Toby Keith – What’s Up Cuz

Toby Keith – What’s Up Cuz: A Country Invitation to Good Times with Good Ol’ Boys

In the vast landscape of country music, Toby Keith stands tall as a voice of American grit and down-home charm. His distinctive baritone and no-nonsense lyrics have resonated with millions, capturing the spirit of working-class America with a blend of humor, patriotism, and genuine heart. Among his many chart-toppers, “What’s Up Cuz” stands out as a lighthearted ode to friendship and good times, a quintessential country anthem that invites listeners to kick back and enjoy the company of good ol’ boys.

Background

Released in 2020, “What’s Up Cuz” marked a return to Keith’s signature sound after a foray into more serious subject matter. The song, a collaboration with longtime friend and fellow country artist Bobby Pinson, quickly became a fan favorite, topping the Billboard Country Airplay chart and reaching a respectable number 24 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. “What’s Up Cuz” injects a dose of lighthearted fun into Keith’s repertoire, reminding audiences of his ability to craft infectious singalongs that celebrate the simple pleasures of life.

The song’s narrative unfolds through a series of questions and exclamations, painting a picture of a casual afternoon get-together between friends. Keith’s signature drawl delivers lines like “Hey, what’s up cuz? Man, I got a two-beer buzz” and “I hear these bathing beauties / Wading in a fishing hole,” creating a relatable scene of camaraderie and laid-back fun. The lyrics, co-written by Keith and Pinson, are imbued with a sense of down-home authenticity, using colloquial language (“cuz” for cousin) and imagery that evokes a sense of rural America (“fishing hole”).

Chorus:

Hey, what’s up cuz? Man, I got a two beer buzz. What say we take your truck so we don’t get stuck? No, we don’t get stuck. I hear these bathing beauties. Wading in a fishing pole. I think it’s bout time to catch one. Ain’t takin’ no fishin’ pole (Mhm)

The musical arrangement of “What’s Up Cuz” perfectly complements the lighthearted tone of the lyrics. A driving country beat lays the foundation, punctuated by twangy guitars and a playful harmonica. Keith’s vocals remain front and center, delivering the song with a sense of easygoing charm that invites listeners to join the party. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the focus to remain on the core message of friendship and shared experiences.

While “What’s Up Cuz” may not tackle the deeper themes explored in some of Keith’s other works, its strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of genuine camaraderie. The song is a reminder of the importance of good friends, good times, and the simple pleasures found in everyday life. “What’s Up Cuz” has become a staple at Keith’s live shows, generating enthusiastic singalongs and solidifying its place as a modern country classic.

Video

Here are some additional details about the song:

• The song was co-written by Toby Keith and Bobby Pinson.
• It was released in 2020 on the album What’s Up Cuz.
• The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and number 24 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.