Song #2: Toby Keith feat. Willie Nelson - "Beer for My Horses"

Song #2: Toby Keith feat. Willie Nelson - "Beer for My Horses" (2003)

Unleashed

"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."

If you forced me to pick my all-time favorite country song, I think I'd have to pick Toby Keith and Willie Nelson's "Beer for My Horses." As much as I adore the country-heatbreak songs of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Merle Haggard, and I love contemporary country artists like Colt Ford and Brad Paisley, I have to pick "Beer for My Horses" for several reasons. For starters, here's a song that takes on an entire new life once you've seen the music video. The song, alone, is a masterful detailing of old police-work vs. new police-work, but the music video erects a terrific crime drama scenario that enchants and excites. In addition to giving us great music, the music video gives us a nail-biting story to latch on to, making this one of the multifaceted country songs I know of in terms of approach, and one of the most exhilarating.

Speaking in context of the music video, the song follows a serial killer near the Midtown River, an assuming area that is loaded with "corruption and crime in the streets," according to Willie Nelson in the song. We immediately drop in on a news report covering a potential fifth victim of the Midtown River murderer, a man who apparently goes after prostitutes in late hours of the night, kills them, and leaves vague trails. Toby Keith and his partner Corin Nemec have been dispatched on the case, but even with five alleged murders, they still can't develop a solid lead. Much to Corin's dismay, Toby calls Willie Nelson, his father, who used to work as an Arizona Ranger after his father influenced him when he was a young boy. Toby is convinced that Willie will help him nab the suspect, and once they travel to Willie's ranch in the middle of scenic nowhere, as the home is tucked away in grassy plains, Toby and Corin are greeted with a load of police nostalgia. They see Willie's old badge, old pictures of the force, old police equipment, and hear of stories back when Willie was an officer in his prime.

Speaking in context of the song, the song details more with the contrasting work of policemen from the early 1900's to present-day. The chorus celebrates the idea of celebrating justice, condemning violence and needless crime, and raising up ones' glasses "against evil forces" by providing your men with a shot of strong, potent whiskey and your horses with an ice-cold brew. 

Returning to the video, the video plays like an episode of CSI, but set to a fantastic country song to add to the suspense and energy. After revisiting this video for the first time in months, I still act like I did when I first saw this video at age eight, wiggling around in my seat, singing along (admittedly off-key), and just feeling the rush of nostalgic energy and enthusiasm I have always had for this song.

The song was so rooted in plot and narrative that, in 2008, a film of the same name was made. The downside, however, was the plot of the music video was abandoned, and Corin Nemec nor Willie Nelson, other than a very brief cameo, appeared in the film. Toby Keith held his own in the picture, but the magic and zest of the song was traded in for typical redneck entertainment. Nonetheless, the music video is still arguably my favorite music video of all time, and the song never fails to excite. This song is a must-hear and the video is a must-see for everyone.

Give "Beer for My Horses" a listen (and a watch), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1JOFhfoAD4