Introduction
“My List” is a heartfelt country ballad co-written by Tim James and Rand Bishop, and recorded by American country superstar Toby Keith. It was released on January 1, 2002, as the third (and final) single from his sixth studio album, Pull My Chain, which originally dropped in August 2001 .
The song reached remarkable heights on the charts, securing the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five consecutive weeks, and also crossing over to mainstream audiences by peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 . In addition, it topped the Radio & Records country chart for four weeks from April 12 to May 3, 2002 .
Lyrically, “My List” portrays the intimate story of a man who starts his day tackling routine chores—like bank runs, hardware store trips, or mowing the lawn—only to realize he’s neglecting what matters most: quality time with loved ones. The emotional pivot comes as he ultimately decides to shelve mundane tasks and embrace life’s simple, meaningful moments—“Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list.” .
The music video, filmed in Ridgetop, Tennessee shortly after the September 11 attacks, underscores its theme with poignant imagery. It begins with television coverage of the tragedy and follows a firefighter, later revealed to be Toby Keith himself, preparing for duty—symbolizing a collective call to prioritize life’s true essentials . Wide Open Country notes that it functions as a tender, reflective tribute to NYC firefighters, embodying broader themes of gratitude and remembrance in early 2000s America .
As the closing single from Pull My Chain, “My List” stood at the emotional heart of Toby Keith’s album cycle—showcasing vulnerability amid an era defined by upbeat hits and patriotic anthems. It remains a standout in his discography: a moment of stillness, reflection, and heartfelt simplicity in the crossover landscape of post‑9/11 country music.
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