Toby Keith - Don't Let the Old Man in | Metal / Rock Fans First Time Reaction with Hard Truth 4Grain

Metal / rock fans' first time Reaction to Toby Keith's "Don't Let the Old Man in" while checking out some Hard Truth 4 Grain

[@michelleortega1514]

He was fighting cancer for a couple of years.This was his last televised performance. He wrote this song as a gift for clint eastwood who used it in the movie the mule. He knew he was dying.He did an interview with a local station here in oklahoma and he stopped chemo and was just gonna enjoy his life.We miss him

[@wandadavis2124]

Came here to say the exact same thing. RIP Toby ❤

[@lindadobranetski6302]

RIP Toby you are really missed.

[@lindadobranetski6302]

Toby did not let the old man in. He beat his cancer

[@Gutslinger]

Idk. He did an interview with Bob Stoops in November where he talked about this song and performance. At the time, he still had hope that he would live. He talked about wanting to start a podcast when he got to feeling better and talk about OU football and music and have guests.. Sadly it never got to happen.

[@SandiRugless]

RIP Toby...pretty sure he had a feeling. He was battling stomach cancer. Fought to the end.

[@MikkiHjalmquist]

Toby did still have his sense of humor. When he excepted the Country Icon Award he said "I bet you never thought you would see me in skinny jeans". RIP

[@kristinkeiner6547]

“Just ask yourself how old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born.” Keith’s inspiration for this particular lyric was an anecdote told to him by his grandmother, about a friend of hers who did not know her exact age due to not owning a birth certificate.

[@shayeplunkett24]

I think this was his last televised performance. He knew he was dying. R.I.P Toby ❤

[@beckywiegers3315]

This song isn’t so much about death as living whatever life you have to the absolute fullest.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

yeah, I noted in the commentary that it was a pretty positive song until we figured out the significance of this performance. - Keith

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

In 2018 Toby was golfing with Clint & he asked him how he keeps going at his age & Clint said, "I get up every day & I don't let the old man in". Toby went home & wrote it for Clint's birthday & Clint used it in his movie 'The Mule'. I've seen Toby do this song in the past, but this performance was painful to watch. He was receiving the People Choice Country Icon award. This was September 2023 & was his last televised performance. He did 3 live shows in Las Vegas in December, which were his last performances. He had battled Cancer for over 3 years. My heart is broken

[@MrNiccholas]

From the first time I heard this after his passing I also saw the Johnny Cash Hurt comparison. My understanding is he had announced he was doing much better and was beating his cancer, but I get the feeling he instinctively knew. This was his goodbye. RIP Toby, a true American to the fullest.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Once we figured that out, it changed everything about the listening experience for us. - Keith

[@tiacalhoun3841]

Toby wrote this for Clint as a bday gift, Clint loved it so much he added to his movie “The Mule” and yesssss, Dustin ur exactly right….this was his last performance and it was super emotional

[@stevebournite184]

Toby wrote and released the song in 2019 before he was diagnosed with cancer. It was written for the Clint Eastwood move “The Mule”. The video you just watched was his last performance and he knew he had cancer along with his family and the world knowing. And yes that was his family in the audience.

[@MistMi73]

He wrote the song while on the set for a Clint Eastwood movie a few years ago. He was diagnosed fall of 2022 with stomach cancer. He knew it was over before this performance and had quit the treatments so he could go out on his terms. He fought a hard fight. So, so sad. 😢

[@iamgoose20]

Toby was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021. He didn’t write this song for what he was going through, as it was written for the 2018 Clint Eastwood film, The Mule. The song just fit so well for what he was going through and possibly how he was feeling, that he started to perform it more and more and more. So yes, the performance you guys reacted to was his last televised performance. It seemed as if he was fighting and winning, as he was even talking about going on tour. Sadly, Toby passed surrounded by his family on the night of February 5th, 2024. One of the biggest and most respected names in all of country music. Mainly known for his patriotism and patriotic songs. He was great. Sad that he is gone, but glad he’s not sick anymore. Rest in peace, Toby. We miss you brother. Play some tunes up there for us. We love ya. ❤🍻

[@travisdean8794]

He knew that the end was near.

[@Mrskorba]

My opinion is he did know, and he ended up doing as many shows he could do till the very end. Been a lifelong TK fan. Still heartbroken over his passing. Thankful for music that we get to have of our favorite artists to keep them alive after they pass.

[@libertybell8852]

As an Okie, TK is an absolute LEGEND here! He's more beloved here than Garth or Reba and definitely more respected than Carrie.

[@vickybrackin7483]

He did know...he had fought cancer for a couple years. He stopped all treatment last year. Ironically, this was written as a tribute to Clint Eastwood. He asked Clint...How do you keep going? Clint said...get up and go outside, don't let the old man in! Toby said man, that's cool. I'm gonna write a sing about that and he did. It took him about 3 weeks to write it. Listen to Don't Cry For Me. That is a song he wrote for a good friend who had Cancer. AMAZING song!!😢❤

[@JillCrowe55]

It, to me, is a combination of don’t let yourself get old and at the same time, he is sick and he’s trying to not let the Lord take him because he still has a lot of living to do

[@markalumbaugh2756]

Of course he knew and yes, that was his wife. This was final TV appearance just weeks before his death. He had been treated for his Stomach Cancer for a couple years. He wrote the song after playing a celebrity golf tournament with Eastwood. . Clint was celebrating his 88th Birthday and about to start filming a new movie, "THE MULE." When Toby asked Clint "How do you all this at 88 YOA" Clint responded "I don't let the old man in...." Toby went home and wrote this song and then he "gifted" it to Eastwood. Upon receiving the recording, Eastwood then used the song in his new movie, "The Mule." It's interesting to note that the song was not a hit until Toby sang it at the People's Choice awards. As a side note, Willie Nelson recorded it about 4 years ago. Englebert Humperdinck also recorded it.

[@timwilliamson2715]

Cledus T Judd, known for his comic parodies of country songs, did a parody of this song to honor Toby Keith. It's an emotional song

[@janetsnyder911]

It's ABOUT DYING!!! HE WROTE IT FOR A CLINT EASTWOOD MOVIE. LITTLE DID HE KNOW HE WAS SINGING ABOUT HIMSELF. DYING FROM STOMACH CANCER 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@pamhodges527]

His last interview he said he wanted to live but had increased faith in God. He was at peace

[@rebecca_is_book-hooked]

“Ask yourself how old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born.” Was his favorite line in the song. He said it took him a long time (4 months) to get this song just right and that was the line that finished the song.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

It's a very powerful line. It took me aback when I heard it. - Keith

[@757optim]

Toby knew. He had battled stomach cancer. He got the song idea from a conversation with Clint Eastwood. The song was used in the Eastwood movie, "The Mule". And yes, that was his wife. RIP Toby.

[@Gashouse69]

The "old man" he's referring to is the Grim Reaper, death. And yes this was his last big performance. I was watching this with my wife on the night it aired. My wife of 37yrs saw me cry for maybe the 3rd time in our relationship. The reason it upset me so is this. My father was diagnosed with the same stomach cancer Keith had. I was in 10th grade at the time, my father was only 39. I watched as my dad went through the treatments and as the Dr.s took him as close to death without actually killing him as they could with chemo. I was in the waiting room the day of his surgery to remove his stomach. This was the man I looked up to, my Superman. To see him like that was one of if not the toughest thing I've had to endure. I helped my mom for month's after take care of him until he healed and strengthened. When I saw Toby on stage I knew by looking at him what he had been through and by his looks I didn't like where I knew this was going. It brought back a flood of memories while simultaneously feeling so sad for Toby and his family. The emotions were too much to hold back. Thank God my story had a happy ending. My father beat the odds. He's still with us and he's been cancer free for almost 40yrs now. With the advancements made in that time I was sure Toby was going to beat this. But seeing him that night I knew it wasn't good. God rest his soul and bless his family.

[@isabel3559]

He wrote it and he said in an interview about 2 weeks before he died that he stopped chemo because he felt it was doing more damage than the actual cancer and he hoped he hadn't stopped it too late. That was his wife in the audience

[@tammymoseley1348]

"And Death came for them riding a white horse." I know I got the quote wrong, but he does mention the "Old Man" riding up on a white horse in the final verse. So, I always heard this as a message to fight against death.

[@JillCrowe55]

This was his last live performance and that is his wife

[@ranger-1214]

About 4-5 years ago he and Clint were golfing together and Clint remarked he was turning , I think, 88 the following week. He was also getting ready to direct and star in a new movie. Toby asked him how he keeps going at his age, and Clint said he just gets up every day, goes out and doesn’t let the old man in. In other words, don’t sit around and old - stay active. TK took that, went home, wrote and recorded it then sent it to Clint. He said he wanted to use it in his movie “The Mule”, and Toby said that’s just me at home recording, and I’ll get you a better-produced one. Clint said no, I want your current version, and it is played at the end when Clint is at the culmination of the movie. Toby said this appearance went viral and people kept saying “Toby’s got a new song out!”. Heck, he said that’s been out four years and people are just now playing it. He did so much in Oklahoma with his children’s charities, etc., so hope that all continues in his name and honor. Rest well, Big Dog Daddy!

[@lindastewart4768]

i don't know if I'm repeating someone here or not but i read that Dick Clark's son, a producer of the show, convinced him to do this song. he wanted something more upbeat but he reluctantly did this one. i may have misunderstood, but i believe that's what i read or saw.

[@jwmson7791]

R.I.P. Toby. You will forever be missed. 💔🪽

[@markfrye1960]

Toby Kieth was battling stomach cancer for 3 years before his death. The inspiration for the song comes from a conversation Toby had on the Gold course with Clint Eastwood. The song appears in Clints movie The Mule

[@Livsdad2011]

Arlo Guthrie song Alice's restaurant

[@jimedwards4214]

The strength and courage it had to tske for him to do that is staggering. He must have been in so much pain. RIP TOBY

[@LadyMacbeth56]

Y'all did it. I'm heartbroken again. This song will always hurt. Thank you for reacting to it. 😢😢

[@marinemike1559]

Keith, you're a Devil Dog. We're built different 😂

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Yeah, that's true for sure. I think the jury may be out on whether or not that's a good thing, lol. - Keith

[@marinemike1559]

@@BourbonCountryReacts pass me a crayon.. 🤣

[@trevorthomas-rx6jl]

This was his goodbye to us all. Rest easy brother. Boomer!!!!

[@Melody-bourbonite4life]

you were right this was his last performance...and it brought me and a lot of people to tears....we all new what was coming. since his stomach cancer diagnosis. and yes this was also his last song written. we think it was a way of him saying goodbye.

[@Bijou2013]

You're both missing it. This was his last performance before he died. The "old man" is death. Fight to the end, don't let the old man in. It's Shakespeare saying "rage at the dying of the light"!!!

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Didn't watch the full vid, huh? - Keith

[@sandralorenz1796]

This was one of his last, if not his last, live performance, with his wife watching. Just because you've hit your 7th decade does not mean you can't still do stuff. Age is just a number and a state of mind. RIP Toby. Death rides a pale horse.

[@roykilgour9790]

The mann is dead dude 😀 What world do you live in? :-) This is Toby's last song and last performance. He is dead sick here. He was a 250 pound former American football player but here he is a rather thin sick man who died a few weeks later. Cheers.

[@MrEdward1120]

I think you guys should check out C. W. McCall's Wolf Creek Pass and Roses for Mama.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Toby received an Icon Award this night. Toby knew but went on to play a few more intimate shows then went to sleep in peace. Toby battled stomach cancer for 2 years.

[@rosemariediamond5948]

This song touched my heart deeply as he knew he was near the end. He was expressing to others to make the most of every moment while you’re still here. So sad to see him so frail. He fought so hard and bravely. You both understood the song

[@stevebournite184]

I don’t want to grow up I am a Toys R Us kid, I just changed Toys to Guns or Bourbon😂😂😂

[@Kat._Blue]

Great reaction and yes you were correct. It was his last live TV performance. And yes, he knew he was sick and wouldn’t survive. He had stopped his treatment. The song is beautiful. He looked so frail and thin but his voice was still there. What a strength to sing that song, with his wife and family in the audience, knowing it was one of his last performances. RIP Toby. Thank you for this great reaction. And $65 for a very good Bourbon is such a good price. Everything gets more and more expensive.

[@stevenangle8407]

Dustin and Keith, I don't comment very much at all; but I'm not a bot, so please don't block me.

[@12GageWL]

Was his wife and last performance

[@barbarahighlander8840]

I love this song but have a hard time Iistening because he knew he was dying.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Yeah, we didn't understand that when we started. Figuring it out definitely changed the song for us. - Keith

[@robincridelich5179]

Every time I hear this song I feel such different emotions. Proud of him for fighting the good fight and leaving the world with such a wonderful message. Love because you just can't help but love him. Sadness. So much sadness. Because he had to go through this, because his family is hurting, because we won't ever hear a new Toby Keith song, knowing it would have been awesome. There will never be another Toby Keith. Prayers for his family.

[@katrinacash6393]

Toby fought his stomach cancer for two years before he passed away. He knew. He was diagnosed in 2021. The song was written and released more than 3 years before his diagnosis and was released in 2018 for the soundtrack to the Clint Eastwood movie "The Mule". It was written for Clint but it clearly applied to Toby at the end of his life too.

[@bobfarris2245]

That was his wife. It was not long after this that he stopped chemotherapy. He wrote this song in 2019 for the Clint Eastwood movie Mule.

[@dennisbarnes7933]

Yes that was Toby's wife and yes that was his last live recorded video....he passed away of stomach cancer February 5th, 2024

[@Gutslinger]

I watched an interview he did with Bob Stoops in November, and he talked about this performance. He said he originally was wanting to do something upbeat, especially since Blake Shelton performed one of his upbeat songs earlier in the show. But the show manager (forgot his name) insisted that he do this song. Then the song went to number 1 on iTunes, despite this song already being out for several years. He was inspired to write it after asking Clint Eastwood how he was able to keep making movies and working, and Clint told him "Don't let the old man in." He went home and wrote it, and sent it to Clint and thanked him for inspiring it. Clint replied saying that in the movie he was doing, he's referred to as "the old man" a lot. And Clint asked him if he could use it in his movie. Toby said he could, and didn't have to worry about paying anything to use it.

[@lindastewart4768]

i just repeated some of what you said! thank you for agreeing with me! i was hoping i wasn't wrong about him not wanting to do this song that night! i believe i saw that it was Dick Clark's son. because i remember thinking to myself that music ran in the Clark family. i could stand to be corrected! lots of love!

[@Gutslinger]

@@lindastewart4768 Yeah, I think you're right about it being Dick Clark's son. He mentioned it in that interview, but I'm bad at remembering names. Unfortunately, I think we're in a very small minority who knows he didn't plan to do that song. Because of the timing of it, most people will choose to interpret that he planned it as a way of saying "goodbye". They do the same thing with Johnny Cash's "Hurt" recording.. Originally, Johnny turned down the idea of covering the song when the producer approached him with it.

[@MrPalval]

This was his last televised performance. I think wrote this song after seeing an interview with Clint Eastwood and it's featured in one of his movies. Someone asked Clint how he managed to stay active in his 80s and he said he just did let the old man in.

[@shanedennis1487]

He knew. This was his way to say goodbye.

[@csconnie1]

He knew he only had weeks to live when he performed this....R I.P. Toby

[@adams8585]

He knew his time was coming, I think he got diagnosed about a year before this performance. He might have wrote it before the diagnosis, but like you guys said, it probably took on a whole different meaning when he knew he was dying. First time I saw this performance I was shocked to see how frail he looked

[@planojag595]

Toby Keith had so many great songs so whether you need to hear something heartfelt, patriotic, romantic, sad, melancholy, inspiring, thoughtful, or just plain funny, yeah especially funny, then Toby’s got what you need. My favorite songs by Toby Keith are Who’s That Man; Wish I Didn’t Know Now; You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like That; He Ain’t Worth Missing; We Were In Love; Upstairs Downtown; Don't Let the Old Man In; How Do You Like Me Now; Made in America; I Wanna Talk About Me; American Soldier; Trailerhood; A Little Too Late; A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action; and of course Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue. RIP Toby, we miss you!

[@chriscalfee9593]

He knew in his heart, but this is not the song he had planned to sing that night. Dick Is Clark's son told him this is what he had to do and he did it.

[@sheilaakridge4944]

Y’all got it right. Later he said he was going to do a different song but Chad Clark (Dick’s son) asked him to do this one.

[@icspots2351]

He knew. Y'alls is my favorite channel to watch.

[@rebecca_is_book-hooked]

Request: American Ride by Toby Keith

[@ericeisenhart6370]

❤ miss u toby😢

[@donnawilliams4148]

This is only the second time I've listened to this song. I've only heard Hurt once. It's painful to listen to them for me. I don't really understand my reaction, but that's it. These are both people I admired greatly. Great reaction.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Hurt is a the most powerful pile of regret I've ever heard. This one is a much more positive message, just delivered in terribly sad circumstances. - Keith

[@donnawilliams4148]

I agree.

[@joyceconley3841]

😢😢 They know,,,,❤

[@Nicole_Jewell]

In 2018 Toby was golfing with Clint Eastwood and he asked him how he keeps going at his age and Clint said, "I get up every day and I don't let the old man in". Toby went home and wrote it and sent it to Clint and Clint used it in his movie "The Mule". At the 2023 People's Country choice awards it was like Toby was saying his goodbyes to his fans when he sang this cause he had been diagnosed in 2021 with stomach cancer and did all the chemo, surgeries and treatments but it wasn't helping he said they were making him feel worse so he stopped them. And yes that was his wife the camera kept turning to in the audience. Her name is Tricia.

[@amandaschlicht5502]

He wrote clint Eastwood. It's in the movie the mule.

[@davidjennings1771]

This was a good tune, and I saw the Mule too. That was also a good flick. I love Clint and Charles Bronson too and have for a long time, but I have BCR to thank for Toby Keith. You guys showed me he was worthy of my being a fan of his art. Thanks! Still the Aimless One

[@jvreeland6180]

Requesting another one from Toby, "Love Me If You Can". kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5nGl3mboLiVfrM

[@cmdjallen]

You should check out the story behind this song. Tobey said that he got the idea for this song while playing golf with Clint Eastwood. He asked Clint how was he able to get out and do all the things that does at his age. Clint said, "Don't let the old man in". Tobey wrote the song and gave it to Clint. Tobey was a great talent and will be missed..

[@betsybabf748]

Keith reminds me a lot of my late husband. I lost him at only 45. He was a wonderful, hard-working husband and dad, but he had that 14 yr old boy in him. I'm sure your wife also has days where she has half an eye roll, half a grin and just asks "But why Honey?" at an antic or two. 😂😂 Yes, Toby died of stomach cancer. He knew this was his last televised appearance and that was his wife. When everyone saw his physical appearance, we all pretty much knew this was his goodbye.

He thought enough about his fans to say goodbye, thank you, and i love you. Goodbye TK, thank you, and i love you.

[@gk5891]

This was his last televised performance. It was his goodbye to his fans. He did a couple of more shows in Vegas (nontelevised) to say goodbye to his friends and family (his Mother was one of the attendees).

[@phillipbirchwell9399]

Yes he knew and he wrote this song while he was sick

[@whystayhome19]

No sir. He wrote this song years ago as a gift for Clint Eastwood. After hearing the song Clint used it in the movie The Mule.

[@savgepnthr]

Toby did interview 5 weeks before he died plus Dec 12th was his last show he did 3 show in Vegas he knew he was going to die because he stopped chemotherapy he said he has God riding shot gun now

[@dw7244]

We all were buddy. Maybe not racing motorcycles, but other things. Then one day, there you are. Your body betrays you and the old man is knocking on your door.

[@libertybell8852]

Well, let's get you two some more subs!! ❤ This community can do it! At least get ya monetized! 😉

[@jeffmills5827]

God Love Her is another great one from Toby

[@notme411]

Thank you for your reactions

[@BigBuffGuy1]

my understanding is that by this point he had stopped his cancer treatment, so I'm pretty sure at this point he knew

[@kswheels]

Billy Strings - Dust In A Baggie (Live at the Opry if you want justified jamming face)

[@I_give_up_already]

He was supposed to join a bunch of singers from Oklahoma this last weekend (Good Friday and Easter weekend) for a huge concert Blake Shelton was putting on as a fundraiser. However Toby passed before the concert. Blake Shelton broke down on stage paying tribute to Toby. Blake got his big break in music while performing the opening act for Toby on your.

[@randytauscher3933]

This was his last live performance

[@rebecca_is_book-hooked]

You finally did this one ❤❤❤❤

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Lots of requests. - Keith

[@stevenewcomer8837]

He fought the cancer for a few years. I believe that he was receiving a lifetime achievement type of award that night so he wanted to be there in person, God willing.

[@brendamoore2930]

I really enjoy watching your reactions because they are honest and up front. There is no pretense. You are always interesting and entertaining. At one time I had subscribed to 15 reaction sites. Ya'll are 1 of the 3 I still always watch.

[@brianbridges7150]

Another song in this vein that would like to vote for, and many others have voted for, is Johnny Paycheck's "Old Violin"

[@hayley_council]

My kids tend to tell me the biggest difference between me and my younger siblings, is I tend to forget how old I am. Literally. If someone asks, I have to math and normally surprise myself with the answer. Age has just never been important to me. I do love this song and yes it is positive, but damn it makes me cry every time I see it. Great job guys.

[@wheredidthetimego8087]

There is a difference between age and maturity.

[@lefty3141591]

Sometimes singers are given the gift of knowing when they are terminal and are able to use a song to say good bye. Another example of this is Glen Campbell (died of Alzheimer's) his last recorded song "I Won't Even Miss You" and "Adios" (the title song from his last album) are just incredible. I would suggest both of these.

[@BourbonCountryReacts]

Votes added -Dustin

[@traceyvavrecan6714]

Great song and reaction. It does hit harder now. Toby wrote Crying for Me (Wayman's Song) for a friend who died from cancer. That one hits harder now too. RIP Toby 🙏

[@dennorma7515]

He's dying. No it is DEATH he is referring to!!

[@donnaewe3692]

Thank you ❤ And to answer your question, yes i think he knew & yes that was his wife. RIP Toby, you are missed my friend 🙏❤️

[@btesnar]

Really love this song, really love Toby. Amazingly poetic lyrics, gets me in the feels every time I hear it. Especially like the part in the middle where he is humming the melody, it gives me visions of a man sitting on a rocking chair on his porch, remembering his life, knowing the end isn't far. Very powerful.

[@marinemike1559]

He knew. He had decided to stop treatment. He wrote this for a movie a few years back for Clint Eastwood in the movie.

[@jerricocke987]

Toby was a great performer he was also open about his diagnosis stomach cancer in his fight he was great Oklahoman and when he passed he passed in Oklahoma surrounded by his wife and children. And yeah he fought every day not to let that old man in until he just couldn't fight no more. As far as bots go there's a reason I'm subscribed to y'all and follow y'all religiously.

[@larrybench6398]

This was done not long before he passed away, as you can see he was very slim lost lot of weight, this was his last performance before he died!!

[@cricketpitts3744]

He had stopped taking chemo and radiation, he passed not to long after that and yes that was his wife. R. I. P Toby

[@AnitaRoss-z7p]

Rest in peace my beautiful man 💔

[@marysmith1922]

He’s saying it’s ok to be old but you don’t have to give in and act old. Toby never let the Old Man in, God saw how tired he was and took his hand and took him home. 🌹❤️

[@lizmorris78]

I think this song is about his cancer and his life coming to a close

[@12GageWL]

No toby wrote this after golfing with Clint Eastwood

[@lizmorris78]

​@@12GageWL.. yes but this performance took on a personal meaning with his cancer. The audience knew it.

[@preppermedic6568]

Everyday is your birthday