About the song
When you hear those opening chords, that raw, unapologetic sound, you know you’re in for something authentic. Hank Williams, Jr., carrying the weight and the legacy of his legendary father, carved his own distinct path in country music, and this 1982 release stands as a powerful testament to his unique voice and perspective. It’s more than just a song; it’s a declaration, a statement of identity, and a nod to the enduring strength and self-reliance often found in rural communities.
“A Country Boy Can Survive” arrived at a time when America was navigating economic shifts and social changes. For many, particularly those in rural areas, there was a sense of pride in their way of life, a deep connection to the land, and an inherent understanding of self-sufficiency. This song tapped directly into that sentiment, becoming an anthem for a generation that valued hard work, independence, and a connection to their roots. It wasn’t just a hit on the country charts; it permeated the broader cultural consciousness, resonating with anyone who felt a kinship with the values it espoused.
The lyrics of “A Country Boy Can Survive” are direct and unvarnished, painting a vivid picture of a life grounded in practicality and resourcefulness. From hunting and fishing to fixing fences and relying on family, the song celebrates the skills and knowledge passed down through generations. There’s a sense of preparedness, a quiet confidence in the ability to handle whatever life throws their way. Phrases like “we can skin a buck, we can run a trotline” aren’t just colorful imagery; they speak to a fundamental connection with the natural world and the ability to provide for oneself.
Musically, the song is a potent blend of country rock, with a driving beat and a gritty edge that perfectly complements the lyrical content. Hank Williams, Jr.’s vocal delivery is strong and assertive, imbued with a conviction that makes every word believable. The instrumentation, featuring prominent guitar work and a solid rhythm section, underscores the song’s defiant and resilient spirit. It’s a sound that feels both familiar and fiercely independent, much like the people it celebrates.
What makes “A Country Boy Can Survive” so enduring is its timeless message of self-reliance and pride in one’s heritage. While the specific circumstances of the early 1980s may have provided a backdrop for its initial popularity, the core themes of resourcefulness, community, and a strong sense of identity remain relevant today. The song serves as a reminder that there’s a certain strength to be found in knowing how to take care of oneself and in having a deep connection to one’s roots.
For those of us who appreciate music with substance, “A Country Boy Can Survive” offers more than just entertainment. It provides a glimpse into a particular way of life, a set of values, and a spirit of resilience that is both admirable and enduring. It’s a song that has been embraced by generations, a testament to its powerful message and Hank Williams, Jr.’s ability to capture a specific cultural moment with authenticity and grit. It’s a true classic, a bold statement that continues to resonate with those who understand the pride and self-sufficiency of the country way of life.
Video
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 four-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 (yeah)
We make our own whiskey and our own smoke too
Ain’t too many things these old boys can’t do
We grow good-ole 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 shotguns
We say grace, and we say ma’am
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 shotguns
We say grace, and we say ma’am
If you ain’t into that, we don’t give a damn
We’re from North California and South Alabam’
And little towns all around this land
And we can skin a buck, and run a trotline
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
A country boy can survive
Country folks can survive
