About the song
“A Country Boy Can Survive,” penned and performed by the iconic Hank Williams Jr., is a defining anthem of American country music. Released in January 1982, the song quickly ascended the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at number 2 by March of the same year. Despite never clinching the number one spot, it remains one of Williams’ most emblematic tracks, celebrated for its rugged lyricism and unapologetic depiction of rural life.
The song resonates deeply with its portrayal of self-sufficiency and resilience amidst societal changes. Williams paints a vivid picture of a country lifestyle under threat from urbanization, while celebrating the survival skills and independence of ‘country boys.’ Its lyrics reflect a defiant spirit, asserting that despite challenges, those rooted in rural traditions can endure and thrive.
One of the song’s notable adaptations came in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when Williams rewrote and recorded it with a patriotic twist as “America Will Survive.” This version, infused with themes of national unity and resilience, resonated with audiences and charted at number 45 on the Billboard country charts, showcasing the song’s enduring relevance in times of national adversity.
In early 2007, marking the 25th anniversary of its original release, Williams revisited the original version, accompanied by a new music video. This re-release mirrored its predecessor’s success, again peaking at number 45 on the Billboard country charts, underscoring its timeless appeal and enduring popularity among fans.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial release, evidenced by collaborations and reinterpretations over the years. In 1999, Williams collaborated with Chad Brock and George Jones on a Y2K-themed version, reflecting contemporary concerns with lines like “If the bank machines crash, we’ll be just fine.” This rendition also made its mark on the Billboard charts, highlighting the song’s adaptability and enduring relevance in reflecting societal anxieties and resilience across different eras.
Through its evocative storytelling and robust musicality, “A Country Boy Can Survive” remains a cornerstone of Hank Williams Jr.’s repertoire, embodying the spirit of American perseverance and the enduring appeal of country music’s storytelling tradition. Its legacy continues to resonate, making it a perennial favorite among audiences drawn to its blend of rugged individualism and heartfelt patriotism.
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 trot line
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