About the song
“**Beer For My Horses**” by **Willie Nelson** and **Toby Keith** is a quintessential blend of traditional country music with a touch of rebellious spirit, capturing the essence of rural America and its values. Released in 2002 as part of Toby Keith’s album “Unleashed,” this track features the iconic voice of **Willie Nelson**, a legend in country music, alongside the contemporary, bold style of **Toby Keith**. The song is a celebration of justice, freedom, and good old-fashioned country living, with a playful, yet poignant message about standing up for what is right.
From the very first strums of the guitar, the listener is transported to a world where cowboys, horses, and the law are central to life. The title, **Beer For My Horses**, is a clever nod to the carefree, yet hard-nosed lifestyle of the American cowboy, with the metaphor of “beer” serving as a symbol of reward and camaraderie. The song, with its catchy chorus and toe-tapping rhythm, strikes the perfect balance between a fun, barroom anthem and a deeper commentary on justice and loyalty.
Lyrically, the song tells a story of a sheriff seeking revenge for a wrong done in his town, calling on his trusty horse and his trusted friends to help him carry out a kind of rough, frontier justice. The line “We got too many gangsters doing dirty deeds” resonates with those who believe in the traditional American notion of standing up for what’s right, no matter the cost.
**Willie Nelson’s** voice, rich with years of experience and wisdom, complements **Toby Keith’s** more contemporary, brash style perfectly. Together, they create a musical partnership that feels both timeless and fresh. Their chemistry on this track is undeniable, with **Willie’s** signature phrasing lending a sense of authenticity to the song, while **Toby’s** energy injects a modern edge.
“**Beer For My Horses**” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem for anyone who loves the spirit of the open road, the thrill of justice, and the simplicity of a good time. It remains a favorite among country music lovers, serving as a perfect reminder of the genre’s roots in storytelling, camaraderie, and the values that many hold dear.
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Lyrics
Willie, man, come on the 6 o’clock news
Said somebody’s been shot, somebody’s been abused
Somebody blew up a building, somebody stole a car
Somebody got away, somebody didn’t get too far, yeah
They didn’t get too far
Grandpappy told my pappy, back in my day, son
A man had to answer for the wicked that he done
Take all the rope in Texas find a tall oak tree
Round up all them bad boys, hang them high in the street
For all the people to see
That justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back at the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
We got too many gangsters doing dirty deeds
Too much corruption, and crime in the streets
It’s time the long arm of the law put a few more in the ground
Send ’em all to their maker and he’ll settle ’em down
You can bet he’ll set ’em down
‘Cause justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
We’ll all meet back at the local saloon
And we’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
You know justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys, you got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
And we’ll all meet back at the local saloon
And we’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
