The Toby Keith As Good as I Once Was song was released in 2005 as the second single from Keith’s album Honkytonk University. This song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2005. “As Good as I Once Was” quickly became one of Keith’s biggest hits. The song tells the story of a man who, despite his advancing age, still feels the urge to party and live life to the fullest. “I ain’t as good as I once was,” he sings, “But I’m as good once as I ever was.”
The Good as I Once Was Music Video
The music video for “As Good as I Once Was” adds another layer of humor and charm to the song. Directed by Michael Salomon, the video follows Keith as he encounters various situations that test his claim of still being able to keep up with younger men. From breaking up a bar fight to impressing a pair of women, the video’s scenarios highlight the gap between youthful confidence and middle-aged reality in a lighthearted way.
This song also became Toby’s most popular music video of his entire career with over 164 million views as of December of 2024. The music video also won the CMA Award for “Country Music Video of the Year” for 2005. Watch the music video and check out the lyrics below.
Toby Keith As Good as I Once Was Official Music Video
The Song Story
“As Good as I Once Was” tells the story of a man confronting the realities of aging while clinging to his youthful spirit. The lyrics are a humorous yet heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges that come with getting older, paired with a playful insistence that, under the right circumstances, he can still rise to the occasion.
The song’s chorus sums up this sentiment perfectly:
“I ain’t as good as I once was / But I’m as good once as I ever was.”
This catchy and relatable hook resonated with listeners of all ages, helping the track achieve widespread success. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Keith several award nominations, including a Grammy nod.
Toby Keith co-wrote the song with Scotty Emerick.
Toby Keith As Good as I Once Was Lyrics
She said, “I’e seen you in here before.”
I said, “I’ve been here a time or two.”
She said, “Hello, my
Name is Bobby Jo
Meet my twin sister Betty Lou
And we’re both feeling kinda wild tonight
And you’re the only cowboy in this place
And if you’re up for a rodeo
We’ll put a big Texas smile on
Your face”
I said, “Girls,”
[Chorus]
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
And 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
Ive 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 bad biker man
I heard David yell across the room
“Hey buddy, how ’bout a helping hand.”
I said, “Dave,”
[Chorus]
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
But if you wanna fight tonight
Guess those 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 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
Thats 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
Maybe not be good as I once was
But I’m as good once as I ever was
As Good as I Once Was is the second single from Keith’s album Honkytonk University.
“As Good as I Once Was” is a classic Toby Keith song, full of humor, heart, and soul. It’s a tribute to the wild and free spirit that lives in all of us, and a reminder that no matter how old we get, we can always find a way to keep the party going. So the next time you need a little pick-me-up, put on “As Good as I Once Was” and let Toby Keith remind you that you’re never too old to have a good time. Remember to “share” the Toby Keith As Good as I Once Was song with other Country Music fans.
