About the song
“I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith is a quintessential anthem celebrating the charm and camaraderie of a beloved local bar. Released in August 2003 as the lead single from his album *Shock’n Y’all*, the song quickly became a favorite among country music fans for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.
Co-written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick, “I Love This Bar” paints a vivid picture of a typical American watering hole and the diverse cast of characters who frequent it. The narrator fondly describes the bar’s rustic charm, from the neon signs and the jukebox playing classic tunes to the friendly bartender and the regular patrons who make it feel like home. The song captures the essence of finding solace and joy in a familiar gathering place where everyone is welcomed with open arms.
Critically acclaimed for its infectious energy and nostalgic appeal, “I Love This Bar” received positive reviews from music critics. Ray Waddell of Billboard magazine praised it as a “beer-joint staple for years to come,” highlighting its potential to become a timeless favorite in the country music scene.
The song’s popularity extended beyond just the airwaves. Inspired by the song’s title, Toby Keith opened a chain of restaurants called Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, further solidifying the song’s influence and cultural impact.
The music video for “I Love This Bar,” directed by Michael Salomon, perfectly complements the song’s theme. Filmed at The Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth, California, the video captures the authenticity and atmosphere of a lively honky-tonk. It features Toby Keith performing the song amidst enthusiastic bar-goers, showcasing the song’s spirited vibe and celebrating the communal spirit of the bar scene.
Chart success followed suit as “I Love This Bar” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, holding the top spot for five weeks. Its popularity was further underscored by its digital sales, totaling over 1 million copies in the United States by April 2014.
In recognition of its enduring appeal and cultural significance, Rolling Stone ranked “I Love This Bar” at number 98 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time in 2024, solidifying its place as a cherished classic in Toby Keith’s repertoire and in the hearts of country music fans worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
We got winners
We got losers
Chain-smokers and boozers
We got yuppies
We got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie stars
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
We got cowboys
We got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers
We got fighters
Early-birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just walkin’ through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain’t too far
Come as you are
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
I’ve seen short skirts
We’ve got high-techs
Blue-collared boys and rednecks
And we got lovers
Lots of lookers
I’ve even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
(Yes I do)
I like my truck
I like my truck
And I like my girlfriend
I like my girlfriend
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then
But I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just toein’ around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge
Come as you are
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I just love this old bar