Clancy's Tavern

Album: Clancy's Tavern (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a tribute to Toby Keith's hard-working grandmother and her nightclub in Fort Smith, Arkanas, which the singer previously referenced in his biographical hit "Honkytonk U." He explained: "My Grandmother passed away when she was 86; she was like Miss Kitty and ran a supper club/night club in Fort Smith for years. So when I was a kid, some of the earliest memories I have of being on this earth were going by her night club and seeing my Grandmother. I spent a whole summer with her, and years ago I wrote the song 'Honkytonk U' about it and her buying me a guitar. This song is a tribute to her."
  • Keith explained the song title: "The name of the bar was Billy Garners' Supper Club, but it wasn't fitting into my song very well. My Grandfather had nicknamed her Clancy because she was a saloon keeper, and always called her Clancy around the house. So I used Clancy's Tavern. I give you the visual and everything you see when you go in the door. There's nothing made up in this song. Every bit of this is word for word, exactly what you would have seen if you went in the front door at 5:00 and stayed all night long. It's a pretty special song to me."

Comments: 1

  • Linda I Whitledge from Firt Smith,ar.Tobys grandmother is buried near my parents at Woodlawn on stateline Road on Arkansas side across road to Arkoma, ok . I rwmember his Grandmothers tavern downtown alot of singers came through . George jones often sing downtown in the 50s
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.