Toby Keith never needed a stage to prove who he was. Whether in front of thousands or in a quiet corner with just one person, he showed up the same: honest, grounded, and fully present. He didn’t posture. He listened. And when he spoke, it came from a place carved by real life — by loss, grit, and deep love for the everyday American. You could feel it in his music. You could see it in the way he treated people. Toby didn’t just sing about respect, dignity, and heartland values. He lived them — quietly, consistently, even when no one was watching. That’s the kind of legacy that doesn’t fade. It stays — like a verse you don’t

Introduction

Released on May 9, 2005, “As Good As I Once Was” was co‑written by Toby Keith and long‑time collaborator Scotty Emerick, and appeared as the second single from Keith’s ninth studio album Honkytonk University . The track quickly became a breakout hit: it climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart by the week of July 23, 2005, where it remained for six consecutive weeks — tying Keith’s longest‑running chart‑topper, alongside “Beer for My Horses” .

Musically built around upbeat guitars and a driving rhythm, the song showcases Keith’s playful, confident vocal delivery and signature blend of humor and swagger . Its clever hook—“I ain’t as good as I once was / But I’m as good once as I ever was”—captures the bittersweet reality of aging with pride and one last shot at glory .

Lyrically, the narrative unfolds in a barroom setting through several comedic vignettes: first, the singer is propositioned by twin sisters; later, he steps in to rescue his friend Dave from a confrontation with a tough biker at a pool table hustle. Though he jokes that “he’s got a few years on me now,” his pride ultimately compels him to prove he still has game .

The music video, directed by Michael Salomon and premiering in mid‑May 2005, visualizes the humor of the song vividly—complete with Viagra jokes, a sloshing beer moment, a knockout punch, and a scene ending with Keith in an ambulance, conceding the “cold, hard truth” of his limitations.

The song’s popularity and clever songwriting earned it BMI Country Song of the Year in 2006 . It has since become one of Keith’s most recognizable signature tunes and remains a cultural touchstone for anyone who ever tried to recapture just one night from their prime

Video

Lyrics

She said I seen you in here before
I said I been here a time or two
She said “Hello my name is Bobby Jo,
Meet my twin sister Betty Lou
And we’re both feelin’ kinda wild tonight
You’re the only cowboy in this place
And if you’re up for a rodeo
I’ll put a big Texas smile on your face”
I said “Girls…”
I ain’t as good as I once was
I got a few years on me now
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really lay it down
If you need some love tonight
Then I might have just enough
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
I still hang out with my best friend Dave
I’ve known him since we were kids at school
Last night he had a few shots, got in a tight spot
Hustlin’ a game of pool
With a couple of redneck boys
One great big fat biker man
I heard David yell across the room
“Hey buddy, how ’bout a helpin’ hand”
I said “Dave…”
I ain’t as good as I once was
My how the years have flown
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really hold my own
If you want to fight tonight
Guess them boys don’t look all that tough
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
I used to be hell on wheels
Back when I was a younger man
Now my body says “You can’t do this boy”
But my pride says “Oh yes, you can”
I ain’t as good as I once was
That’s just the cold hard truth
I still throw a few back, talk a little smack
When I’m feelin’ bullet proof
So don’t double-dog dare me now
‘Cause I’d have to call your bluff
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
May not be good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever wasBest gifts for your loved ones