About the song
Few songs in the history of country music capture the rugged spirit, pride, and resilience of rural America like “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams, Jr. Released in 1982, this anthem quickly became more than just a hit single — it became a cultural statement. With its unapologetic lyrics and down-to-earth grit, the song resonated with millions who saw themselves reflected in its defiant message.
Hank Williams, Jr., the son of country legend Hank Williams, had already carved his own unique path by the early ’80s. After years of balancing his father’s musical legacy with his own emerging outlaw style, Hank Jr. had become one of country music’s most recognizable and outspoken voices. “A Country Boy Can Survive” was not just another song in his catalogue; it was a bold declaration of identity and values at a time when America itself was changing rapidly.
Written solely by Hank Jr., the song speaks to the self-reliance and resourcefulness of rural people. It contrasts the fast-paced, often impersonal life of the city with the traditional, skill-based way of living in the country — hunting, fishing, farming, and looking out for one another. The lyrics carry a quiet pride, reminding listeners that no matter what challenges come their way, country folks have the know-how and determination to endure.
Musically, the song is stripped-down and straightforward, driven by a steady rhythm and Hank’s unmistakable, rugged vocals. There’s no overproduction, no glossy polish — just a raw authenticity that perfectly matches the subject matter. When Hank sings lines like “We say grace, and we say ma’am, if you ain’t into that, we don’t give a damn,” it’s not just a lyric — it’s a creed.
Upon its release, “A Country Boy Can Survive” climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became one of Hank Jr.’s most enduring hits. Over the years, it has been covered, parodied, and referenced across multiple genres, but the original recording remains untouchable in its sincerity and grit. In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Hank Jr. even recorded a reworked version titled “America Will Survive”, adapting the song’s message to reflect national unity and resilience during a time of crisis.
The song’s influence extends far beyond the charts. It has become a rallying cry for rural pride and a symbol of the outlaw country ethos. Whether blasting from pickup truck speakers on back roads or performed live in front of thousands, “A Country Boy Can Survive” continues to ignite a deep connection with audiences who cherish tradition, independence, and authenticity.
More than forty years after its release, Hank Williams, Jr.’s anthem still feels relevant. Its message — that self-reliance, hard work, and strong values will see you through life’s toughest trials — resonates in an age where those qualities can feel increasingly rare. “A Country Boy Can Survive” is more than a song; it’s a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and why we endure.
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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
