About The Song
Background
Released in 1982, “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a seminal track by Hank Williams, Jr., known as “Bocephus” to his fans. It became both a defining moment in his career and a cultural phenomenon. It was the title track of his 1982 album, and it reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming one of the most enduring country anthems of all time. Written by Williams, Jr., the song reflects his working-class upbringing, his rebellious spirit, and his unwavering belief in the resilience of the common man.
Musical Style
“A Country Boy Can Survive” is a classic country rocker, with a powerful and driving sound. It features a heavy, pulsating rhythm section, a prominent electric guitar riff, and Williams, Jr.’s signature raspy vocals, full of grit and determination. The song’s tempo is fast and energetic, creating a feeling of power and defiance. The use of electric guitar solos and layered vocals adds to the intensity and rawness of the song’s sound.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “A Country Boy Can Survive” are a bold and defiant statement about resilience, self-reliance, and the struggles of the working class. The song’s narrator, a self-proclaimed “country boy,” celebrates his hard-working spirit and his ability to overcome adversity. The lyrics portray a sense of defiance against societal pressures and an unwavering faith in one’s own abilities.
The song’s chorus is a powerful and memorable declaration:
“A country boy can survive
He’s got the heart and soul to make it through the strife
You can take the country boy out of the country
But you can’t take the country out of the boy.”
The lyrics highlight the themes of perseverance, strength, and unwavering spirit. The song celebrates the values of hard work, independence, and self-sufficiency, which are deeply rooted in rural American culture. The song also reflects the struggles of the working class, facing economic hardship and societal pressures.
The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, depicting the challenges and rewards of a hard-working life. The song’s message of resilience and defiance resonated with a wide audience, particularly those who identified with the struggles of the working class.
Cultural Impact
“A Country Boy Can Survive” became an instant hit, resonating with audiences across the United States. The song’s popularity transcended geographical and demographic boundaries, becoming an anthem for the working class and those who believed in the importance of self-reliance and perseverance. The song became synonymous with the values of hard work, resilience, and rugged individualism, becoming a symbol of American grit and determination.
The song’s success also propelled Hank Williams, Jr.’s career to new heights, solidifying his status as a major force in country music. It became one of his signature songs, often included in his live performances and frequently used in television shows and movies.
Conclusion
“A Country Boy Can Survive” is more than just a song; it is a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of a nation. Its success lies in its powerful lyrics, its driving musical style, and its resonating message of resilience and self-reliance. The song became an anthem for those who identified with the struggles and triumphs of the working class, and its message continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a timeless testament to the enduring power of country music to capture the spirit of a people and to inspire them to overcome adversity.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
The preacher man says it’s the end of time
And the Mississippi River she’s a-goin’ dry
The interest is up and the Stock Market’s down
And you only get mugged if you go downtown
I live back in the woods, you see
My woman and the kids, and the dogs, and me
I got a shotgun, a rifle, and a 4-wheel drive
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
I can plow a field all day long
I can catch catfish from dusk ’til dawn
We make our own whiskey and our own smoke, too
Ain’t too many things these old boys can’t do
We grow good old tomatoes and homemade wine
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
Because you can’t starve us out
And you can’t make us run
‘Cause we’re them old boys raised on shotgun
And we say “grace” and we say “Ma’am”
And if you ain’t into that we don’t give a damn
We came from the West Virginia coal mines
And the Rocky Mountains and the western skies
And we can skin a buck; we can run a trotline
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
I had a good friend in New York City
He never called me by my name, just hillbilly
My grandpa taught me how to live off the land
And his taught him to be a businessman
He used to send me pictures of the Broadway nights
And I’d send him some homemade wine
But he was killed by a man with a switchblade knife
For 43 dollars my friend lost his life
I’d love to spit some beech nut in that dude’s eyes
And shoot him with my old .45
‘Cause a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
‘Cause you can’t starve us out and you can’t make us run
‘Cause we’re them old boys raised on shotgun
And we say “grace” and we say “Ma’am”
And if you ain’t into that we don’t give a damn
We’re from North California and South Alabama
And little towns all around this land
And we can skin a buck; we can run a trotline
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
Country boy can survive
Country folks can survive