“We’ve been through it all—money, fame, children, loss. But through it all, we’ve stayed anchored in each other.” — shared by Tricia Lucus. On a quiet morning out on the golf course, Toby Keith stood beside the woman who had been with him since long before the fame. In his arms was their tiny grandchild — and to him, it was moments like this that defined the true meaning of happiness.

Introduction

Toby Keith’s “My List”, written by Tim James and Rand Bishop, is a reflective country ballad first released as the third and final single from his sixth studio album Pull My Chain on January 1, 2002 . The song quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, claiming the No. 1 spot for five weeks and even crossing over to pop audiences, reaching No. 26 on the Hot 100.

“My List” centers on a simple yet powerful narrative: a man’s daily “to-do” list—errands like fixing a lock or going to the bank—gradually gives way to deeper realizations. Instead of chores, he chooses time with his family, heartfelt conversation, and meaningful moments. The recurring lyric “Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list” resonates as a poignant call to prioritize life’s true treasures over routine busyness .

The song held particular cultural weight in the early 2000s. Released in a nation still healing from the September 11 attacks, its music video opens with 9/11 footage and follows a firefighter balancing duty with personal priorities—echoing many listeners’ own reassessments of life’s value post‑9/11. Critics later recognized this blend of personal introspection and collective healing as a defining element of Toby Keith’s Pull My Chain era.

Beyond its chart success, “My List” strengthened Toby Keith’s standing as a storyteller who could balance lighthearted anthems with thoughtful emotional depth. Released between the rollicking “I Wanna Talk About Me” and the fiery, patriotic “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” it showcased his versatility and deep connection to listeners

In the years since, “My List” endures as a quietly powerful reminder: life isn’t found in crossing off tasks—it’s found in the moments we choose to cherish.

Let me know if you’d like a more detailed breakdown of the lyrics, critical reception, or Toby Keith’s personal reflections on this song!

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