About the Song

A Country Boy Can Survive: An Anthem for Resilience and Staying True to One’s Roots

In the vast landscape of American music, few names resonate with the spirit of country music quite like Hank Williams Jr. As the son of country music legend Hank Williams Sr., Hank Jr. inherited a rich musical legacy, one that he has not only preserved but also expanded upon with his own unique brand of Southern rock and rebellious spirit. Among his many iconic songs, none capture the essence of his persona and the heart of country music quite like “A Country Boy Can Survive.”

Released in 1982, “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a timeless anthem that celebrates the resilience and self-reliance of the American country boy. With its simple yet powerful lyrics and driving beat, the song has become a staple of country radio and a beloved favorite among fans of all ages.

The song’s opening lines, “I was born in a dirt road town, raised on backwoods ways,” immediately paint a vivid picture of the singer’s upbringing, one that is deeply rooted in the traditions and values of rural America. From there, the song delves into the challenges and hardships that often come with country living, from the harsh realities of working the land to the struggles of making ends meet.

Despite these challenges, the singer remains unfazed, declaring that “a country boy can survive.” He finds strength in his connection to the land, his family, and his community. He knows that he has the grit and determination to overcome any obstacle that comes his way.

The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of self-belief:

**”I’m a country boy, and I’m proud of it

I wouldn’t trade my life for anything

I’ve been through hard times, but I’ve always made it through

‘Cause a country boy can survive”

“A Country Boy Can Survive” is more than just a song; it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we have the strength to persevere. It’s a celebration of the values of hard work, family, and community that are at the heart of the American experience.

The song’s message of resilience has resonated with listeners for decades, and it continues to do so today. In a world that often seems uncertain and overwhelming, “A Country Boy Can Survive” offers a message of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that we are stronger than we think, and that we can overcome any challenge if we stay true to ourselves and our values.

“A Country Boy Can Survive” is a true country music classic, and it is sure to continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. It is a song that speaks to the heart of what it means to be American, and it is a reminder that the spirit of country music is alive and well.

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Lyrics

The preacher man says it’s the end of timeAnd the Mississippi River, she’s a-goin’ dryThe interest is up and the stock market’s downAnd you only get mugged if you go downtown
I live back in the woods you seeMy woman and the kids and the dogs and meI got a shotgun, a rifle and a four-wheel driveAnd a country boy can surviveCountry folks can survive
I can plow a field all day longI can catch catfish from dusk ’til dawn (Yeah)We make our own whiskey and our own smoke tooAin’t too many things these old boys can’t do
We grow good-ole tomatoes and homemade wineAnd a country boy can surviveCountry 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 shotgunsWe say grace, and we say ma’amIf you ain’t into that, we don’t give a damn
We came from the West Virginia coal minesAnd the Rocky Mountains, and the western skiesAnd we can skin a buck, we can run a trot lineAnd a country boy can surviveCountry folks can survive
I had a good friend in New York CityHe never called me by my name, just HillbillyMy grandpa taught me how to live off the landAnd his taught him to be a businessman
He used to send me pictures of the Broadway nightsAnd I’d send him some homemade wineBut he was killed by a man with a switchblade knifeFor 43 dollars, my friend lost his life
I’d love to spit some Beech-Nut in that dude’s eyesAnd shoot him with my old .45‘Cause a country boy can surviveCountry 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 shotgunsWe say grace, and we say ma’amIf 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 landAnd we can skin a buck, and run a trotlineAnd a country boy can surviveCountry folks can surviveA country boy can surviveCountry folks can survive