Toby Keith – Hope On The Rocks

About the song

Toby Keith Raises a Glass to Hope: “Hope on the Rocks”

In the vast landscape of country music, Toby Keith stands out as a voice for the working class, the proud American, and the unyielding optimist. His 2012 anthem, “Hope on the Rocks,” perfectly encapsulates this spirit, offering a toast to resilience and the unwavering belief in brighter days, even amidst life’s challenges.

A Celebration of Perseverance

“Hope on the Rocks” isn’t your typical country ballad. While there’s a touch of melancholy in the opening lines, where the narrator reflects on “worn-out dreams and faded schemes,” the overall message is one of unwavering optimism. The song celebrates the human capacity to persevere, with lyrics like “but hope’s the anchor that keeps my ship afloat” serving as a powerful metaphor for staying hopeful in the face of adversity.

Keith’s Signature Grit

Keith’s raspy baritone voice perfectly embodies the song’s message of resilience. He delivers the lyrics with a gruff charm and a hint of Southern drawl, creating a sense of authenticity and everyday wisdom. The upbeat tempo and driving instrumentation, featuring a prominent electric guitar, further underscore the song’s hopeful spirit.

A Toast to the Common Man

“Hope on the Rocks” resonates particularly with working-class listeners who face daily struggles. The song acknowledges the hardships of life but emphasizes the importance of holding onto hope. The title itself, a play on the classic cocktail “Rocks on the Rocks,” adds a touch of humor and relatability, suggesting that hope can be found even in the most unexpected places.

A Song for Every Occasion

Whether facing personal challenges, economic hardship, or simply the everyday grind, “Hope on the Rocks” offers a much-needed dose of encouragement. The song reminds listeners that hope is a powerful tool, a source of strength that allows us to navigate life’s uncertainties with a positive outlook.

A Timeless Anthem

“Hope on the Rocks” has become a signature song for Toby Keith. Its message of perseverance and the power of hope transcends time and resonates with audiences across generations. It serves as a reminder that even when life throws lemons our way, we can always choose to make lemonade, with a healthy dose of optimism on the rocks.

Video

Lyrics

“Hope On The Rocks”

 

Brady was a baseball star
Til he struck out and took his car and drove away
Sissy lost her little boy
Hitch-hiked up to Illinois, so they say

Then it rained so hard that Mary tried
To take her life with suicide
And disappear just like the thunder
You ask around and no-one knows
Where they went or what they do
But you wonder, I know you wonder

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks

Charlie’s wife filed for divorce
And Charlie bought a quarter horse and now he’s ridin’ fences,
Upside down and couldn’t pay
They hauled Sue’s mobile home away
And we ain’t seen her since
Larry’s long time fiancé
Got kicked out of the P.T.A.
And moved her kids back east with someone else
All and the ones you used to know
Don’t drop in or say hello
But you ask yourself
I know you ask yourself

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks

Where do they go?
They come here
To drown in their sorrow and cry in their beer
They’re in need of a mindbender
I’m a bartender
At the end of the day
I’m all they’ve got
Hope on the rocks