Introduction
Here’s a verified and insightful 300‑word introduction to Toby Keith’s “My List”, rooted in authentic details and historical context:
Toby Keith’s “My List” is a poignant country ballad written by Tim James and Rand Bishop, released on January 1, 2002, as the third and final single from Keith’s sixth studio album, Pull My Chain (released August 28, 2001) . Marking a reflective shift in Keith’s catalog, the song climbed to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, holding that position for five weeks, and crossed over to peak at No. 26 on the Hot 100 . It was also honored as the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year in 2002 .
Musically and lyrically, “My List” captures a man’s realization that life’s most important moments aren’t on any chore list but rather shared with loved ones. The narrator postpones routine duties—paying bills, mowing the lawn—to “start livin’,” following simple, yet profound goals like laughing with friends, calling his parents, and saying a prayer . This theme resonated powerfully in the early post-9/11 era, when people across America reevaluated what truly mattered .
The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Salomon, was filmed in Ridgetop, Tennessee. It opens with footage of the September 11 attacks and portrays a firefighter—mirroring Keith’s persona—answering duty, reinforcing themes of sacrifice, family, and emotional clarity.
“My List” was the culmination of Pull My Chain’s success: all three singles from the album (alongside “I Wanna Talk About Me” and “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight”) reached No. 1 on the country charts . Dedicated to Keith’s father—who passed in March 2001—the album, and particularly “My List,” exudes heartfelt sincerity, a tribute to living with intention and gratitude.
In sum, “My List” remains a timeless reminder: amid life’s demands, the real priority is cherishing relationships and moments that last a lifetime.
Let me know if you’d like to explore further or add reflections on its legacy!
Video
Lyrics
Under an old brass paperweight
Is my list of things to do today
Go to the bank and the hardware store
Put a new lock on the cellar door
I cross ’em off as I get ’em done
But when the sun is settled
There’s still more than a few things left
I haven’t got to yet
Go for a walk, say a little prayer
Take a deep breath of mountain air
Put on my glove and play some catch
It’s time that I make time for that
Wade the shore and cast a line
Look up an old lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list
Wouldn’t change the course of fate
The cutting the grass just had to wait
‘Cause I’ve got more important things
Like pushin’ my kid on the backyard swing
I won’t break my back for a million bucks
I can’t take to my grave
So why put off for tomorrow
What I could get done today
Like go for a walk, say a little prayer
Take a deep breath of mountain air
Put on my glove and play some catch
It’s time that I make time for that
Wade the shore, cast a line
Look up an old lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss
Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list
Raise a little hell, laugh ’til it hurts
Put an extra five in the plate at church
Call up my folks just to chat
It’s time that I make time for that
Stay up late, and oversleep
Show her what she means to me
Catch up on all the things I’ve always missed
Just start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list
Under an old brass paperweight
Is my list of things to do today