About the song
Toby Keith’s “Honkytonk U” isn’t just a song; it’s a nostalgic anthem for anyone who’s ever traded textbooks for tequila shots and dreamed of a life lived loud. This isn’t your typical college experience – think more dive bars than dorms, more steel guitars than study groups. Keith paints a vivid picture of a higher education where the curriculum consists of heartbreak ballads, two-stepping lessons, and the art of pouring the perfect beer.
Released in 2003, “Honkytonk U” resonated with a generation weary of the pressures of traditional academia. It tapped into a yearning for authenticity, for a life lived on your own terms, free from the constraints of societal expectations. The song celebrates the unconventional, the rebellious spirit that finds solace and fulfillment in the rhythms of country music.
Keith, with his signature gruff vocals and witty wordplay, masterfully captures the essence of this alternative education. He describes a classroom where the professors are seasoned musicians, imparting wisdom through their music and life experiences. Instead of exams and essays, students are graded on their ability to two-step, sing along to classic country hits, and pour a perfectly chilled beer.
The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, transporting listeners to a world of smoky honky-tonks, late-night conversations, and the thrill of live music. Keith paints a picture of a community where everyone knows your name, where friendships are forged over shared experiences, and where the music provides a constant source of comfort and inspiration.
“Honkytonk U” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a commentary on the pursuit of happiness. It suggests that true fulfillment can be found outside the traditional paths, in the pursuit of passion and personal expression. Whether you’re a lifelong country music fan or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this song is sure to resonate. It’s a reminder to embrace your individuality, to chase your dreams, and to never lose sight of what truly matters.
So, raise a glass to “Honkytonk U,” a celebration of the unconventional, the rebellious, and the relentlessly passionate. It’s a reminder that the best education in life often comes from the school of hard knocks – and the jukebox.
Video
Lyrics
My grandmother owned a night club
On the Arkansas-Oklahoma line
Mama put me on a Greyhound
And I went to stay with her in the summertime
I’d box up those empty long necks
And stack ’em in the back and make a hand
Then at night she’d let me sneak out
Of the kitchen and sit in with the band
Yes, I have sacked some quarterbacks
And broke my share of bones along the way
I knew it wouldn’t last forever
Semi-pro always means semi-paid
I started climbing drilling rigs
I’m oil field trash and proud as I can be, yeah
Then I took my songs and guitar
And sang ’em to a man from Tennessee
I’ve played every beer joint tavern
From New York City out to Pasadena
Every corn dog fair and rodeo
And sold out every basketball arena
Like to get down with my boys
In Afghanistan and Baghdad city too
I am a red, white and blue blood
Graduate of honky-tonk U
A star can’t burn forever
And the brightest ones will someday lose their shine
But the glass won’t ever be
Half empty in my optimistic mind
I’ll still have a song to sing
And a band to turn it up and play it loud
As long as there’s a bar room
With a corner stage and a honky-tonk crowd
I’ve played every beer joint tavern
From New York City out to Pasadena
Every corn dog fair and rodeo
And sold out every basketball arena
I like to get down with my boys
In Afghanistan and Baghdad city too
Son, I’m a red, white and blue blood
Graduate of honky-tonk U
That’s right a red, white and blue blood
Graduate of honky-tonk U
