You don’t often see a man battling cancer smiling that brightly on stage. But that was Toby Keith. He stood there — in a white performance jacket, a BELMAR cap, microphone in hand, eyes gleaming with quiet joy. But if you looked only at the surface, you wouldn’t know… behind that smile was a long road of pain and courage. When he was fighting stomach cancer, Toby didn’t say much. He quietly underwent treatment. Quietly endured. And then, he came back to the stage. Not for applause — but because music was the one thing he never gave up on. Toby once said: “I don’t sing to be famous. I sing because it’s how I live.” And it’s true — that smile wasn’t for show. It was a statement: “I’m still here. I’m still singing. And I’m still me.” Even knowing that each performance could be his last, Toby still chose the spotlight. Because for him, it wasn’t just a show. It was the most beautiful kind of farewell — not mournful, not weak — but full of the heart of a cowboy: strong, kind, and never surrendering.

Introduction

Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was,” co-written with Scotty Emerick, was released on May 9, 2005, as the second single from his Honkytonk University album . The track springs from a witty, age-aware perspective embodied in its signature line:

“I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.”
This hook, reportedly inspired by a phrase popularized by Burt Reynolds in the 1980s—and often echoed by Keith’s father—became the lyrical backbone of the song

The song’s narrative follows a man navigating middle age, confronted by enticing “twins” in a bar and drawn into a raucous pool-hall brawl to defend a friend. He gleefully admits that while he may no longer have the endurance of his youth, he can still “bring it once”—capturing a charming balance of self-deprecation and bravado .

Musically, the record features rollicking guitar riffs and a driving beat, anchored by Keith’s commanding and playful vocals . It struck a chord with audiences, reigning at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for six weeks, marking one of Keith’s longest-running chart-toppers . It also crossed over to reach No. 28 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 .

Critics appreciated its clever songwriting: Matt Bjorke described it as a standout in Keith’s catalog; Sputnik Music called it “a testament to how much old age sucks”; and AllMusic praised its “wonderfully self-depreciating” tone . The song earned BMI’s Song of the Year award in 2006 and was nominated for Single and Music Video of the Year at the 2005 CMA Awards .

Over time, “As Good As I Once Was” has become one of Keith’s signature anthems—a bold and witty celebration of aging with attitude and agile charm

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 was