Introduction
“Too Drunk to Karaoke” is a spirited duet by Jimmy Buffett and Toby Keith, released on August 20, 2013, as the lead single from Buffett’s album Songs from St. Somewhere. The song was penned by Jimmy Buffett, Mac McAnally, Shawn Camp, and Pat McLaughlin, and produced by Mac McAnally and Michael Utley.
The track humorously narrates the tale of a bar-goer who, after indulging in one too many drinks, finds himself too inebriated to perform at a karaoke night. With its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics, the song captures the essence of those carefree nights where good intentions meet the reality of overindulgence.
The accompanying music video was filmed at Santa’s Pub in Nashville, Tennessee, a local dive bar known for its karaoke nights. In the video, Buffett and Keith arrive at the pub, engage with the lively crowd, and attempt to take the stage, embodying the song’s playful narrative.
“Too Drunk to Karaoke” stands out in both artists’ discographies as a lighthearted anthem celebrating the joys and follies of a night out. Its blend of Buffett’s tropical flair and Keith’s country roots creates a memorable tune that resonates with fans of both genres.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
Last night at the bar, it was karaoke night
Yeah, everybody down there was feeling alright
They got big margarita pitchers, two for one, yum, yum
They were feelin’ footloose and ready for some fun
[Verse 2: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
When I signed up, I was ready to go
But they didn’t call my name for an hour or so
Damn if they didn’t make me wait too long
I was in no kinda shape to sing a Jon Bon song
[Chorus 1: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
Too drunk to karaoke, too drunk to karaoke
If you keep on drinkin’, you’re gonna be
Too drunk to karaoke, just like me
Too drunk to karaoke, too drunk to karaoke
[Verse 3: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
Well, the place got rockin’, temptation was strong
All the pretty girls kept a eggin’ me on
Well, I shoulda kept my flip-flops glued to the chair
But no, I jumped right up and slicked back my hair
[Chorus 2: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
Too drunk to karaoke, too drunk to karaoke
Well, you can sing in the shower till you sound real good
You can terrorize the whole damn neighborhood
But when you hit that stage with that mic in your hand
You better pace yourself, son, if you wanna have fans
Too drunk to karaoke, too drunk to karaoke
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[Verse 4: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
If you ask me, hell, I killed that song!
When I looked around, everybody was gone
Except a couple of bouncers ’bout half my age
They grabbed the microphone and threw me off the stage
[Chorus 3: Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
You’re too drunk to karaoke, that’s what they told me
You’re too drunk to karaoke, how can that be?
You don’t have to be good, don’t have to be refined
You just have to be a legend in your own mind
Don’t have to rehearse, or even sing on key
Just prove that theory of drunketivity
Too drunk to karaoke, too drunk to karaoke
[Outro: : Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith]
Look at me!
You’re too drunk to karaoke
Just like me
Too drunk to karaoke
That’s what I’m talkin’ about