Introduction
In this behind-the-scenes clip, country legends Toby Keith and Luke Combs deliver a deeply moving cover of Joe Diffie’s 1992 classic “Ships That Don’t Come In,” marking Keith’s final studio performance before his passing in February 2024 . Originally written by Paul Nelson and Dave Gibson, the song first sailed onto the charts in April 1992 and peaked at number 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, resonating with listeners through its hopeful yet bittersweet take on life’s unrealized dreams . This new rendition appears on HARDY’s Hixtape: Vol. 3 – Difftape, released March 29, 2024, a tribute project honoring Diffie’s legacy with contemporary country stars
A Song Born in 1992
When Joe Diffie first recorded “Ships That Don’t Come In” for his album Regular Joe, it wasn’t just another single—it was a conversation between two friends at a bar, reflecting on regrets and gratitude . Released April 14, 1992 under Epic Records, the track climbed to number 5 on the Hot Country Singles chart, earning its place as one of Diffie’s most enduring hits . Penned by Nashville songwriters Paul Nelson and Dave Gibson, the lyrics blend philosophical musing with heartfelt toasts, celebrating lives lived despite the ships that never made port
A Final Studio Session
Fast-forward to 2024, and you’ll find Toby Keith—just weeks before his passing on February 5—stepping into the Nashville studio one last time to voice this very song alongside Luke Combs . The newly released video, published seven months ago, offers intimate glimpses of Keith’s warm humor and unwavering passion as he trades lines with Combs, interwoven with Diffie’s original vocals . Watching Keith, a proud patriot known for his support of U.S. troops, pour his final vocal into a song about lost chances adds a poignant layer of meaning—his own life’s journey echoing the song’s themes .
Why It Resonates Today
There’s something profoundly comforting in seeing two generations of country artists unite over a tune about resilience. Combs himself admitted that collaborating with Keith was “hard to put into words,” recalling how Diffie had inducted him into the Grand Ole Opry . As the song’s melody swells and the cameras capture Keith’s last studio moments, you can’t help but reflect on your own “ships that don’t come in”—and yet feel grateful for the voyages you’ve taken