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Hank Williams, Jr. – “A Country Boy Can Survive”

A Country Boy Can Survive (Box Set) - Album by Hank Williams, Jr. | Spotify

About the Song

In the annals of country music, Hank Williams Jr. stands tall as a maverick, his rebellious spirit and gritty vocals leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Among his vast repertoire of iconic tunes, “A Country Boy Can Survive” emerges as a standout anthem, a testament to his unwavering determination and his unwavering faith in the resilience of the country boy.

Released in 1982 as the lead single from his album The Pressure Is On, “A Country Boy Can Survive” quickly catapulted Williams Jr. to stardom, solidifying his status as a country music icon. The song resonated deeply with audiences across the country, striking a chord with those who embraced the values of self-reliance, hard work, and unwavering spirit.

At its core, “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a celebration of the rural lifestyle, a tribute to the hardworking men and women who call the countryside home. Williams Jr.’s gritty vocals convey a sense of defiance and determination, as he sings about the challenges faced by those who live off the land. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the countryside, highlighting the beauty of nature, the importance of family and community, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The song’s chorus, “And a country boy can survive,” serves as a rallying cry, a reminder that no matter what challenges life throws one’s way, the strength and resilience of the country boy will always prevail. Williams Jr.’s powerful delivery infuses the chorus with a sense of hope and optimism, inspiring listeners to embrace their roots and persevere in the face of adversity.

Musically, “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a blend of Southern rock and country music, showcasing Williams Jr.’s signature blend of raw energy and melodic sensibility. The guitar riffs are gritty and powerful, while the drums provide a driving beat that propels the song forward. The fiddle and steel guitar add a touch of traditional country music, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

“A Country Boy Can Survive” has resonated with audiences far and wide, earning critical acclaim and enduring popularity. It has been covered by numerous artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of the country boy.

In conclusion, “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a masterpiece of country music, a testament to Hank Williams Jr.’s artistry and his unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. With its gritty vocals, powerful lyrics, and infectious melody, the song has resonated with audiences across generations, inspiring listeners to embrace their roots and persevere in the face of adversity. It’s a timeless anthem that celebrates the resilience of the country boy, a reminder that no matter what challenges life throws one’s way, the strength and spirit of the American heartland will always prevail.

Key Elements of “A Country Boy Can Survive”:

  • Theme: The song explores themes of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of the country boy.
  • Lyrics: The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the countryside, highlighting the beauty of nature, the importance of family and community, and the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Melody: The melody is catchy and memorable, with a strong chorus that is easy to sing along to.
  • Instrumentation: The instrumentation is a blend of Southern rock and country music, featuring gritty guitar riffs, a driving drum beat, and traditional country instruments like the fiddle and steel guitar.
  • Vocals: Hank Williams Jr.’s vocals are raw and powerful, conveying a sense of defiance and determination.

Additional Notes:

  • “A Country Boy Can Survive” was released as the lead single from Hank Williams Jr.’s album The Pressure Is On in 1982.
  • The song was written by Williams Jr. himself, with production credits going to Jerry Kennedy and Tom Bullock.
  • The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and spent 20 weeks on the chart.
  • “A Country Boy Can Survive” has been covered by numerous artists, including Alabama, Waylon Jennings, and George Strait.
  • The song was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Video 

Lyrics: A Country Boy Can Survive

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 downtownI 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 surviveI 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

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