About the song
Hope on the Rocks, the title track from Toby Keith’s 2012 album, is a poignant and thought-provoking country music ballad that has resonated with fans and critics alike. Written and recorded by the American country music artist, the song was released in November 2012 as the second single from the album. With its powerful lyrics and soaring melody, “Hope on the Rocks” is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The song’s critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with Billy Dukes of Taste of Country awarding it four stars out of five and praising Keith’s ability to capture the emotions of the country nation in a story that is both authentic and enjoyable. Matt Bjorke of Roughstock also gave the song a glowing review, calling it “a fantastic, well-written song that certainly ranks amongst the best songs that Toby’s ever written.”
The music video for “Hope on the Rocks” was directed by Michael Salomon and premiered in November 2012, providing a visually stunning accompaniment to the song’s emotional lyrics. The video’s themes of love, loss, and perseverance have resonated with fans, who have responded to the song’s powerful message and soaring melody.
In terms of chart performance, “Hope on the Rocks” debuted at number 57 on the U.S. Billboard Country Airplay chart and number 48 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, respectively. It also debuted at number 20 on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, a testament to the song’s broad appeal and crossover potential. With its powerful lyrics, soaring melody, and critically acclaimed music video, “Hope on the Rocks” is a standout track in Toby Keith’s discography and a must-listen for fans of country music.
Video
Lyrics
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 fought a court of horses
and now he’s riding a van
Upside down and couldn’t pay
They… 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
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