About the song
“A Country Boy Can Survive.” Released in 1982 as a single from his album High Notes, this track wasn’t just a hit; it became a Top 5 smash on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Bocephus’s place as a voice for the working-class, rural American. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a powerful statement of resilience, a nostalgic look at changing times, and a warning to those who might underestimate the resolve of country folk.
The lyrics of “A Country Boy Can Survive” paint a vivid picture of the stark contrast between urban and rural life, and the inherent self-sufficiency that comes from growing up close to the land. It addresses various societal changes and challenges, subtly critiquing urban sophistication while celebrating traditional values, hard work, and the ability to fend for oneself. Phrases like “The concrete’s getting harder / And the world’s getting colder” and “We’re from the land of the cotton / The land of the cane / And we still believe in the Lord / And ‘Mama’ and ‘Daddy’ and ‘Train'” perfectly capture this sense of cultural pride and unwavering conviction. The song speaks to the universal desire for independence, the comfort found in community, and the profound belief that resourcefulness and tenacity are the keys to enduring hardship. It’s about the unique skills and mindset forged by a life closer to nature, where survival isn’t just a concept, but a lived reality. It’s a testament to the idea that despite changing times, the core strength of certain traditions and ways of life remains unbroken.
Hank Williams, Jr.’s vocal performance on “A Country Boy Can Survive” is absolutely iconic. His voice, with its distinctive gruffness, its powerful delivery, and that unmistakable blend of country soul and Southern rock attitude, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of conviction and defiant pride. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the character, making every line feel like a personal pledge and a communal rallying cry. There’s a palpable sense of authenticity and a knowing wink in his phrasing, perfectly capturing the song’s rebellious yet deeply rooted spirit. Williams, Jr.’s brilliance lies in his ability to articulate widely felt sentiments about heritage, independence, and resilience with such directness and charisma, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal and often empowering level. It’s a performance that truly solidified his image as the ultimate “outlaw.”
The musical arrangement of “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a quintessential example of Hank Williams, Jr.’s signature blend of traditional country with a heavy dose of Southern rock. It features a prominent, driving acoustic guitar rhythm, layered with electric guitar riffs that add a rugged edge, and a steady, powerful drum beat that provides an undeniable backbone. The instrumentation is full and impactful, designed to create a sense of strength and unwavering resolve. The production is clean, crisp, and robust, designed for maximum impact on radio while still retaining an organic, authentic feel. It’s an arrangement that truly embodies the song’s message of enduring power and self-reliance.
“A Country Boy Can Survive” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of self-sufficiency, rural pride, and unwavering resilience are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Hank Williams, Jr.’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that cemented his status as a voice for a significant segment of American culture. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that come what may, “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
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
