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Introduction
When Toby Keith released “Ballad of Balad,” he wasn’t just adding another hit to his collection—he was telling a story that spoke directly to the hearts of soldiers and their families. This song is steeped in the grit, humor, and raw emotion that only someone who has spent time around military life can truly capture. Toby Keith, known for his strong support of the troops, wrote this song after performing for soldiers stationed at Camp Balad in Iraq. And you can feel every bit of that experience woven into the lyrics.
The song feels like a personal conversation between a soldier and the listener, with a blend of humor and seriousness that hits just right. Toby manages to balance the day-to-day realities of being in the military—the hard work, the heat, the longing for home—with a sense of pride and camaraderie that gives you a glimpse into the resilience of those serving far from home. He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience but instead makes you feel the weight of it while still leaving room for a smile at the shared jokes and the moments of human connection.
What’s especially compelling about “Ballad of Balad” is how Toby Keith uses his signature country-rock sound to give the song an edge. The driving guitar riffs paired with his deep, gritty vocals create a sense of both urgency and calm—mirroring the highs and lows of military life. It’s almost as if you’re right there with the soldiers, feeling the tension but also the bond they share. And that’s what makes this song so powerful. It’s not just about war; it’s about the people living through it, making the best of it, and finding humor where they can.
Toby Keith doesn’t shy away from giving listeners a glimpse into what life in a war zone is really like, but he also reminds us of the strength and spirit that keeps soldiers going. “Ballad of Balad” is a tribute—a real, human acknowledgment of the sacrifices made and the grit required to endure those long days in a place far from home.
Video
Lyrics
I quit school in the 10th grade and I grew out my hair
I got me a job doing lawnmower repair
I met an army recruiter down at the Wynn Dixie
He said “son, you’ve no future, pack up and go with me”
The first place we landed was a base called Ballad
They convoyed our asses to a 10 acre F.O.B
With my boots and my cover and an old M16
Two bottles of water and a cold M.R.E
Oh, you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
You never told me I’d get my ass shot at
The first night in combat we went out on patrol
They ambushed our convey and we chased the asshole
We found them all hiding in low water ditches
And we took aim and killed all them, son of a bitches
Oh, you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
You never told me I’d get my ass shot at
Walked in on my buddy with a female M.P
The ugliest woman you ever did see
He said “why are you laughing, you got lots of nerve”
Over here in the desert we grade on the curve
Ah you’ll meet lots of new friends and you’re sure to get paid
We’ll show you the world and we’ll teach you a trade
It’s not a job, it’s an adventure, oh yes sir, I got that
Ah, but you never told me I’d get my ass shot at
Oh, you never told him he’d get his ass shot at