About the song
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Toby Keith, a legendary figure in country music whose voice, songs, and spirit touched millions. With a bold heart and a deep love for his country, Toby rose to fame with his breakout hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which became the most-played country song of the 1990s. From that moment on, his career soared.
He delivered more than 20 No. 1 hits, including powerful anthems like “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Beer for My Horses,” and “American Soldier.” His music became more than just popular—it became a way for fans to connect, to feel seen, and to celebrate life’s moments both big and small.
Over the years, Toby sold over 40 million albums, earned multiple ACM and CMA Awards, and was honored as Billboard’s Country Artist of the Decade for the 2000s. His storytelling earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021, a testament to his lasting influence on the genre.
But Toby was more than a musician. He was a patriot, a philanthropist, and a man with a generous soul. Through his Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral, he gave hope and support to children battling cancer, proving that his compassion matched his talent.
Though he’s no longer with us, Toby Keith’s legacy lives on. His songs, his strength, and his love for country and community will continue to echo for generations. We will always remember him—not just as a star, but as a man who made a difference.
Video
Lyrics
I’m just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone
Up and at ’em bright and early
I’m all business in my suit
Yeah, I’m dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots
I don’t do it for the money
There’s bills that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future’s my responsibility
Yeah, I’m real good under pressure
Being all that I can be
And I can’t call in sick on Mondays
When the weekends been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
And sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready
When the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady
Hey I’m true down to the core
And I will always do my duty
No matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost
I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don’t want to die for you
But if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor
‘Cause freedom don’t come free
I’m an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy
I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines
Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I’m an American soldier
yeah, an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy
I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines
So sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I’m an American
an American
an American soldier
