Mockingbird by Toby Keith and His Daughter Krystal

Introduction:

Released in 2001, Mockingbird is a country music ballad that features singer-songwriter Toby Keith in a heartwarming duet with his daughter, Krystal Keith. The song quickly transcended its genre, becoming a major crossover hit and a staple of American popular culture.

Mockingbird originated from a deeply personal place for Toby Keith. Inspired by his own experiences as a father, the song expresses the unwavering love and commitment a father has for his child. The lyrics paint a picture of a father promising his daughter unwavering support and guidance as she navigates life’s challenges. The metaphorical use of a mockingbird, a small songbird known for its protective instincts, adds a tender layer to the message.

Mockingbird was produced by Don Cook and Jimmy Johnson, two established names in country music production. The song achieved immense commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reaching number two on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. This impressive feat placed Mockingbird among a select group of country songs to achieve significant crossover success on the mainstream pop chart.

The critical reception for Mockingbird was equally positive. The song earned Toby Keith a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2002. The song’s emotional resonance and relatable message likely played a significant role in its widespread critical acclaim. Mockingbird continues to be a beloved song, often performed live by Toby Keith and referenced in popular culture. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of country music to capture universal themes of love, family, and the promises we make to those we cherish.

Mockingbird’s impact extends far beyond its chart success and awards recognition. The song has become a cherished anthem for fathers and daughters, a powerful expression of the unique bond between parent and child. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Mockingbird serves as a reminder of the unwavering love and support a father offers his child, a sentiment that resonates across generations.

Video:

Lyrics:

Mock (yeah) -ing (yeah)
Bird (yeah?) Yeah (oh, yeah)
Mockin’ bird, now

Everybody have you heard? (Have you heard)
He’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (I’m gonna buy her a mockingbird)
And if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
He’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (I’m gonna buy her a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring don’t shine (if that diamond ring won’t shine)
Oh, sure, let’s break this heart of mine (sure this is gonna break this heart of mine)
And that’s why (yes, indeed oh)
I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’ (oh, yes, indeed oh)
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh

hear me now, understand
(He’s gonna find me some peace of mind) I’m gonna find her some peace of mind
(And if that peace of mind won’t stay) if that peace of mind won’t stay
(I’m gonna find myself a better way) I’m gonna find myself a better way
(And if that better way ain’t so) if that better way ain’t so
(I-I-I ride with the tide and go with the flow)
(And that’s why) yes, indeed oh
(I keep on tellin’ in your ears, sayin’) oh, yes, indeed oh
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh

Now move over, lemme show you how it’s done, baby
(Yeah, right, quit big leaguing me)

I said, hey, everybody have you heard? (Everybody, have you heard?)
She’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (he’s gonna buy me a mockingbird)
Yeah, if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
She’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (he’s gonna buy me a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring won’t shine (if that diamond ain’t gonna shine)
It’ll surely break this heart of mine (it’ll surely break this heart of mine)
And that’s the reason why I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’
(Yea-yeah) whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh (whoa-ohh-oh)

Oh, hear me now and understand (hear me now and understand)
She gonna find me some peace of mind (gonna find me some peace of mind)
Yeah, and if that peace of mind won’t stay (if that peace of mind don’t stay)
I’m just gonna get myself a better way (I’m gonna get myself a better way)
I might rise above, I might go below
Ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that’s why (that’s why) I keep on shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh
No, no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, baby (ohh-oh-ohh)

Mockingbird
Yeah (yeah) I might rise above, (I might go below) go below
Ride with the tide (let’s go with the flow)
And that’s why (that’s why) I’m shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh