Introduction
Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar” debuted in August 2003 as the lead single from his eighth studio album, Shock’n Y’all . Co-written with longtime collaborator Scotty Emerick, the song quickly resonated with audiences through its vivid portrayal of the camaraderie and colorful characters found in the local watering hole Keith calls his own.
The lyrics paint a lively tapestry of familiar barroom archetypes—from chain‑smokers and bikers to yuppies and hookers—illustrating a place of acceptance and shared fellowship . The simple chorus, “Just walking through the front door puts a big smile on my face… come as you are,” encapsulates the spirit of inclusivity that defines the song’s appeal .
Upon its release, “I Love This Bar” soared to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it held the top spot for five consecutive weeks, and sold over one million copies in the U.S. alone The accompanying music video—directed by Michael Salomon and filmed at the Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth, California—premiered on CMT on August 21, 2003.
The song’s success transcended radio airplay when it inspired a branded chain of full‑service restaurants—Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill—beginning in 2005. Although many locations have since closed, a couple of outlets remain in Oklahoma . In popular culture, the track even earned a place on Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Country Songs list (ranked #98) , while rock legend Sammy Hagar paid homage with his cover on the 2006 album Livin’ It Up! .
With its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and heartfelt authenticity, “I Love This Bar” endures as a modern country classic—celebrating ordinary places and the extraordinary sense of belonging they offer.
Video
Lyrics
We got winners
We got losers
Chain-smokers and boozers
We got yuppies
We got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie stars
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
We got cowboys
We got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers
We got fighters
Early-birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just walkin’ through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain’t too far
Come as you are
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
I’ve seen short skirts
We’ve got high-techs
Blue-collared boys and rednecks
And we got lovers
Lots of lookers
I’ve even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
(Yes I do)
I like my truck
I like my truck
And I like my girlfriend
I like my girlfriend
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then
But I love this bar
It’s my kind of place
Just toein’ around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge
Come as you are
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I love this bar
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, I just love this old bar