About the song
John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” (also known as “Country Boy”) is more than just a catchy country tune; it’s an ode to the simple pleasures of rural life. Released in 1974, the song became a surprise crossover hit, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Singles charts. “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” wasn’t just a chart-topper; it became an anthem for those who cherished a life close to the land.
The song’s origins are steeped in happenstance. John Martin Sommers, a member of Denver’s backup band, penned the lyrics on a road trip from Aspen, Colorado to Los Angeles. Inspired by a feeling of contentment with his simple life, Sommers captured the essence of rural living – the clear blue skies, the smell of pine, and the joy of playing music under the open sky.
The song itself is a celebration of these simple joys. Denver’s warm vocals paint a picture of a life far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lyrics like “I wake up in the mornin’ with the sunshine in my face” and “I’d rather listen to the crickets sing than listen to the traffic jam” evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. The inclusion of the fiddle tune “Sally Goodin” adds a touch of authenticity, further grounding the song in its rural roots.
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” resonated far beyond country music fans. It became a cultural phenomenon, embraced by audiences seeking an escape from the complexities of modern life. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its countless cover versions, ranging from Dolly Parton’s bluegrass rendition to the novelty hit by “Hampton the Hampster.”
The song’s legacy extends beyond the music charts. It’s become a tradition at sporting events like Baltimore Orioles games, where it’s played during the seventh-inning stretch. “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” serves as a reminder of the value of a simpler life, a sentiment that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
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Lyrics
Well, life’s on a 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,
raising me a family and working 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 coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.When the work’s all done and the sun’s setting low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
The kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low, thank God I’m a country boy.
I’d play Sally Gooding all day if I could,
but the lord and my wife wouldn’t take it very good.
So I fiddle when I can and I 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 coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.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 farming tools, thank God I’m a country boy.
Yeah, city folk driving in a black limousine,
a lotta sad people thinking that’s-a 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 coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.Well, my fiddle was my daddy’s till the day he died,
and he took me by the hand and held me close to his side.
He said, “Live a good life and play my fiddle with pride,
and thank God you’re a country boy.
My Daddy taught me young how to hunt and how to whittle,
he taught me how to work and play a tune on the fiddle.
He taught me how to love and how to give just a little,
thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun’s coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.