About the song
Toby Keith’s Ballad of Balad is one of those songs that embodies the straightforward, boots-on-the-ground storytelling that has long been a staple of country music. Known for his patriotic anthems and blue-collar sensibilities, Keith has always had a knack for capturing the everyday experiences of American servicemen and women. In Ballad of Balad, he turns his attention to the realities of military life in Iraq, delivering a song that is equal parts wry humor and heartfelt tribute.
Released in 2009 on his album American Ride, this track stands out from Keith’s more bombastic patriotic numbers like Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue or American Soldier. Instead of grandiose declarations, Ballad of Balad offers a more grounded, almost conversational perspective on the experience of soldiers stationed at Joint Base Balad, a major U.S. military installation in Iraq during the war. The song paints a vivid picture of the daily grind of deployment, mixing lighthearted observations with an underlying respect for those who serve.
Musically, the song is built on a simple, mid-tempo arrangement, leaning into Keith’s signature blend of honky-tonk and outlaw country. The instrumentation is straightforward—acoustic and electric guitars provide a steady rhythm, while the percussion keeps things moving without overpowering the vocal delivery. This stripped-down approach allows the lyrics to take center stage, which is fitting given the song’s purpose as a slice-of-life narrative.
Lyrically, Ballad of Balad captures the unique contradictions of life on a military base in the middle of a war zone. There’s a dry wit to the way Keith describes the absurdities of deployment—the contrast between the serious, high-stakes nature of war and the more mundane aspects of life on base. He references everything from the presence of fast-food chains on the base to the less-than-ideal living conditions, all while maintaining a tone that is more amused than bitter. It’s a style that resonates with many who have served, offering a knowing nod to the inside jokes and shared experiences that come with military life.
Yet, beneath the humor, there’s a real sense of camaraderie and appreciation. Keith, who has performed for U.S. troops numerous times throughout his career, understands the sacrifices these men and women make, and Ballad of Balad ultimately feels like a song written for them. It’s not overly sentimental, nor does it glorify war—it simply acknowledges the reality of life in a combat zone with an honest, unvarnished approach.
For listeners unfamiliar with military culture, Ballad of Balad might seem like a lighthearted novelty song at first. But for those who have spent time in similar environments, it’s a reminder of the small, everyday details that define deployment—things that might seem insignificant to outsiders but take on a life of their own in the middle of a war zone. In that way, the song serves as both a tribute and a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in history with an authenticity that few civilian songwriters could manage.
Toby Keith has always had a talent for blending humor, patriotism, and storytelling, and Ballad of Balad is a prime example of that gift. It’s a song that doesn’t try too hard to make a statement—instead, it simply offers a glimpse into a world that many Americans will never experience firsthand. And in doing so, it accomplishes something that the best country songs always do: it tells a story that feels real.
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Lyrics
I quit school in the 10th grade and I grew out my hair
I got me a job doing lawnmower repair
I met an army recruiter down at the Wynn Dixie
He said “son, you’ve no future, pack up and go with me”
The first place we landed was a base called Ballad
They convoyed our asses to a 10 acre F.O.B
With my boots and my cover and an old M16
Two bottles of water and a cold M.R.E
Oh, you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
You never told me I’d get my ass shot at
The first night in combat we went out on patrol
They ambushed our convey and we chased the asshole
We found them all hiding in low water ditches
And we took aim and killed all them, son of a bitches
Oh, you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
You never told me I’d get my ass shot at
Walked in on my buddy with a female M.P
The ugliest woman you ever did see
He said “why are you laughing, you got lots of nerve”
Over here in the desert we grade on the curve
Ah you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
Oh, you never told him he’d get his ass shot at
