If you’ve ever had one of those moments where your body says “slow down” but your pride says “oh, come on… one more round,” then you already understand why “As Good as I Once Was” hits people right in the honesty.
What makes this song special isn’t just the humor — though Toby Keith delivers the jokes with perfect timing. What really gives it heart is the way it blends laughter with a little truth we all learn sooner or later: growing older doesn’t mean losing who you are. It just means choosing where to spend your fire.
The whole song plays out like a story Toby might tell at a bar with close friends. You can almost picture him leaning back in his chair, grinning at the memory of a night he probably should’ve avoided… but refused to walk away from anyway. The beauty is that he never tries to sound invincible. He’s honest in a way that feels refreshing — a kind of gentle self-teasing that lets you laugh at yourself too.
And that’s the secret:
The song isn’t bragging.
It’s admitting — with a wink — that the wild spark inside us never really fades. It just burns in shorter bursts.
What I love most is how Toby wraps real life into the fun. Beneath the storytelling, there’s a message that lands softly: you don’t have to be young to be brave, or strong, or worth remembering. Sometimes all it takes is one good moment… one flash of the old you… to remind yourself that you’re still very much alive.
It’s country music doing what it does best — taking something ordinary, something we all go through, and turning it into a story that makes you laugh, nod, and maybe think a little about your own “I’m still good once” moments.
Video
Lyrics
She said I seen you in here before
I said I been here a time or two
She said “Hello my name is Bobby Jo,
Meet my twin sister Betty Lou
And we’re both feelin’ kinda wild tonight
You’re the only cowboy in this place
And if you’re up for a rodeo
I’ll put a big Texas smile on your face”
I said “Girls…”
I ain’t as good as I once was
I got a few years on me now
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really lay it down
If you need some love tonight
Then I might have just enough
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
I still hang out with my best friend Dave
I’ve known him since we were kids at school
Last night he had a few shots, got in a tight spot
Hustlin’ a game of pool
With a couple of redneck boys
One great big fat biker man
I heard David yell across the room
“Hey buddy, how ’bout a helpin’ hand”
I said “Dave…”
I ain’t as good as I once was
My how the years have flown
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really hold my own
If you want to fight tonight
Guess them boys don’t look all that tough
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
I used to be hell on wheels
Back when I was a younger man
Now my body says “You can’t do this boy”
But my pride says “Oh yes, you can”
I ain’t as good as I once was
That’s just the cold hard truth
I still throw a few back, talk a little smack
When I’m feelin’ bullet proof
So don’t double-dog dare me now
‘Cause I’d have to call your bluff
I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was
May not be good as I once was, but I’m as good once
As I ever was