About the song
“Beer for My Horses,” a collaboration between Toby Keith and Willie Nelson, stands as a notable anthem within country music. Released on April 7, 2003, as the fourth single from Toby Keith’s album *Unleashed*, the song quickly became a chart-topping hit, showcasing both artists’ distinctive styles and themes.
**Background and Inspiration**
Penned by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick, “Beer for My Horses” explores themes of justice and frontier ethics, inspired by the phrase uttered in the 1975 film *Bite the Bullet*. The song critiques the inefficiencies of the justice system in dealing with crimes such as theft and abuse, advocating for swift justice reminiscent of the Old West. This theme resonates strongly with both Keith’s and Nelson’s penchant for storytelling through their music.
**Content**
The lyrics of “Beer for My Horses” paint a vivid picture of vigilante justice, where outlaws and wrongdoers are dealt with swiftly and decisively. The phrase “Whisky for me, beer for my horses” underscores the camaraderie and spirit of the lawmen taking matters into their own hands, embodying a sense of rugged individualism and moral certainty.
**Music Video**
Directed by Michael Salomon, the music video for “Beer for My Horses” features a narrative-driven storyline. Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, and actor Corin Nemec portray detectives on the trail of a serial killer, played by Gregg Gilmore. The video unfolds in an urban setting, blending gritty detective work with the Western ethos of justice. Notably, this video marked a departure for Keith, as he did not appear on screen singing—a testament to the cinematic quality and narrative depth of the production.
**Critical Reception and Cultural Impact**
Critically, “Beer for My Horses” received mixed reviews, with its anthemic quality celebrated by some for its bold portrayal of frontier justice. It achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for six weeks. The song’s crossover appeal was evident as it reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Keith’s highest-charting singles at the time. Its enduring popularity led to its inclusion in the 2008 film adaptation *Beer for My Horses*, starring Keith and Nelson themselves, further embedding the song in popular culture.
**Legacy and Controversy**
Beyond its musical impact, “Beer for My Horses” sparked controversy when referenced by U.S. Representative Chip Roy during a congressional hearing, invoking its themes of justice in a heated debate. This incident underscored the song’s enduring relevance and cultural resonance.
In conclusion, “Beer for My Horses” remains a standout in Toby Keith’s and Willie Nelson’s discographies, blending their distinct voices and storytelling prowess to create a compelling narrative of justice and camaraderie. Its success on the charts and its lasting impact in popular culture cement its status as a definitive piece of contemporary country music history.
Video
Lyrics
Willie, man, come on the 6 o’clock news
Said somebody’s been shot, somebody’s been abused
Somebody blew up a building, somebody stole a car
Somebody got away, somebody didn’t get too far, yeah
They didn’t get too far
Grandpappy told my pappy, back in my day, son
A man had to answer for the wicked that he done
Take all the rope in Texas find a tall oak tree
Round up all them bad boys, hang them high in the street
For all the people to see
That justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back at the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
We got too many gangsters doing dirty deeds
Too much corruption, and crime in the streets
It’s time the long arm of the law put a few more in the ground
Send ’em all to their maker and he’ll settle ’em down
You can bet he’ll set ’em down
‘Cause justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
We’ll all meet back at the local saloon
And we’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
You know justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back at the local saloon
And we’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses