About the Song
Cal Smith’s “Country Bumpkin” is a timeless country ballad that perfectly captures the charm and simplicity of rural life. Released in 1974, the song became a massive hit, solidifying Smith’s status as a country music star.
The song tells the story of a naive young man who ventures into the big city, only to find himself out of his element. Smith’s rich baritone voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of wonder and vulnerability, making the character instantly relatable. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere.
“Country Bumpkin” is a classic example of storytelling in country music. It’s a song that celebrates the values of honesty, hard work, and the enduring appeal of rural life. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and Smith’s powerful vocal performance.
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Lyrics: Country Bumpkin
He walked up to the bar and parked his lanky frame upon a tall bar stool,
And with a long soft southern drawl said,
I’ll just have a glass of anything that’s cool;
A barroom girl with hard and knowing eyes slowly looked him up and down,
And she thought I wonder how on earth
That country bumpkin found his way to town.She said. “Hello country bumpkin, how’s the frost down on the pumpkin?
I’ve seen some sights, but man you’re somethin’,
Where’d you come from country bumpkin?”It was just a short year later in a bed
Of joy-filled tears, yet death-like pain,
Into this wondrous world of many wonders
One more wonder came;
That same woman’s face was wrapped up
In a raptured look of love and tenderness,
As she marvelled at the soft and warm,
And cuddly boy child feeding at her breast.And she said,”Hello country bumpkin,
Fresh as frost down on the pumpkin;
I’ve seen some sights, but babe you’re somethin’,
Mama loves her country bumpkin”Forty years of hard work later in a simple, quiet
And peaceful country place,
The heavy hand of time had not erased
The raptured wonder from the woman’s face;
She was lying on her death-bed knowing fully well
Her race was nearly run,
But she softly smiled and looked into
The sad eyes of her husband and her son.And she said,”So long country bumpkin
The frost is gone now from the pumpkin;
I’ve seen some sights and life’s been somethin’
See you later country bumpkin.