“Pick ‘Em Up And Lay ‘Em Down” is a track recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith. It was released in 2003 as a single from his album Unleashed.
The song has a classic country/honky-tonk sound, with a driving rhythm section, twangy electric guitars, and Keith’s gruff, baritone vocals taking center stage. Lyrically, it tells the story of a tough-talking roughneck who is willing to fight at the drop of a hat.
Lines like “If you wanna dance, I’ll cut in / And if you don’t like it, I’ll pick you up and lay you down” showcase Keith’s signature blend of machismo and humor. The song has an anthemic, sing-along quality to it.
“Pick ‘Em Up And Lay ‘Em Down” was a hit for Toby Keith, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Country Songs chart. It’s considered one of the standout tracks from his Unleashed album, which was a major commercial success for the artist.
The song exemplifies Keith’s ability to craft straightforward, blue-collar country songs with a sense of attitude and swagger. It plays to his strengths as a no-nonsense country performer with a rebellious streak.
Overall, “Pick ‘Em Up And Lay ‘Em Down” is a quintessential Toby Keith country rocker, showcasing his skill for delivering unapologetically macho lyrics over a driving, honky-tonk-inspired sound. It remains a fan favorite in his extensive catalog.
Lyrics
She said the man’s goin’ home with me She told the bar she was takin’ all bets Well never trust a woman drinkin’ whiskey That lights her own cigarette I started callin’ her baby, temptation was drivin’ me wild I think the only thing that saved me It’s just not my style
‘Cause I’m not the kind of man that goes out just lookin’ for a woman I like the price you pay to keep passion on solid ground I’m not the kind of man that holds out on a need for nothin’ I’m as lonely as any man around I just don’t like to pick ’em up and lay ’em down Lay ’em down Pick ’em up and lay ’em down
So we went from bottoms up to coffee cups A corner booth where the lights got dim We started talkin’ ’bout gettin’ real close About how, and about when It started rainin’ harder and harder I got up and with a thoughtful smile I said, “Honey, if that ain’t thunder and lightnin’ It just ain’t worthwhile”
I’m not the kind of man that goes out just lookin’ for a woman I like the price you pay to keep passion on solid ground I’m not the kind of man that holds out on a need for nothin’ I’m as lonely as any man around I just don’t like to pick ’em up and lay ’em down Lay ’em down, down, down, down, down
I turned around and gave her one last smile And thought about one long kiss But that would be takin’ it too far baby And maybe something I couldn’t resist
I’m not the kind of man that goes out just lookin’ for a woman I like the price you pay to keep passion on solid ground I’m not the kind of man that holds out on a need for nothin’ I’m as lonely as any man around I just don’t like to pick ’em up and lay ’em down Lay ’em down Pick ’em up and lay ’em down Lay ’em down
If it ain’t about thunder and lightnin’ It just ain’t worthwhile Lord knows it just ain’t my style Pick ’em up and lay ’em down, down, down, down, down Pick ’em up and lay ’em down
