About the song
Toby Keith’s “My List,” a heartfelt ballad from his 2001 album Pull My Chain, is more than just a country song; it’s a poignant reminder about the priorities that shape our lives. Known for his larger-than-life personality and a catalog often filled with honky-tonk anthems and patriotic tunes, Keith takes a gentler, more introspective turn here. With its simple yet profound message, “My List” speaks to the universal struggle of balancing life’s obligations with the things that truly matter.
The song opens with the narrator contemplating a list of tasks—mundane chores and errands that most of us can relate to. From fixing a squeaky door to paying overdue bills, these tasks symbolize the day-to-day grind that often consumes our time. But as the lyrics unfold, a shift in perspective emerges. The narrator begins to realize that life’s real priorities aren’t written on a to-do list but live in the moments we share with loved ones and the memories we create. Spending time with family, reconnecting with old friends, and simply appreciating life’s fleeting beauty take center stage.
One of the song’s most compelling features is its relatability. Whether you’re a busy parent, a career-driven individual, or someone navigating the challenges of retirement, the message resonates: slow down, take stock, and focus on what truly enriches your life. Keith’s warm, rich baritone lends authenticity to the narrative, making the listener feel as though he’s speaking directly to them. The song’s production—soft acoustic guitars, subtle percussion, and understated instrumentation—keeps the focus squarely on the lyrics and their emotional weight.
“My List” arrived at a time when the world was reeling from the events of September 11, 2001, adding an unintended layer of poignancy. The song encourages reflection and prioritization, themes that struck a chord with a nation yearning for connection and meaning in uncertain times. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, cementing its place as one of Keith’s most memorable and enduring tracks.
This isn’t just a song—it’s a gentle nudge to reassess our lives. Toby Keith reminds us that while the little tasks may feel urgent, it’s the intangible moments of love, laughter, and presence that ultimately define a well-lived life.
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 settled
There’s still more than a few things left
I haven’t got to yet
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 an old lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list
Wouldn’t change the course of fate
The cutting 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 today
Like 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, cast a line
Look up an old lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list
Raise 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, and 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 list
Under an old brass paperweight
Is my list of things to do today
