Few songs had a bigger impact on listeners than this one. Many times timing is everything. For whom it was most intended, this is a country music work of art. When Toby wrote and released this song, America was recovering from 911, and soldiers were deployed all over the world with some families really hurting in many areas as a result for many reasons. What makes this song so important is - well about everything. It spoke to the soldier, and to the families directly who desperately wanted to be heard and understood. It also was a wake up call to those not affected directly by world events, and helped them gain some needed perspective. And it honored veterans of conflicts, or just service time passed, or long passed that someone with a big voice and platform remembered them and shared their experiences in song on the radio. Plus, this song gently introduced us to the life of many soldiers by being straightforward and honest. Can you imagine anyone else singing this song? Yeah, me either as it is as believable and any song in the last 40 years. This sold millions as a single, and the album was certified 4 times Platinum. Toby Keith recorded a ton of huge songs that millions loved, but this is the song that I feel is his real signature. How Do You Like Me Now changed his career for sure, and could also be his signature, but this song made his already gigantic popularity soar to another level and making already big fans, loyal fans for life. Toby also has a song at #47 on this list - (Should Have Been A Cowboy)
Toby passed away in 2024
My Full Profile On Toby Keith - (written prior to his passing)
