About the song
“I Love This Bar” is a memorable country song recorded by Toby Keith and released in August 2003. It was the lead single from his album *Shock’n Y’all* and quickly became one of Keith’s most popular tracks. Written by Keith and Scotty Emerick, the song celebrates the charm and camaraderie found in a local bar.
The song paints a vivid picture of a beloved watering hole where everyone knows each other. It describes the bar’s atmosphere and the colorful characters who frequent it. The narrator expresses a deep fondness for this familiar place, highlighting its significance as a gathering spot where friends come together to share stories and enjoy each other’s company. The lyrics capture the essence of how such a place feels like home, with its unique blend of regulars, lively conversations, and cherished memories.
“I Love This Bar” received a warm reception from critics and fans alike. Ray Waddell of *Billboard* praised the song as a future staple in bars, reflecting its enduring appeal. In 2024, Rolling Stone included it in its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, a testament to its lasting impact on the genre.
The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, was filmed at The Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth, California. It visually complements the song’s narrative, showcasing the lively and inviting atmosphere of the bar. Premiering on CMT on August 21, 2003, the video reinforces the song’s themes with its portrayal of bar life and camaraderie.
Chart-wise, “I Love This Bar” debuted at number 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and soon soared to number one, where it remained for five weeks. It also reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. As of April 2014, it had sold over a million copies in the U.S., reflecting its broad appeal and popularity. The song has been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, further highlighting its success.
The song’s popularity even inspired a chain of restaurants owned by Toby Keith, named Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, which echoes the song’s celebration of bar culture. This track remains a beloved anthem for many, fondly remembered for its heartfelt tribute to the simple joys of bar life.
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