Clint Eastwood, Toby Keith and 'The Old Man'

The late, great country music singer Toby Keith was on the golf course with his hero, actor, director and Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood. 

Eastwood was telling Keith between shots he was heading to Augusta, Ga., in the morning to begin shooting for his new movie “The Mule.” 

Upon arrival in Georgia, Eastwood would star, direct and produce the movie, all at the tender age of 88 years old. Keith was surprised learning Eastwood had the bandwidth mentally, and the energy to handle the rigors of directing and acting. 

The question running through Keith’s head, was how could Eastwood keep his motivation levels so high? Eastwood told Keith, that he needs to keep moving, stay highly active, get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and then said something that made Keith pause and take note: “You can’t let the old man in.” 

The next day, Keith returned to his home in Oklahoma with that one line inscribed into his memory. 

He knew the phrase had brilliant song-writing worthiness and the potential for another Keith bestseller. He just wasn’t sure how he could make it all come together. 

Driving with his wife, she was trying to have conversation, but clearly, he wasn’t paying attention, his mind was trying to write his “old man” song. Through relentless thought, the story took shape, combined with the perfect rhythm Keith had the musical ending for the Eastwood movie. 

It wasn’t an instant hit, played mostly in theaters as the credits ran at the end of the movie. Nor was it played often on radio. Only after Keith took to the stage at the People’s Choice Country Music awards did the song take off. 

Walking onto the stage a much thinner and frail appearing Keith, clearly fighting the old man cancer, made a three-year-old song take on a personal meaning. Keith’s poetic choice of words made him seem omniscient as he battled the stomach cancer. This young man wasn’t willing to let in. By the time he was finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, or watching at home. 

Keith didn’t write the song for himself. He did, however, live the words in the song. He fought the old man every day. 

We all need to follow Keith’s advice provide through Eastwood: Don’t let the old person into our life. Regardless of our situation we need to practice gratitude for the air we breathe, the joys life has provided. Have faith, stay vibrant, actively seek the outdoors and always remain curious. 

Never stop asking questions, starting with how old you would be, if you didn’t know the day you were born. Toast each sundown with wine. When you feel that cold bitter winter wind, just smile — and never, ever let the old man in. 

Keith lost his battle with stomach cancer. But he kept fighting the old man.

And we should too. 

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