About the song
“A Country Boy Can Survive” is a defining anthem of rural resilience and self-sufficiency, penned and performed by American musician Hank Williams Jr. Released as a single in January 1982, the song rapidly became a hallmark of Williams’ career, reaching a commendable peak of number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart by March of the same year. Despite never clinching the number one spot, it remains one of Williams’ most iconic and enduring tracks.
The song’s narrative revolves around the stark contrast between rural and urban life, underscoring the enduring spirit of “country boys” who navigate and thrive amidst the challenges posed by a rapidly urbanizing society. Its lyrics celebrate self-reliance and the ruggedness associated with country living, presenting a vivid portrayal of the rural experience.
In a notable verse, Williams contrasts his life with that of a New York City businessman. Despite their different backgrounds—rural and urban—the two men form a friendship, exchanging gifts that symbolize their lives: Broadway photos from the city and homemade wine from the country. The verse takes a dark turn as the businessman is tragically murdered, leading Williams to express a visceral desire for vengeance, adding a layer of personal and emotional intensity to the song. In the 9/11-era rewrite, titled “America Will Survive,” the businessman becomes a victim of the attacks, which adds a patriotic and reflective tone to the song.
In 2007, to mark the 25th anniversary of the original release, Williams revisited “A Country Boy Can Survive” with a re-release and a new music video, reigniting interest in the classic. This re-release also peaked at number 45 on the Billboard country charts, demonstrating the song’s lasting appeal.
“A Country Boy Can Survive” remains a powerful testament to Williams’ ability to capture the essence of rural America and its indomitable spirit. Its blend of personal narrative, patriotic sentiment, and social commentary has ensured its place as a staple in the country music genre and a lasting symbol of resilience and pride.
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 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