Introduction:
In 2013, country music icon Toby Keith released Drinks After Work, the energetic lead single from his album of the same name. The song quickly became a major hit, not only within the country music genre but also achieving mainstream success. This catchy tune, co-written by Luke Laird, Barry Dean, and Natalie Hemby, resonated with listeners thanks to its relatable themes of workplace woes and the joy of unwinding with colleagues after a long week.
Toby Keith, a singer and songwriter known for his brash patriotism and working-class anthems, perfectly captures the sentiment of the everyday worker in Drinks After Work. Keith, who himself once worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma before finding musical success, certainly understands the struggles and frustrations of a long workweek. Drinks After Work celebrates the camaraderie that can form between coworkers who have battled through deadlines, demanding bosses, and the daily grind together.
The song itself is a foot-stomping anthem that blends classic country instrumentation with a modern pop sensibility. Producer Don Cook, a longtime collaborator of Keith’s, helps create a soundscape that is both familiar and energetic. The infectious melody and driving rhythm of Drinks After Work practically begs listeners to grab a drink and raise a glass to the end of the workday.
Drinks After Work was a massive commercial success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Keith’s place as a country music superstar. It also achieved a surprising level of crossover success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the universal feeling of relief and shared experience that comes with clocking out after a long day.
Drinks After Work is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a celebration of the blue-collar workforce and the bonds that can be forged through shared experiences. The song continues to be a staple on country radio stations and a favorite at bars and gatherings across the country, reminding listeners that sometimes, the best part of the workday is the drink that comes after.
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Lyrics:
Talk on the phone, stare at the screenDoin’ the job, livin’ the dreamGettin’ paid, yeah rightThinkin’ about what I’ll say to proveThat we should go out for a laugh or twoInstead of going home tonightBeen a long day, no breakWe made it to the middle of the weekAnd I’m thinking that I’m probably gonna needTo get to know you casuallyJust having fun, two for oneWatch a good time get a little betterAin’t no ball and chain for the suits and skirtsJust drinks after workDrinks after workTell me what’s it gonna hurtTo have a little drink after work?Happy hour’s like a holidayHanging with you’s like getting awayLet’s conversate for a little whileWell, keep me company, catch me upIt’s a whole lot better than being stuckIn a drive-time 9 to 5, I’d rather see you smileLong day, no breakWe made it to the middle of the weekAnd I’m thinking that I’m probably gonna needTo get to know you casuallyJust having fun, two for oneWatch a good time get a little betterAin’t no ball and chain for the suits and skirtsJust drinks after workDrinks after workTell me what’s it gonna hurtTo have a little drink after work?Been a long day and the boss don’t get itDon’t you wanna take the edge off with some 7 and 7?Just crushin’ on a friend, tell me what’s it gonna hurtSippin’ and tippin’ some drinks after work?Long day, no breakWe made it to the middle of the weekAnd I’m thinking that I’m probably gonna needTo get to know you casuallyJust having fun, two for oneWatch a good time get a little betterAin’t no ball and chain for the suits and skirtsJust drinks after workDrinks after workTell me what’s it gonna hurtTo have a little drink after work?Long day, no breakTell me what’s it gonna hurtTo have a little drink after work?Sippin’ and tippin’ some drinks after work