Introduction:
Country music icon Toby Keith released the song “Before We Knew They Were Good” in 2013. The song became part of his studio album “Drinks After Work”. This project marked a shift in Keith’s musical direction, featuring a collection of songs written collaboratively with other artists. In the case of “Before We Knew They Were Good”, Keith co-wrote the song with Melvern Rutherford and Bobby Pinson. While “Drinks After Work” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Keith’s previous albums, “Before We Knew They Were Good” resonated with fans and critics alike.
The song falls squarely within the genre of country music. It features a driving beat with a prominent role for the steel guitar, a hallmark of the genre. Keith’s vocals are smooth and expressive, delivering the song’s reflective lyrics with a touch of nostalgia. Thematically, “Before We Knew They Were Good” considers the tendency to take the positive aspects of youth for granted. The narrator reflects on experiences from his younger days, acknowledging that he and his friends didn’t fully appreciate how good they had it at the time.
“Before We Knew They Were Good” was not released as a single from the album, and therefore did not climb the charts in the same way that some of Keith’s other hits did. However, the song has become a favorite among fans, often cited for its relatable message and its poignant look back on the carefree days of youth. It has also been praised for its down-home country sound, a quality that some felt Keith had begun to move away from in previous albums.
While “Before We Knew They Were Good” may not be one of Toby Keith’s biggest hits, it stands as a testament to his songwriting ability and his enduring connection with his audience. The song’s themes of nostalgia and appreciation for the simple things in life continue to resonate with listeners, cementing its place as a gem within Toby Keith’s vast musical catalog.
Video:
Lyrics:
Five young gunsFor a force between usNever more than a couple of ’em run at a timeBold and boredStanding in gasoline an’Making sparks with anything we could findWe love our townBut we were 17ersRiding AroundGiving it the FingerThose days we made ’em last all nightThose girls we thought were just all rightThose kids the town misunderstoodThey were greatBefore We knew they were goodSweatin’ in the sun causeHavin’ fun takes moneyPayed for a creasy, cuttin’ grassLeanin’ on the front porchPouring this milk and honeySmelling like marbowlers and lawnmower gaswe parked at galaxy after where the mallow grewTo the canners tryin’ to show them what they knewThose days we made ’em last all nightThose girls we thought were just all rightThose kids the town misunderstoodThey were greatBefore we Knew They wereKids, birds singing “Waiting on the Wings” andlearning to fly (before we knew they were good)One day they’re on the groundand then you turn around and they’re up in the skyThose days we made ’em last all nightThose girls we thought were just all rightThose kids the town misunderstoodThey were greatBefore we Knew They were GoodBefore We knoew they were goodThey were great