Introduction:
In 2014, country music artist Toby Keith released Drunk Americans, the lead single from his album 35 MPH Town. Drunk Americans quickly became a controversial yet commercially successful song, sparking debates about patriotism, social class, and excessive drinking.
Drunk Americans falls under the genre of country rock, a subgenre that blends the twangy guitars and storytelling elements of country music with the driving rhythms and electric guitars of rock and roll. This blend is evident in Drunk Americans, which features a steady backbeat and prominent electric guitar riffs alongside Keith’s characteristic vocals.
The song’s co-writers are Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Bob Di Piero. Keith himself served as a producer for the track, alongside Bobby Pinson and Mac McAnally. Drunk Americans reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its crossover appeal.
Lyrically, Drunk Americans celebrates a certain type of American identity. The song paints a picture of working-class Americans who toil long hours and then unwind with friends over drinks. The chorus emphasizes themes of unity and national pride: “We don’t give a damn what you think ’bout us / We’re just all drunk Americans.” This sentiment resonated with many listeners, propelling the song to the top of the charts.
However, Drunk Americans also attracted criticism. Some listeners found the song’s celebration of drinking to be irresponsible, while others took issue with its perceived glorification of a narrow slice of American life. The song sparked debates about social class and cultural divides within the United States.
Drunk Americans remains a significant song in Toby Keith’s career. It topped the charts, garnered national attention, and solidified Keith’s image as a country music artist who sings about patriotism and working-class values. However, the song also exposed cultural tensions within the United States and continues to be a source of debate.
Video:
Lyrics:
We ain’t East, we ain’t WestWe ain’t left, we ain’t rightWe ain’t black, we ain’t whiteWe just came here to drinkWe’re all mud flap suburbansAll ball caps and turbansAll prom queens and strippersWhere the whole kitchen sink and then hereWe’re the same, everyone knows your nameWe just raise up our glassWe don’t give a rat’s assIf you’re a Democrat or RepublicanWe’re happy to be here and that you can seeWe’re just all drunk AmericansWe ain’t second ex-wifesWe ain’t cowboys or redskinsAin’t preachers or kingpinsWe’re just having funWe’re all suits in blue collarsShort orders, long haulersPaper and plastic, too old and too youngCEOs, GEDs, DUIs, FBIs, PhDsAnd we raise up our glassWe don’t give a rat’s assIf your belly’s too fat, or your wallet’s too thinWe’re happy to be here and that you can seeWe’re just all drunk AmericansAll drunk AmericansWe’ve been in, we’ve been outWe’ve been cool, we’ve been weirdThank God we’re still hereIn the land of the freeAnd we all, singin’ wrongBut we all sing alongSing alongWe just raise up our glassWe don’t give a rat’s assIf you’re a Democrat or RepublicanWe’re happy to be here and that you can seeWe’re just all drunk AmericansIn these neon lightsWe’re all stars, we’re all strapsAnd we’re all drunk Americans