Keith, Toby | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

About the Song

Toby Keith’s “Haven’t Had a Drink All Day” is a foot-stomping anthem that injects a dose of humor into the classic country music trope of the trucker on the open road. Released in 2012 on his album Hope on the Rocks, the song offers a glimpse into the life of a trucker with a busy schedule and a mischievous streak.

The opening line, a casual yet catchy “Oh yeah, in a hurry I was running behind / Had a load on my trailer and a lot on my mind,” sets the stage for a fast-paced journey. Keith’s signature baritone voice perfectly embodies the character of a trucker who thrives on the freedom of the open road, even when faced with deadlines and a heavy load.

The song’s title, “Haven’t Had a Drink All Day”, is delivered with a wink and a nudge. While it might initially suggest a commitment to sobriety, the lyrics paint a different picture. We later learn the trucker did partake in some “morning refreshment,” adding a playful layer to the song’s overall lightheartedness.

“Haven’t Had a Drink All Day” is a celebration of the trucker lifestyle. Keith vividly describes his journey, name-dropping locations like Amarillo and Oklahoma City, creating a sense of familiarity for listeners who know the American landscape. The song throws in some good-natured camaraderie as well, with a quick check-in with an old friend encountered along the way.

However, the song isn’t all about carefree travel. The final line hints at a return home and a potential reward: “Got home to Little Rock about three a.m. / My baby met me at the door with a bottle in her hand.” Whether the bottle holds a cold drink or something a little stronger is left open to interpretation, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the song’s ending.

“Haven’t Had a Drink All Day” is a fun and relatable song for anyone who enjoys the open road or appreciates a good dose of country humor. It’s a testament to Toby Keith’s ability to capture the essence of American life with a catchy melody and a wink.UPDATE: Country Music Star Toby Keith, 62, Dies of Stomach Cancer - Cancer Health

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Lyrics: Haven’t Had a Drink All Day

Oh, yeah,

Leaving San Bernardino I was running behind
I had a load on my trailer and a lot on my mind
And I was rocking, rolling ‘cross the USA
I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day

Pulled into Arizona about a hundred and one
When a smokey bear shot me with his radar gun
He said, “You’re drunk, son.” Yeah, there ain’t no way
I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day

This gal pal I found didn’t bother a soul
I gave a pretty girl a ride to a watering hole
And she thanked me and I pulled her off the interstate
She said, “I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day.”

I blew through Amarillo like a wild west wind
Stopped in Oklahoma City just to see an old friend
“What’s up cous’?” he said, “I’m OK.” Yeah
I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day

Let’s drive

Got home to Little Rock about 3 AM
My baby met me at the door with a bottle in her hand
“Good to see my man, let’s celebrate.” Yeah
I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day
I got stoned this morning but I haven’t had a drink all day
Said, I got drunk this morning but I haven’t been stoned all day yeah

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