that effortlessly shifts between playful and commanding. The melody is easygoing, designed for maximum singalong potential, and the lyrics are peppered with just enough wit to keep things engaging. Keith’s storytelling remains as sharp as ever, with clever wordplay and an everyman charm that makes the listener root for the song’s protagonist.
While Every Dog Has Its Day may not carry the weight of Keith’s more serious material, such as Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue or Don’t Let the Old Man In, it serves an equally important role in his catalog. This is the kind of song that keeps country music fun—an unpretentious, feel-good anthem that reminds us all to take our chances when they come. Whether you’re a lifelong Toby Keith fan or just discovering his music, this track is a testament to his knack for delivering a rollicking good time with just the right amount of grit and charm.
Video
Lyrics
I was hangin’ out last night at the top cat when the band slowed down when Merle
Man I hit it ‘cross the bar-room trying to find my baby girl
Some drunk tried to punk me, and ask my baby do you dance
She said, “Yes I do, but not with you, I’m waitin’ on my man”
See every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone
One moment in the sunshine when your ducks lined up in a row
Lucky dog gets a big ol’ bed, stray dog gets the porch
Every dog has its day dog, but today dog just ain’t yours
Well I flipped her around, and I kissed her, and she said lets do one more
And we were halfway through a two-step when he stepped out on the floor
He jerked me back and said, “I’m cuttin’ in girl, let’s docee do”
She doubled up her fist and caught him right square on the nose
Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone
One moment in the sunshine when the ducks line up in a row
Lucky dog gets a big ol’ bed, stray dog gets the porch
Every dog has its day dog, but today dog just ain’t yours
Fat dog, skinny dog, little itty bitty dog
Hot dog, Kurd dog, weenie dog, bird dog
Hound dog, cow dog, bow wow, wow dog
Wonder dog, barkin’ dog, chasing’ parked car dog
Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone
One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row
Yeah, the lucky dog gets a big ol’ bed, stray dog gets the porch
Every dog has its day dog, but today dog just ain’t yours
Every dog has its day dog, but today dog just ain’t yours
