About the song
“Good Ole Boys Like Me.” Released in 1980 as a single from his album Portrait, this track swiftly climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming an instant classic and a cornerstone of Williams’s enduring legacy. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a poignant, introspective reflection on an upbringing that shaped a man, a look back at the values instilled and the traditions that defined a generation.
The lyrics of “Good Ole Boys Like Me” paint a nostalgic and heartfelt picture of a Southern childhood, steeped in the simple yet profound influences that molded its narrator. It speaks of growing up surrounded by faith, by the sounds of country music (“the Opry, it ain’t no fun / And the Grand Ole Opry’s on the radio”), and by the unspoken codes of a close-knit community. The song details the formative experiences – from Sunday school lessons to listening to Hank Williams on the radio – that ingrained a particular set of values and a way of seeing the world. Phrases like “And you never know how you get to be good ole boys like me” highlight a sense of organic growth and an unpretentious acceptance of one’s background. It’s a beautifully honest acknowledgment that who we become is largely a product of where we came from, a tribute to the power of home, heritage, and the enduring comfort of tradition.
Don Williams’s vocal performance on “Good Ole Boys Like Me” is absolutely sublime. His distinctive baritone, known for its warm, mellow, and incredibly smooth delivery, is perfectly suited to conveying the song’s reflective and tender tone. He sings with an effortless sincerity and a quiet wisdom that makes every word feel deeply personal, as if he’s sharing intimate memories directly with the listener. There’s a subtle, almost conversational quality to his phrasing, inviting you into his world without ever grandstanding. Williams’s power lay not in vocal acrobatics, but in his unparalleled ability to convey profound emotion through understated elegance, and this song is a shining example of that unique gift.
The musical arrangement of “Good Ole Boys Like Me” is gentle, melodic, and tastefully restrained, characteristic of Don Williams’s signature sound. It features prominent acoustic guitars that provide a warm, inviting foundation, complemented by soft, swelling strings and a subtle rhythm section that allows the narrative to breathe. The production is clean, organic, and uncluttered, designed to highlight Williams’s vocals and the song’s heartfelt message. It’s an arrangement that feels both classic and comforting, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and warmth.
“Good Ole Boys Like Me” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of roots, heritage, and the formative power of one’s upbringing are universally understood and cherished. It became one of Don Williams’s most beloved and enduring songs, further cementing his legacy as a master storyteller and a gentle voice of authenticity in country music. It remains a timeless classic, a beautiful and poignant reminder that who we are is often a reflection of where we started, defining us as good ole boys like me.
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Lyrics
When I was a kid Uncle Remus he put me to bed
With a picture of Stonewall Jackson above my head
Then daddy came in to kiss his little man
With gin on his breath and a Bible in his hand
He talked about honor and things I should know
Then he staggered a little as he went out the door
I can still hear the soft southern winds in the live oak trees
And those Williams boys they still mean a lot to me Hank and Tennessee
I guess we’re all gonna be what we’re gonna be
So what do you do with good ole boys like me
Nothing makes a sound in the night like the wind does
But you ain’t afraid if you’re washed in the blood like I was
The smell of Cape Jasmine through the window screen
John are and the wolfman kept me company
By the light of the radio by my bed with Thomas Wolfe whispering in my head
I can still hear the soft southern winds…
When I was in school I ran with a kid down the street
And I watched him burn himself up on Bourbon and speed
But I was smarter than most and I could choose
Learned to talk like the man on the six o’clock news
When I was eighteen Lord I hit the road but it really dodn’t matter how far I go
I can still hear the soft southern winds…
Yeah what do you do with good ole boys like me
