About the song
“Trailerhood” by Toby Keith is a spirited ode to the trailer park lifestyle, released in June 2010 as the lead single from his album *Bullets in the Gun*. With its lively and humorous portrayal, the song offers a glimpse into the colorful and communal world of trailer park residents.
**Content**
“Trailerhood” paints a vivid picture of life in a trailer park, celebrating its quirks and charms. The lyrics describe scenes of everyday life: pink flamingos, plastic pools, poker games with Gamblin’ James, and the omnipresent sound of music echoing through the neighborhood. It’s a place where residents share a sense of camaraderie, unburdened by societal judgments, finding happiness in simple pleasures like auto racing and Dallas Cowboys football. The song humorously acknowledges the stereotype of trailer parks being prone to tornadoes, suggesting a laid-back approach to storm warnings—grabbing a six-pack and a lawn chair to watch the spectacle unfold.
**Critical Reception**
Critics like Matt Bjorke of Roughstock praised “Trailerhood” for its upbeat melody and Keith’s vocal performance, noting its ability to capture the essence of summer and fall playlists. However, Bjorke also highlighted that the song’s appeal might be limited to those familiar with the trailer park lifestyle, as it might not resonate with urban or suburban audiences.
**Music Video**
Directed by Michael Salomon, the music video perfectly complements the song’s whimsical tone. It features Toby Keith amidst the trailer park scenery, interacting with eccentric neighbors like Carl lounging in his inflatable kiddie pool and James hosting poker games. The video humorously portrays the chaos caused by a windstorm, creating havoc with flying pool toys, lost sandwiches, and even a lost bra. Despite the chaos, the residents come together, highlighting the community spirit amidst the unpredictability of trailer park life.
**Chart Performance**
Upon its release, “Trailerhood” debuted at number 55 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, eventually peaking at number 19. While not Keith’s highest-charting single, its distinctive portrayal of trailer park life earned it a lasting place in country music’s storytelling tradition.
In conclusion, “Trailerhood” is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of community, humor, and the simple joys found in everyday life. Toby Keith’s ability to capture these elements with wit and charm solidifies the song as a beloved anthem for those who embrace the trailer park lifestyle across America.
Video
Lyrics
My neighbor Carl, he lives next door
Pink flamingos on his porch
At night he teaches driving school
And he sits out by his plastic pool
He takes off his shirt, he opens up a cold one
Ol’ Carl Dean’s a fool, but it takes one to know one
Music’s playing up and down the block
Mostly Christian, blues, country, folk and southern rock
It’s a little piece of paradise way out here in the woods
There’s always something going on down in the trailerhood
Across the street there’s gambling James
Always got the poker game
If you care to try your luck
You can buy a seat for fifteen bucks
You can call to raise
Or you can check and fold ’em
I like five card stud,
But it’s mostly Texas hold ’em
Music’s playing up and down the block
Mostly Christian, blues, country, folk and southern rock
It’s a little piece of paradise way out here in the woods
There’s always something going on down in the trailerhood
My new tattoos and farmer tans,
Rodeo and NASCAR fans
Dallas Cowboys football on t.v.
When the storm starts getting bad
You hear those sirens humming
Grab a six pack and a lawn chair
There’s a tornado coming
Alright
Music’s playing up and down the block
Mostly Christian, blues, country, folk and southern rock
It’s a little piece of paradise way out here in the woods
There’s always something going on down in the trailerhood
I got her made in the shade with the moonshine lemonade
There’s a party going on down in the trailerhood
Bring me another beer Mama