About the song
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is a heartwarming song written by John Martin Sommers and performed by the legendary American singer/songwriter John Denver. This timeless classic was first released in 1974 on Denver’s album “Back Home Again” and later included in his live album “An Evening with John Denver” in 1975. The song’s live version became a massive hit, reaching the top spot on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song’s success was not limited to the charts, as it also inspired a variety special show hosted by Denver in 1977.
The song was written by John Martin Sommers, a talented musician who played various instruments in Denver’s backup band. Sommers penned the song on December 31, 1973, while driving from his home in Aspen, Colorado to Los Angeles. He was feeling “peaceful, happy, and content” with his life at the time, and the notes he jotted down during his journey became the inspiration for the song.
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is a celebration of the simple joys of life, the beauty of nature, and the contentment that comes from living in harmony with the land. The song’s lyrics are relatable and easy to understand, making it a favorite among listeners of all ages. With its catchy melody and meaningful lyrics, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Video
Lyrics
Clap your hands!
Well, life on the farm is kinda laid back
Ain’t much an old country boy like me can’t hack
It’s early to rise, early in the sack
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, a simple kind of life never did me no harm
A-raisin’ me a family and workin’ on the farm
My days are all filled with an easy country charm
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy
When the work’s all done and the sun’s settin’ low
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow
Kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low
And thank God I’m a country boy
I’d play “Sally Goodin” all day if I could
But the Lord and my wife wouldn’t take it very good
So I fiddle when I can, work when I should
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, woohoo!
Well, I wouldn’t trade my life for diamonds or jewels
I never was one of them money-hungry fools
I’d rather have my fiddle and my farmin’ tools
Thank God I’m a country boy
Yeah, city folk drivin’ in a black limousine
A lotta sad people thinkin’ that’s mighty keen
Son, let me tell you now exactly what I mean
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, yes sir!
Well, my fiddle was my daddy’s ’til the day he died
And he took me by the hand, held me close to his side
Said, “Live a good life, play the fiddle with pride
And thank God you’re a country boy”
My daddy taught me young how to hunt and how to whittle
Taught me how to work and play a tune on the fiddle
Taught me how to love and how to give just a little
And thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Whew! Thank God I’m a country boy, yeah!
John Summers played the fiddle
And he wrote that song!