Footage Of Toby Keith’s Final Recording Session Is A Tear-Jerker, Sings Joe Diffie’s “Ships That Don’t Come In”

A late and great paying tribute to another late and great. There is no denying that Toby Keith is one of the most influential artists of our generation. From his untethered patriotism to his prolific songwriting showcased through his deep and versatile catalog, Keith was a one-of-a-kind artist. While Keith was a gem in his own way, he also knew he had the career he did because of the greats who came before him and stood next to him. The last time Toby Keith stepped into the recording booth was to cover a classic from one of his colleagues, Joe Diffie. Appearing on HIXTAPE Vol. 3 , Keith covered the 1992 hit "Ships That Don't Come In" alongside Luke Combs . The Diffie classic tackles some profound some questions about human nature and the meaning of life, told via a conversation between two men sitting at a bar. The song finds the men taking stock of their lives, realizing that many have it much worse than them. Choosing Keith to appear on this track was a perfect choice because of the tie-back to veterans in the chorus, and we all know no one was more proud to be an American than Keith. Although it was common knowledge that this was the last song Keith recorded before he lost his battle with cancer, last night during his tribute concert, American Icon: Toby Keith , footage from that studio session was shown, and it definitely tugs at the heartstrings. The video, which was released for the first time during the concert, shows a Keith in the recording booth, and although he visibly looks sick, his body taking a beating from the cancer, his voice sounds as good as ever. Looking back and knowing this would be his last song to record, it feels ironic, given the lyrics reflect on the narrator's life. Toby Keith sure did live a whole life, too, creating hits, giving back to those in need, and raising a family in a state he loved. "We talked of roads untraveled
We talked of love untrue
Of strings that come unraveled
We were kings and kindred fools
And just when I'd hit bottom
That old man raised his glass
Said at least we've had our chances
There's those who never have... " What a song to close out his time at the recording studio. Pull out the tissues because watching this will choke you up. If you haven't familiarized yourself with his cover of Diffie's hit, fire it up while you're here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW8CVmVy5K0