I loved Toby Keith until he stuck his big nose into the Dixie Chick scandle and tried to make himself more popular by dissing them when they were in a bad way…
What a man eh!?!
PEOPLE SHOULD PROBABLY TAKE THEIR TIME AND ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THIS SONG BEFORE JUDGING.
SOME ONE POSTED THIS COMMENT ON THE WEBSITE THAT POSTED THIS STORY AND I TOTALLY AGREE:
- + mh01 See Profile I'm a Fan of mh01
Let me try an exercise.
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
greeeeeat! Here we go again … playing that race card. Not once, in this song, does it mention anything about race or someone being hung high because of their race. He's simply referring to the crime and the bad men … no color is mentioned. If you think there is "more to it" than his lyrics, that's because YOU'RE looking for more. Something to gossip about. Get over it people!! Our generation, your parents generation …. we did not cause nor condone slavery. Let it die already.
people are looking into this song way too much. Its just supposed to be a fun, smart ass song like most of toby keiths songs are. There are many country songs and songs in general that speak of violence- anyone ever heard RAP MUSIC? Anyone heard honly tonk badonkadonk? they talk about slapping grandmothers- anyone want to make a big deal of it? I am not a racist at all, and i think peoples reaction to this song is a little intense.
I see nothing wrong with this song, it's how it was in the Old West. You think all the cowboys sat down and had tea parties with the cattle rustlers and shit?
African Americans weren't the only ones who got hung, you know. I guess POTC must be racist, since in one of the opening scenes Captain Jack Sparrow sees a couple of people swinging by their neck from something. They must've been black or Latino, right? :rolleyes:
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
Re: Melis – How stupid are you, he is linking to a reputable newspaper article..you idiot, he didn't write the story, Perez is just linking to it.
Damn some of you people are so ignorant and stupid, I wish lynching was still around so we could get rid of you…Ignorance and stupidity is a CRIME, in my opinion
Perez, your just stirring up racial problems. Beer for my horses is years old and Willie Nelson sings on the song as well. It was also in a Kevin Kostner cowboy movie about old time justice (Sorry can't remember the name, that's how old it is! Perez is just causing trouble now!
Perez, did you ever realize that this song may not be racially motivated. All the song talks about is hanging, and yes that is how they executed all outlaws back in the day. Have you ever watched a western movie? That is how they killed the outlaws! So I don't see any reason why this song has to do with lynchings…
You are a fucking idiot. If you think that song implies that he endorses lynching. What did someone jump on your douchebag and brain wash your feeble mind?
Oh I hate Toby Keith, and unfortunately he is EVERYWHERE in Oklahoma. The city of Moore was just stupid enough to paint the water tower with "Home of Toby Keith" on it. Why would they be proud of that?
um, i dont know what the fuckin big deal is. hes talking about criminals, no where in that song does he say anything about race. its just a song people get over it!!!
Umm… as Black person I love Toby I didn't get that. Know where in his song did he ever point out a race of any kind. I think people are just looking to much into this.
I think that it is dumb that everyone is freaking out about this. 1) this song and video have been out forever so it is obviously someone with way too much free time on their hands trying to make something out of nothing 2) everyone is freaking out saying that this is so racist becuase there is a black guy peeing on the street and that is the "ideal lynch victim" but if you watch the entire video there is all sorts of people labeled as criminals
making such claims about this song - regardless of its intent - only gives it publicity and credibility. by dredging up careless, racially tinged interpretations, you are only perpetuating the racial and social unrest that has marred this country for centuries.
while i can understand the "lynching" connotations evoked by the song and its lyrics, consider the song in multiple, not just racial, contexts. hanging has long been a means of punishing criminals. in nations all over the world, people were hanged for crimes hundreds of years BEFORE we even landed in this country. because the song was sang by a southerner and an outspoken country singer, does not mean it was in favor of lynching blacks, jews, hispanics, etc.
nevertheless, interpretations will always differ. one should just be more careful in stating interpretations as fact.
OH PLEASE, He never said a word about someones color. Henever said anything about gay people.So how is this racial?
If the cops did this kind of things we wouldn't have SEXUAL PREDITORS and RAPIST all around us.There is a reason why this stuff happens now and didn't happen 30 years ago.People knew if they did it back then there @$$ would be punished.
GO TOBY KEITH.
Perez… sorry to break it to you… but lots of us, at least in Texas, absolutely do not have a problem with that video or the song. First of all, I don't believe the song is referring to racial lynching. AT ALL. Instead, I believe it is referring to the "Old West" where all criminals were served a quick and harsh punishment, contrary to movies, most of which were mandated by the court system of the time. The journalist that makes connection to the video and racial lynching is making a huge jump that is unfounded.
Excuse me Paris but you're the idiot and whoever wrote that article is a race-baiting piece of shit! Are you aware that people other than black people have been lynched? From what the lyrics said it was to punish someone for their crimes not the color of their skin.
Toby Keith is amazing. He's one of the only people with BALLS (yes perez, you THINK you have some but you don't) enough to stand up for what really is people's rights. Why the hell do you think we can't defend ourselves and prosecute the people who do our society wrong? They deserve what they get. An eye for an eye. What…you think if you slap their hand and take away their birthday that that is going to take away all the crime and crazy crap that goes on nowadays. You need to get off your hollywood highhorse and get a good kick in the ass of reality.
You are full of shit Perez. This song has been out for about seven years and was not an issue before. I guess it is your sad job to try and stir up shit for others. You live a pathetic life.
This isn't a liberal anger thing, its a money thing and Toby Keith just lost a lot of it. His hardcore uneducated southern racists will still buy his music buy anyone with an education that doesn't live in a trailer park WILL NOT. Doesn't matter if its subtle, any intelligent person can read between his lines. Hit him where it hurts, don't buy his music. Gonna have to return that monster truck and double wide trailer Toby!
This is a stretch. He's talking about the "Wild West" not the Jim Crow south. Plus, the song is old. This is just people looking for controversy b/c they enjoy being offended.
This song is old and it has to do with justice, not one thing about race is mentioned. Hanging used to be a legal form of execution. Can people please educate themselves before pulling the race card every time?
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
I ein capital punishment which is something we need .
What Toby Stupid Keith is saying is totally different. Yes ,Perez is right. te song ,my grandpappy and pappy ' time….ummmm, that is when innocent Black men were swung high on a tree for being Black. All you had to was get one o' yer' Nigg ers, at night ,well ,tak'im from his home ’round midnight, and we just hang'um.
Re: John – Actually it IS illegal to discrimate against someone because of their race your friggin idiot. Although I do not think this songs means that.
All criminals show pay for their crimes regardless of race, color or creed in anyway that is feasible. Jails are to full and the taxpapers money could go to a better society if it wasn't keeping up the crooks.
Get a grip!!! This song is sung by a country singer, and he's not referring to lynching in the literal sense! Don't you have ANYTHING better to do with your time…..Jeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz, YOU"RE the idiot!
Don't you people know your history? It's a song about the Old West. It may seem like a surprise, but plenty of white people have been hanged, probably more than black people have. Lynching and hanging has been used for all races, even whites during the Civil Rights movement were hanged. Don't forget also, that before slavery was "official" in the 13 colonies (yes that includes the North) that indentured servitude was used for both blacks and WHITES. When slavery was found to be more prosperous it phased over, but white immigrants were still put into indentured servitude. Please know your history and read the whole song in the article, where it talks about SALOONS, and not just the lyrics in bold.
talking about taking something WAY too literally …He just means people arent punished hard enough today and if you do something wrong you should be punished ..You just don't like him because he is a conservative, liberals always making everything so dramatic
^I completely agree with this. Plus… that song is very old. I've seen him perform this in concert atleast 3 years in a row.
Perez you are an idiot. The song isn't racist. It isn't about black and white. It is about criminals. It is racist of u to assume that criminals means black people. But u will never know what is like raising kids in a world where the criminals have all the rights. Team Toby!!!
If anyone had done proper homework, Willie Nelson sang that verse, and in his grandpappy's day, EVERYONE was hung from a tall oak tree. That was how the death penalty was carried out.
I'm pretty sure one could find a hip hop song about killing white people fairly easily…so let's just agree that racism most certainly goes both ways and still exists unfortunately?
Are you serious? That has got to be the most biased article I have ever read in my entire life. Toby Keith was not talking about lynching blacks, he makes absolutely no mention of it in the whole song. For God's sake, can we all just be normal, and not be so offended by EVERYTHING!!!!!! If the author of that article has that much time on his/her hands to spend analyzing a friggin country song, then perhaps the author needs a hobby, maybe painting, or needlepoint. God, and seriosly, Perez, stop promoting this kind of crap journalism. God, I swear, I am going to move to another country to get away from super-sensitive sissy whine asses.
Ok, do you know how OLD that song is?! I am not saying he is right or wrong. But if anyone is going to launch into an anti-freedom of speech campaign, please do it in a timely process. React to it when the news is NEW!
Do you know how old this song is? Several - and I mean - several years old. Yeah - our society has really become way too sensitive. You can't crap in public without somebody taking offense to it nowadays.
And to give support to the Dixie Chicks…well…those of us who listen and support country music know what's happened to them. They sure offended their audience - and aren't brining in nearly as much money as they could. They released the song Traveling Soldier just before the lead singer opened her big mouth. It was a beautiful song, but when she opened her mouth, I looked at it differently - as did other country fans. The result - the song tanked on the charts and the Chicks were fried. Country music rarely plays their music and quite honestly, the Dixie Chicks are a bunch of morons.
I'm a little baffled here. How is this song racist, and why would you have a problem with a song about cleaning up the streets of all the terrible crimes (drive-by shootings, rapes, beatings, armed robberies, etc.) that are committed each day? There are no colors here, this is about criminals, plain and simple, and someone who is sick and tired like a whole lot of other people, that they get away with murder and rapes, just to committ them over and over again. Seems a little strange, unless you're one of the felons, that you would find any offense to this. As others have said, people are just looking for reasons to feel offended and put upon.
Wow talk about taking a story and running away with it. This is as pointless and unnecessary as the apology legislation on the table right now. There is no mention of race anywhere in this song. I am a person who listens to all types of music from rap to country to hard rock and I listen very closely to the words of them all. There is no racial hate in this song what so ever! Toby Keith's message is that maybe if we werent so worried about the criminals feelings and actually made them answer to the horrific crimes they commit, then we might not have such a corrupt nation. To ALL of you that try to turn this into some racial drama that it IS NOT… GROW UP AND QUIT CRYING!
The song has to do with the Wild West and lynching people for bad things they did, like robbing banks and killing people. It has nothing to do with lynching blacks. Guess what? Lynching wasn't invented to kill black people - newsflash. Feign your anger and resentment towards something else, fucking idiots.
Perez, don't get your panties in a twist over this! There is a huge difference between a lynching and a hanging. Back in the days of the wild west up until not that long ago, public hangings were the form of execution used by the judicial system for all criminals. Nothing in that song or video indicates toby keith is a racist who wants to lynch all the black people. His video only had one black person in it anyways! Everybody nowdays is trying to be so PC that everything is offensive or racist or whatever. Get over it…
Okay for real… nobody is talking about what color anybody is in that song! He's merely stating that people need to "reap what they sow," so to speak… Also, this song has seriously been out forever… why the controversy now?
The scariest comment here is from the blockhead who wrote: "people are allowed to be racist." Ignorance is a scary thing, people. Racism is a scary thing. It's not the direction this country needs to go in. Enough of these "get over it" and "it's only a song" and "it's an old song" comments. Racism and encouraging violence does not help us.
okay first off, this song is really really old.
and people get offended so easily over really nothing. Did anyone happen to notice in the music video the bad guy was white? And Toby doesn't even sing the part everyone is up in arms about, its that other older guy.
This song is about giving thanks to police officers and the men and women who fight to make us safe.
I agree with ROCKY, Move on its just a dang song. Stop taking shit so literally, he isnt a rascist its just saying basically "PRO DEATH PENALTY" You all are freaking ignorant
Re: Melis – Wonderful? You live in a bubble , don't you? Don't forget to wave as you're floating past planet reality below!
The lyrics read like a satire of the backward redstates rather than a legitimate plea for the reinstatement of revolting red neck mobs.
No, YOU are the idiot. If it was racist, then why was the "bad guy" at the end a white man? Give it a break. If the blacks aren't included in a video, the creator is racist - if they are included, the creator is racist.
Whatever.
The majority of "Thug Pride" is displayed by black men on the streets - if they don't want to be thought of as thugs, then they should be portraying themselves as such. Bust on the rappers who bank off using black thugs in their videos. Bunch of double-standard bullshit.
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it does it make a sound?
If someone excercises their right to free speach and no one calls them a racist are they? I am constantly amazed at how some narrow minded people look for things to get up in arms about. And even more amazed that one small comment from a celebrity blogger can alter the opinions of so many. Use your power for good, not evil, Perez. The black guy in short dreads was pissing in the street, I call that a dirty deed no matter what color you are. And the guy they got in the end was white. Where is the racism in this song. Does the word "lynching" automatically refer to African-Americans? Plenty of white people were lynched too. To say that Toby Keith is a racist is as ridiculous as saying that this song is racially motivated.
OK, read the lyrics, don't see anything racist about it. You think that black people are the only "gansters" around apparantely, Perez. I'd say you're more racist than this song for you to jump to such conclusions.
The song is about the difference between today and the old days. Today people sit on death row for years while we the tax payers pay for all thier appeals so they can try the same case over and over and still be guilty which only prolongs their death sentence. The old days if you were guilty you were hung right away. Black or white. Get a grip you dumb ass - this is the best you could come up with?
I love Toby Keith and this song, he is right people don't answer for their crimes and instead of paying all this money to house these criminals (about 40,000 a year per person.) and letting live out their lives after they have taken the life of some one else or hurt a child or whatever serious crime it his, hang their asses! An eye for an eye!! The song has nothing to do with linching…read it again!! You can't tell me that if some jackass hurt or killed someone in your family you wouldn't want justice!! Hell I would want front row!
Yeah, nothing like a little vigilante justice to make a man smile after over a few post lynching beers with his pals. Is this a redneck song incarnate or what? The hallmark of a civilized society is justice meted out by an organized, consistent sytem. You'll have chaos and an ultimate nightmare with a frightening slippery slope if people start to take the law into their own hands. That doesn't mean you have to accept inaction if the law isn't around and you're in danger. That's self defense and common sense. I don't like slaps on the wrist either. Toby's song hits the mark by referring to the father instilling respectful values into his son, though. That's where it starts, and that's a lot of what's missing today, hence the crime rate. Societal behavioural expectations
have changed a lot even in 40 years, or there are just more people to multiply the crime rate along with more media to bring it all into our living rooms. Bottom line is that a song such as this is symbolic, and I'd sooner listen to this than listen to another news story about a car jacking and stabbing by a guy who just wanted a convenient joyride downtown to meet his friends.
No, Perez, you're an idiot….how old is this song, now? Man, you people need to get over your pitty parties and get a CLUE….so ridiculous; the guy can't even sing?
You glorify lame rappers degrading women or condoning drug use in their songs, what the hell?
Re: Missy – Yeah, because he's an Okie and a big dude - he's gay? Please - you fucking liberals need to check your asses and open your eyes to what's happening on our streets. Go hug a tree you crazy bitch.
I'm not a fan of Toby Keiths either, however we are a country that supports capital punishment. Electric chair, gas chamber, lethal injection….lynching, whats the difference. Ones a rope and ones a needle or a chair.
Think about it bitches.
Toby Keith has a point. Liberal thought has allowed crime to explode in this country. It is not your average hard working American committing crime. Instead of spewing your self righteous nonsenses why do you not look at statistics and realize that we, as a society, need to show criminals ( illegally coming to this country is a felony) that good people are not going to live in fear anymore. We keep building prisons for illegals with my hard earned tax money, then we pay $70,000 a year to keep them alive. KILL THE CRIMINALS!
Perez, you know I love, but I want to kick your ass for being this fucking stupid! You're spreading the hate, not TK. There's no hate in his song. Maybe you should watch the video with a critical eye, just like I did. You'll see. You're wrong here. Stick to celebrity drama, you're really digging here.
You guys are idiots.It does not mention one race in that song .Also he can say what he wants,it's a free country just like fat ass can pick on people call the sluts,whores or whatever.(AND why does prikez pick on lesbians and make comments(linds and samantha)but never on the gay boys?)YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE,PEREZ!!!It is a song like any rap song about rape and killing people but because Toby does it,it is wrong.HYPOCRITE!!!
perez. I know you know celebs. you have to help me. they have the power to make this stop. both parties are trying to use me. because they think I give a shit. do something to fuck them over. write something. anything.
Racism is not right by any means, but racist people only have power behind the things they say when YOU allow it to have power. If nobody listens to what they say then nobody hears what they say, and then eventually it doesn't exist. It's hard not to listen, but imagine if everybody stopped listening…..
Re: Ross – Ross, I easily found all of these quotes by doing a simple Google search.
"I'm looked on as being this outrageous right-wing nut, but I'm a very conservative Democrat," says country music mogul Toby Keith. "My dad, who I wrote 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue' about, was a
dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. And one of the last things my granddad said before he died was 'Go cast my Democratic vote.'"
"Here's the thing. Just because you're pro-troops doesn't mean you're pro-war. And just because you're anti-war doesn't mean you're anti-troops. Just because you don't support the war people think you are anti-troops and you are a bad guy. And just because you go support the troops and rah-rah the troops up all of a sudden you're pro-war. Those are the two biggest misconceptions of the whole thing"
"I always vote for the guy I think can get it done. And it ain't nobody's business who I vote for, but I voted for Clinton twice. And that just blows peoples minds when they hear that."
I think you are reading too much into this. It is not a racial song. It is about taking crime seriously and the old fashioned way. It is not a black/white thing. Why is everything a black white thing. It is a right wrong thing. The people who are making this a race thing are the racists. Toby Keith is an All American Patriot just talking about taking pride about your country and the state it is in.
If you want to stir up trouble (and you obviously do), why not take it a step further and say that he advocates cruelty to animals because of the "beer for my horses" line? stupid fucking people who take themselves way too seriously
Leave him alone. He's just playing to his core audience of southern white trash. He has the right! Same way Obama plays to the black crowd and McCain to the Centrum Silver crowd.
This whole thing is rediculous. Toby Keith has done nothing wrong. This song has been out for a long time, why is it all of a sudden that people, such as Perez, have a problem with it? People are too sensitive. Get over it
Typical…Rightards always start yelling about street crime (read black thugs), when they want to appeal to rednecks and distract from REAL issues.
It's despicable that Keith would write a song that glorifies lynching. Anybody who actually listens to this crap is beyond contempt!
Get over it. Its a fuckin country music song…a good one at that. It has been out forever I don't understand what the big deal is. Grow up and get over it people!
This is just a country song. Why the hell are you taking this so seriously. Plus this song came out a while ago. Plus white men were hung too back in the day. If people want to think of "Gangster" as a black man, then it's their own problem that they take so much offense from this song…You all just need to get over it…seriously
I loved Toby Keith until he stuck his big nose into the Dixie Chick scandle and tried to make himself more popular by dissing them when they were in a bad way…
What a man eh!?!
PEOPLE SHOULD PROBABLY TAKE THEIR TIME AND ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THIS SONG BEFORE JUDGING.
SOME ONE POSTED THIS COMMENT ON THE WEBSITE THAT POSTED THIS STORY AND I TOTALLY AGREE:
- + mh01 See Profile I'm a Fan of mh01
Let me try an exercise.
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
Thanks.
greeeeeat! Here we go again … playing that race card. Not once, in this song, does it mention anything about race or someone being hung high because of their race. He's simply referring to the crime and the bad men … no color is mentioned. If you think there is "more to it" than his lyrics, that's because YOU'RE looking for more. Something to gossip about. Get over it people!! Our generation, your parents generation …. we did not cause nor condone slavery. Let it die already.
people are looking into this song way too much. Its just supposed to be a fun, smart ass song like most of toby keiths songs are. There are many country songs and songs in general that speak of violence- anyone ever heard RAP MUSIC? Anyone heard honly tonk badonkadonk? they talk about slapping grandmothers- anyone want to make a big deal of it? I am not a racist at all, and i think peoples reaction to this song is a little intense.
Toby Keith is NOT a democrat … to whoever said that ^^
Actually in the song Willy Nelson is one one who sing the "lynching" part… so not toby keith DDUUUUUUUH
Re: Oprah – QFFT.
I see nothing wrong with this song, it's how it was in the Old West. You think all the cowboys sat down and had tea parties with the cattle rustlers and shit?
African Americans weren't the only ones who got hung, you know. I guess POTC must be racist, since in one of the opening scenes Captain Jack Sparrow sees a couple of people swinging by their neck from something. They must've been black or Latino, right? :rolleyes:
.
#76 you are an idiot.
Let me try an exercise.
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
Thanks.
Re: Melis – How stupid are you, he is linking to a reputable newspaper article..you idiot, he didn't write the story, Perez is just linking to it.
Damn some of you people are so ignorant and stupid, I wish lynching was still around so we could get rid of you…Ignorance and stupidity is a CRIME, in my opinion
Perez, your just stirring up racial problems. Beer for my horses is years old and Willie Nelson sings on the song as well. It was also in a Kevin Kostner cowboy movie about old time justice (Sorry can't remember the name, that's how old it is! Perez is just causing trouble now!
Let it go!!! It's a song. And by the way, Toby Keith is a Democrat.
Perez, did you ever realize that this song may not be racially motivated. All the song talks about is hanging, and yes that is how they executed all outlaws back in the day. Have you ever watched a western movie? That is how they killed the outlaws! So I don't see any reason why this song has to do with lynchings…
WHAT A DOUCHE.
Whoever posted this about Toby, is retarded.
You are a fucking idiot. If you think that song implies that he endorses lynching. What did someone jump on your douchebag and brain wash your feeble mind?
Oh I hate Toby Keith, and unfortunately he is EVERYWHERE in Oklahoma. The city of Moore was just stupid enough to paint the water tower with "Home of Toby Keith" on it. Why would they be proud of that?
um, i dont know what the fuckin big deal is. hes talking about criminals, no where in that song does he say anything about race. its just a song people get over it!!!
Umm… as Black person I love Toby I didn't get that. Know where in his song did he ever point out a race of any kind. I think people are just looking to much into this.
I think that it is dumb that everyone is freaking out about this. 1) this song and video have been out forever so it is obviously someone with way too much free time on their hands trying to make something out of nothing 2) everyone is freaking out saying that this is so racist becuase there is a black guy peeing on the street and that is the "ideal lynch victim" but if you watch the entire video there is all sorts of people labeled as criminals
Re: Ross –
making such claims about this song - regardless of its intent - only gives it publicity and credibility. by dredging up careless, racially tinged interpretations, you are only perpetuating the racial and social unrest that has marred this country for centuries.
while i can understand the "lynching" connotations evoked by the song and its lyrics, consider the song in multiple, not just racial, contexts. hanging has long been a means of punishing criminals. in nations all over the world, people were hanged for crimes hundreds of years BEFORE we even landed in this country. because the song was sang by a southerner and an outspoken country singer, does not mean it was in favor of lynching blacks, jews, hispanics, etc.
nevertheless, interpretations will always differ. one should just be more careful in stating interpretations as fact.
OH PLEASE, He never said a word about someones color. Henever said anything about gay people.So how is this racial?
If the cops did this kind of things we wouldn't have SEXUAL PREDITORS and RAPIST all around us.There is a reason why this stuff happens now and didn't happen 30 years ago.People knew if they did it back then there @$$ would be punished.
GO TOBY KEITH.
This is BULLSHIT! He is singing about the old west, this song came out years ago and Willie Nelson sings it too! Old News Perez…AGAIN!
Perez… sorry to break it to you… but lots of us, at least in Texas, absolutely do not have a problem with that video or the song. First of all, I don't believe the song is referring to racial lynching. AT ALL. Instead, I believe it is referring to the "Old West" where all criminals were served a quick and harsh punishment, contrary to movies, most of which were mandated by the court system of the time. The journalist that makes connection to the video and racial lynching is making a huge jump that is unfounded.
Excuse me Paris but you're the idiot and whoever wrote that article is a race-baiting piece of shit! Are you aware that people other than black people have been lynched? From what the lyrics said it was to punish someone for their crimes not the color of their skin.
TOBY KEITH IS A HUGE CLOSET QUEEN. He loves his men when his demographic base is not looking. So typical of a republican freak.
Toby Keith is amazing. He's one of the only people with BALLS (yes perez, you THINK you have some but you don't) enough to stand up for what really is people's rights. Why the hell do you think we can't defend ourselves and prosecute the people who do our society wrong? They deserve what they get. An eye for an eye. What…you think if you slap their hand and take away their birthday that that is going to take away all the crime and crazy crap that goes on nowadays. You need to get off your hollywood highhorse and get a good kick in the ass of reality.
You are full of shit Perez. This song has been out for about seven years and was not an issue before. I guess it is your sad job to try and stir up shit for others. You live a pathetic life.
Perez, here's a head's up, dude. Clint Eastwood was in a movie called "Hang 'em High" and he's a REPUBLICAN—Go fetch!
This isn't a liberal anger thing, its a money thing and Toby Keith just lost a lot of it. His hardcore uneducated southern racists will still buy his music buy anyone with an education that doesn't live in a trailer park WILL NOT. Doesn't matter if its subtle, any intelligent person can read between his lines. Hit him where it hurts, don't buy his music. Gonna have to return that monster truck and double wide trailer Toby!
FUTK!!!!! He's an idiot!
This is a stretch. He's talking about the "Wild West" not the Jim Crow south. Plus, the song is old. This is just people looking for controversy b/c they enjoy being offended.
This song is old and it has to do with justice, not one thing about race is mentioned. Hanging used to be a legal form of execution. Can people please educate themselves before pulling the race card every time?
Let me try an exercise.
1st verse - a list of crimes being committed today (no mention of who/what color)
2nd verse- Grandpa says that back in his day, people had to answer for their wicked deeds
2nd verse- How did they answer FOR THEIR WICKED DEEDS? (not for who they were or what color they were) By being rounded up (in texas, not georgia or mississippi) and hanged by a posse of the boys.
Chorus- Why were they hanged in the street? So that people could find justice.
3rd verse - Back to today, people still committing crimes, corruption. (again, no mention of race)
3rd verse- Its time THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW (not posse's of angry villagers) should put a few more in the ground.
3rd verse- God will settle them down.
I will grant you that grandpa advocated the vigilante justice of his days, for criminals, not colors. Remember, they "had to answer for the wicked that they'd done."
But TK advocates the LAW addressing the criminals today. He may be advocating pretty harsh punishment, but, I submit, not vigilante justice.
As for race, please explain to me, specifically, where Toby says anything about race.
Thanks.
I ein capital punishment which is something we need .
What Toby Stupid Keith is saying is totally different. Yes ,Perez is right. te song ,my grandpappy and pappy ' time….ummmm, that is when innocent Black men were swung high on a tree for being Black. All you had to was get one o' yer' Nigg ers, at night ,well ,tak'im from his home ’round midnight, and we just hang'um.
Re: Missy – U SOUND LIKE A CUNT WHOS WRAPPED A LITTLE BIT TOO TIGHT. ITS ART U DUMBFUCK…
Re: John – Actually it IS illegal to discrimate against someone because of their race your friggin idiot. Although I do not think this songs means that.
All criminals show pay for their crimes regardless of race, color or creed in anyway that is feasible. Jails are to full and the taxpapers money could go to a better society if it wasn't keeping up the crooks.
Get a grip!!! This song is sung by a country singer, and he's not referring to lynching in the literal sense! Don't you have ANYTHING better to do with your time…..Jeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz, YOU"RE the idiot!
Don't you people know your history? It's a song about the Old West. It may seem like a surprise, but plenty of white people have been hanged, probably more than black people have. Lynching and hanging has been used for all races, even whites during the Civil Rights movement were hanged. Don't forget also, that before slavery was "official" in the 13 colonies (yes that includes the North) that indentured servitude was used for both blacks and WHITES. When slavery was found to be more prosperous it phased over, but white immigrants were still put into indentured servitude. Please know your history and read the whole song in the article, where it talks about SALOONS, and not just the lyrics in bold.
talking about taking something WAY too literally …He just means people arent punished hard enough today and if you do something wrong you should be punished ..You just don't like him because he is a conservative, liberals always making everything so dramatic
^I completely agree with this. Plus… that song is very old. I've seen him perform this in concert atleast 3 years in a row.
Perez you are an idiot. The song isn't racist. It isn't about black and white. It is about criminals. It is racist of u to assume that criminals means black people. But u will never know what is like raising kids in a world where the criminals have all the rights. Team Toby!!!
If anyone had done proper homework, Willie Nelson sang that verse, and in his grandpappy's day, EVERYONE was hung from a tall oak tree. That was how the death penalty was carried out.
I'm pretty sure one could find a hip hop song about killing white people fairly easily…so let's just agree that racism most certainly goes both ways and still exists unfortunately?
PEOPLE ARE WAY TO BORED
Your just as lame as the f^&kin moron who put this article up! Re: U ign –
Are you serious? That has got to be the most biased article I have ever read in my entire life. Toby Keith was not talking about lynching blacks, he makes absolutely no mention of it in the whole song. For God's sake, can we all just be normal, and not be so offended by EVERYTHING!!!!!! If the author of that article has that much time on his/her hands to spend analyzing a friggin country song, then perhaps the author needs a hobby, maybe painting, or needlepoint. God, and seriosly, Perez, stop promoting this kind of crap journalism. God, I swear, I am going to move to another country to get away from super-sensitive sissy whine asses.
isn't that song like years old…you think somebody would have noticed before now??
I don't like him so I dont really care though
this song has been out for awhile…relax dude
Ok, do you know how OLD that song is?! I am not saying he is right or wrong. But if anyone is going to launch into an anti-freedom of speech campaign, please do it in a timely process. React to it when the news is NEW!
Do you know how old this song is? Several - and I mean - several years old. Yeah - our society has really become way too sensitive. You can't crap in public without somebody taking offense to it nowadays.
And to give support to the Dixie Chicks…well…those of us who listen and support country music know what's happened to them. They sure offended their audience - and aren't brining in nearly as much money as they could. They released the song Traveling Soldier just before the lead singer opened her big mouth. It was a beautiful song, but when she opened her mouth, I looked at it differently - as did other country fans. The result - the song tanked on the charts and the Chicks were fried. Country music rarely plays their music and quite honestly, the Dixie Chicks are a bunch of morons.
I'm a little baffled here. How is this song racist, and why would you have a problem with a song about cleaning up the streets of all the terrible crimes (drive-by shootings, rapes, beatings, armed robberies, etc.) that are committed each day? There are no colors here, this is about criminals, plain and simple, and someone who is sick and tired like a whole lot of other people, that they get away with murder and rapes, just to committ them over and over again. Seems a little strange, unless you're one of the felons, that you would find any offense to this. As others have said, people are just looking for reasons to feel offended and put upon.
Wow talk about taking a story and running away with it. This is as pointless and unnecessary as the apology legislation on the table right now. There is no mention of race anywhere in this song. I am a person who listens to all types of music from rap to country to hard rock and I listen very closely to the words of them all. There is no racial hate in this song what so ever! Toby Keith's message is that maybe if we werent so worried about the criminals feelings and actually made them answer to the horrific crimes they commit, then we might not have such a corrupt nation. To ALL of you that try to turn this into some racial drama that it IS NOT… GROW UP AND QUIT CRYING!
Re: Ross – Thank You! I agree with you 100%
Toby Keith is such a total idiot… why even bother with him?
Love you Perez!
Toby Keith is such a total idiot… why even bother with him?
Love you Perez!
The song has to do with the Wild West and lynching people for bad things they did, like robbing banks and killing people. It has nothing to do with lynching blacks. Guess what? Lynching wasn't invented to kill black people - newsflash. Feign your anger and resentment towards something else, fucking idiots.
Perez, don't get your panties in a twist over this! There is a huge difference between a lynching and a hanging. Back in the days of the wild west up until not that long ago, public hangings were the form of execution used by the judicial system for all criminals. Nothing in that song or video indicates toby keith is a racist who wants to lynch all the black people. His video only had one black person in it anyways! Everybody nowdays is trying to be so PC that everything is offensive or racist or whatever. Get over it…
Okay for real… nobody is talking about what color anybody is in that song! He's merely stating that people need to "reap what they sow," so to speak… Also, this song has seriously been out forever… why the controversy now?
…drama.
The scariest comment here is from the blockhead who wrote: "people are allowed to be racist." Ignorance is a scary thing, people. Racism is a scary thing. It's not the direction this country needs to go in. Enough of these "get over it" and "it's only a song" and "it's an old song" comments. Racism and encouraging violence does not help us.
So hey, who wants to listen to some Prussian Blue?
okay first off, this song is really really old.
and people get offended so easily over really nothing. Did anyone happen to notice in the music video the bad guy was white? And Toby doesn't even sing the part everyone is up in arms about, its that other older guy.
This song is about giving thanks to police officers and the men and women who fight to make us safe.
I agree with ROCKY, Move on its just a dang song. Stop taking shit so literally, he isnt a rascist its just saying basically "PRO DEATH PENALTY" You all are freaking ignorant
Re: Melis – Wonderful? You live in a bubble , don't you? Don't forget to wave as you're floating past planet reality below!
The lyrics read like a satire of the backward redstates rather than a legitimate plea for the reinstatement of revolting red neck mobs.
No, YOU are the idiot. If it was racist, then why was the "bad guy" at the end a white man? Give it a break. If the blacks aren't included in a video, the creator is racist - if they are included, the creator is racist.
Whatever.
The majority of "Thug Pride" is displayed by black men on the streets - if they don't want to be thought of as thugs, then they should be portraying themselves as such. Bust on the rappers who bank off using black thugs in their videos. Bunch of double-standard bullshit.
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it does it make a sound?
If someone excercises their right to free speach and no one calls them a racist are they? I am constantly amazed at how some narrow minded people look for things to get up in arms about. And even more amazed that one small comment from a celebrity blogger can alter the opinions of so many. Use your power for good, not evil, Perez. The black guy in short dreads was pissing in the street, I call that a dirty deed no matter what color you are. And the guy they got in the end was white. Where is the racism in this song. Does the word "lynching" automatically refer to African-Americans? Plenty of white people were lynched too. To say that Toby Keith is a racist is as ridiculous as saying that this song is racially motivated.
OK, read the lyrics, don't see anything racist about it. You think that black people are the only "gansters" around apparantely, Perez. I'd say you're more racist than this song for you to jump to such conclusions.
Give me a break…
The song is about the difference between today and the old days. Today people sit on death row for years while we the tax payers pay for all thier appeals so they can try the same case over and over and still be guilty which only prolongs their death sentence. The old days if you were guilty you were hung right away. Black or white. Get a grip you dumb ass - this is the best you could come up with?
I love Toby Keith and this song, he is right people don't answer for their crimes and instead of paying all this money to house these criminals (about 40,000 a year per person.) and letting live out their lives after they have taken the life of some one else or hurt a child or whatever serious crime it his, hang their asses! An eye for an eye!! The song has nothing to do with linching…read it again!! You can't tell me that if some jackass hurt or killed someone in your family you wouldn't want justice!! Hell I would want front row!
freaking rediculous. let's just make everything have to do with race…when does a gangster have to be black?!
Somoebody ring up Reverend Al…we got us a winner!
Yeah, nothing like a little vigilante justice to make a man smile after over a few post lynching beers with his pals. Is this a redneck song incarnate or what? The hallmark of a civilized society is justice meted out by an organized, consistent sytem. You'll have chaos and an ultimate nightmare with a frightening slippery slope if people start to take the law into their own hands. That doesn't mean you have to accept inaction if the law isn't around and you're in danger. That's self defense and common sense. I don't like slaps on the wrist either. Toby's song hits the mark by referring to the father instilling respectful values into his son, though. That's where it starts, and that's a lot of what's missing today, hence the crime rate. Societal behavioural expectations
have changed a lot even in 40 years, or there are just more people to multiply the crime rate along with more media to bring it all into our living rooms. Bottom line is that a song such as this is symbolic, and I'd sooner listen to this than listen to another news story about a car jacking and stabbing by a guy who just wanted a convenient joyride downtown to meet his friends.
toby is fine, solid american… everyone chill the fuck out.
No, Perez, you're an idiot….how old is this song, now? Man, you people need to get over your pitty parties and get a CLUE….so ridiculous; the guy can't even sing?
You glorify lame rappers degrading women or condoning drug use in their songs, what the hell?
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM TRAILER TRASH KIETH…..
Re: Missy – Yeah, because he's an Okie and a big dude - he's gay? Please - you fucking liberals need to check your asses and open your eyes to what's happening on our streets. Go hug a tree you crazy bitch.
this song came out.. like 2 years ago?
I'm not a fan of Toby Keiths either, however we are a country that supports capital punishment. Electric chair, gas chamber, lethal injection….lynching, whats the difference. Ones a rope and ones a needle or a chair.
Think about it bitches.
Toby Keith has a point. Liberal thought has allowed crime to explode in this country. It is not your average hard working American committing crime. Instead of spewing your self righteous nonsenses why do you not look at statistics and realize that we, as a society, need to show criminals ( illegally coming to this country is a felony) that good people are not going to live in fear anymore. We keep building prisons for illegals with my hard earned tax money, then we pay $70,000 a year to keep them alive. KILL THE CRIMINALS!
Perez, you know I love, but I want to kick your ass for being this fucking stupid! You're spreading the hate, not TK. There's no hate in his song. Maybe you should watch the video with a critical eye, just like I did. You'll see. You're wrong here. Stick to celebrity drama, you're really digging here.
I love Toby. Freedom of speech.Get over it.
You guys are idiots.It does not mention one race in that song .Also he can say what he wants,it's a free country just like fat ass can pick on people call the sluts,whores or whatever.(AND why does prikez pick on lesbians and make comments(linds and samantha)but never on the gay boys?)YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE,PEREZ!!!It is a song like any rap song about rape and killing people but because Toby does it,it is wrong.HYPOCRITE!!!
perez. I know you know celebs. you have to help me. they have the power to make this stop. both parties are trying to use me. because they think I give a shit. do something to fuck them over. write something. anything.
i'm a huge fan of yours perez, but seriously, don't be a fuck!
Racism is not right by any means, but racist people only have power behind the things they say when YOU allow it to have power. If nobody listens to what they say then nobody hears what they say, and then eventually it doesn't exist. It's hard not to listen, but imagine if everybody stopped listening…..
toby keith is a sad exscuse for a human being.
and i'm dissapointed that willie nelson was in the video and in fact singing most of the parts about lynching.
ignorant fucktard
Re: Ross – Ross, I easily found all of these quotes by doing a simple Google search.
"I'm looked on as being this outrageous right-wing nut, but I'm a very conservative Democrat," says country music mogul Toby Keith. "My dad, who I wrote 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue' about, was a
dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. And one of the last things my granddad said before he died was 'Go cast my Democratic vote.'"
"Here's the thing. Just because you're pro-troops doesn't mean you're pro-war. And just because you're anti-war doesn't mean you're anti-troops. Just because you don't support the war people think you are anti-troops and you are a bad guy. And just because you go support the troops and rah-rah the troops up all of a sudden you're pro-war. Those are the two biggest misconceptions of the whole thing"
"I always vote for the guy I think can get it done. And it ain't nobody's business who I vote for, but I voted for Clinton twice. And that just blows peoples minds when they hear that."
"You know, I'm pro-troops, but I'm not pro-war."
I think you are reading too much into this. It is not a racial song. It is about taking crime seriously and the old fashioned way. It is not a black/white thing. Why is everything a black white thing. It is a right wrong thing. The people who are making this a race thing are the racists. Toby Keith is an All American Patriot just talking about taking pride about your country and the state it is in.
If you want to stir up trouble (and you obviously do), why not take it a step further and say that he advocates cruelty to animals because of the "beer for my horses" line? stupid fucking people who take themselves way too seriously
Leave him alone. He's just playing to his core audience of southern white trash. He has the right! Same way Obama plays to the black crowd and McCain to the Centrum Silver crowd.
With that being said….. I personally don't believe the song intended to be racist.
This whole thing is rediculous. Toby Keith has done nothing wrong. This song has been out for a long time, why is it all of a sudden that people, such as Perez, have a problem with it? People are too sensitive. Get over it
Typical…Rightards always start yelling about street crime (read black thugs), when they want to appeal to rednecks and distract from REAL issues.
It's despicable that Keith would write a song that glorifies lynching. Anybody who actually listens to this crap is beyond contempt!
You're the one that is stupid, you silly gay freak. You only like people who
like you. You are weird.
Get over it. Its a fuckin country music song…a good one at that. It has been out forever I don't understand what the big deal is. Grow up and get over it people!
the idiots are the one that think it's racist. stop waa-ing.
This is just a country song. Why the hell are you taking this so seriously. Plus this song came out a while ago. Plus white men were hung too back in the day. If people want to think of "Gangster" as a black man, then it's their own problem that they take so much offense from this song…You all just need to get over it…seriously
Re: Missy – you're an idiot!