Toby Keith – Hope On The Rocks

Introduction:

Hope On The Rocks, released in November 2012, is the title track from American country music artist Toby Keith’s sixteenth studio album of the same name. A figurehead in the country music scene, Keith is known for his rebellious streak, often incorporating themes of patriotism, blue-collar work ethic, and everyday life into his music. Hope On The Rocks falls right in line with these themes, offering a relatable and optimistic perspective wrapped in a classic country rock sound.

The album itself, Hope On The Rocks, was released on October 30, 2012, by Show Dog-Universal Music. Show Dog is a record label founded by Toby Keith himself in 2006, signifying his creative control over the project. This artistic freedom is evident throughout the album, with Hope On The Rocks being no exception. While details on the song’s specific producer are unavailable, the album as a whole was helmed by veteran record producer Jimmy Johnson, known for his extensive work in country music. Johnson has collaborated with numerous big names in the genre, including Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, and Brad Paisley. His experience in crafting hit country songs likely played a role in shaping the sound of Hope On The Rocks.

Commercially, Hope On The Rocks the single did not achieve the same level of chart success as some of Toby Keith’s other releases. However, the album itself debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to Keith’s enduring popularity. More importantly, the song resonated with fans, becoming a staple at Keith’s concerts and a favorite among his country rock audience.

Hope On The Rocks stands out for its message of optimism in the face of adversity. The title itself is a metaphorical play on words, referencing the idea that even in a seemingly bleak situation, represented by the bottom of an empty glass, there’s still a glimmer of hope, symbolized by the ice cubes clinking around. This sentiment is likely what continues to endear the song to listeners who find solace and encouragement in its message of perseverance.

Video:

Lyrics:

Brady was a baseball star
Til he struck out and took his car and drove away
Sissy lost her little boy
Hitch-hiked up to Illinois, so they say

Then it rained so hard that Mary tried
To take her life with suicide
And disappear just like the thunder
You ask around and no-one knows
Where they went or what they do
But you wonder, I know you wonder

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks

Charlie’s wife filed for divorce
And Charlie fought a court of horses
and now he’s riding a van
Upside down and couldn’t pay
They… mobile home away
And we ain’t seen her since
Larry’s long time fiancé
Got kicked out of the P.T.A.
And moved her kids back east with someone else
All and the ones you used to know
Don’t drop in or say hello
But you ask yourself
I know you ask yourself

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks