Introduction:
Country music icon Toby Keith released the song “Wacky Tobaccy” in 2017. The song, with its lighthearted title and theme, marked a bit of a departure from Keith’s usual patriotic and storytelling-driven country anthems. “Wacky Tobaccy” was included on his album The Bus Songs, a collection of tunes inspired by his time on the road. While not a commercial smash hit like some of his previous work, the song did reach number 45 on the Billboard US Country chart.
“Wacky Tobaccy” is a clear reference to cannabis, and the song itself explores themes of relaxation and unwinding with friends. This was a somewhat controversial topic for country music at the time, and the song generated significant discussion and debate among fans and critics alike. Keith, known for his outspoken personality, embraced the conversation, even featuring a cameo from country music legend Willie Nelson, a longtime cannabis advocate, in the song’s music video [YouTube].
The Bus Songs itself was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. “Wacky Tobaccy”, while not the album’s lead single, did capture the attention of audiences for its unique perspective within Toby Keith’s discography. The song remains a conversation starter for its exploration of a sensitive topic and its place within the evolution of country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
Aw, yeahUh-huhWhat’s that smell?Wanda is a woman, she works down the hallShows up on time, she like balls to the wallShe went out to lunch with her high school friends‘Bout three hours later, she came rollin’ back inWell, the boss man really jumped herSon, he wasn’t jokingEverybody in the office knew Wanda had been smokin’That old wacky tobaccyWhen you feel it creeping up on youThat old wacky tobaccyKick back and let it do what it doNow you can two tote her, you can one hit himPuff it in a pipe and you can twist it in a stemYou can bake it in some brownies, smoke it through a bongRoll up a great big fat one like old Cheech and ChongBurn it through a hole, in a can of BudweiserIf you can’t take the heat, son, vaporizerThat old wacky tobaccyWhen you feel it creeping up on youThat old wacky tobaccyKick back and let it do what it doNow do what you doOh, yeahYou got your Mexican and Jamaican with those buds of blueHumboldt County and Hydroponic tooOkeechobee Purple from down in the SouthAnd that old stuff your uncle smokes will give you cotton mouthHomegrown is healthy, synthetic can kill youMy all-time favorite, Red Hair SinsemillaThat old wacky tobaccyWhen you feel it creeping up on youThat old wacky tobaccyKick back and let it do what it doAw, let it do what it doYeah, it doY’all got any Fritos?