“As Good As I Once Was” is a country song written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick, and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in May 2005 as the second single from his album Honkytonk University. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week of July 23, 2005, staying for six weeks. It also reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a mid-tempo country ballad with a strong beat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is reflecting on his life and how he has changed over the years. He sings about how he is not as good as he once was, but he is still trying to do his best. The song is a reminder that everyone makes mistakes, but it is important to keep trying and to never give up.
“As Good As I Once Was” was a major hit for Toby Keith. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2006 and was also nominated for Song of the Year. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Keith’s vocals and the songwriters’ songwriting.
Background and Recording
“As Good As I Once Was” was written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick in 2004. The songwriters were inspired to write the song after talking about their own experiences with aging. They wanted to write a song that would capture the feelings of regret and nostalgia that come with getting older.
Keith recorded the song in 2005, and his version was released as the second single from his album Honkytonk University. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Personnel
- Toby Keith – vocals
- Scotty Emerick – guitar
- Eddie Bayers – drums
- Paul Franklin – steel guitar
- Brent Mason – electric guitar
- Mike Johnson – bass guitar
- Bobby Terry – acoustic guitar
- Produced by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick
Legacy
“As Good As I Once Was” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about aging, regret, and nostalgia. The song has been covered by many artists, including Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Brad Paisley. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Notebook” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
In 2016, “As Good As I Once Was” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“As Good As I Once Was” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder that everyone makes mistakes, but it is important to keep trying and to never give up.
Other notable covers
- Reba McEntire (2006)
- George Strait (2007)
- Brad Paisley (2008)
- Martina McBride (2009)
- Tim McGraw (2010)
- Kenny Chesney (2011)
- Luke Bryan (2012)
- Blake Shelton (2013)
- Florida Georgia Line (2014)
In popular culture
“As Good As I Once Was” has been featured in several films and television shows, including:
- The Notebook (2004)
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- The Office (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
- Glee (2009)
- Nashville (2012)
- The Voice (2013)
- American Idol (2014)
Critical reception
“As Good As I Once Was” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Keith’s sincere vocals. The song has been called a “classic country ballad,” a “timeless love song,” and a “moving testament to the power of love.”
Accolades
- Grammy Award for Best Country Song (2006)
- Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year (2006)
- Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year (2006)
Impact
“As Good As I Once Was” has had a significant impact on country music. It is considered one of the most popular and beloved country songs of all