With a swaggering grin and a wink to the crowd, Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was” barrels out of the speakers like a shot of whiskey at last call—bold, brash, and impossible to ignore.

Released in May 2005 as the second single from Keith’s album Honkytonk University, this honky-tonk anthem quickly became a defining moment in his career, cementing his reputation as country music’s master of the everyman tale.

Co-written with longtime collaborator Scotty Emerick, “As Good As I Once Was” finds Keith spinning a relatable yarn about aging with attitude. The song’s narrator, confronted with temptations and barroom brawls, admits he’s not the wild man he used to be—but he’s still got one good round left in him. The clever hook, “I may not be as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was,” delivers a punchline that’s equal parts self-deprecating and triumphant, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt the tug of nostalgia and the thrill of proving they’ve still got it.

Musically, the track is classic Keith: rollicking guitars, a driving beat, and a vocal performance that’s both playful and commanding. The song dominated the charts, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart—tying Keith’s record for his longest-running chart-topper—and even crossing over to reach No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its enduring popularity was underscored when it re-entered the charts following Keith’s passing in 2024, a testament to its lasting appeal.

“As Good As I Once Was” isn’t just a song—it’s a rallying cry for anyone refusing to let the years slow them down. In the world of country music, Toby Keith proved that sometimes, one good night is all you need to remind everyone you’re still in the game.