“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When Hank Williams Jr. faced a life-altering mountain fall in 1975, it spurred a profound transformation in his music and personal identity. “A Country Boy Can Survive” emerged from this period as a defiant declaration of resilience, deeply resonating with listeners who valued independence and rugged individualism.
About The Composition
- Title: A Country Boy Can Survive
- Composer: Hank Williams Jr.
- Premiere Date: January 1982
- Album/Opus/Collection: The Pressure Is On
- Genre: Country
Background:
This composition was born out of Hank Williams Jr.’s personal adversities and reflects a broader narrative of survival and adaptation. Released at a time when America was grappling with economic and social shifts, the song quickly became an anthem for those feeling marginalized by the rapid pace of change. Its initial reception was positive, bolstering Williams’ reputation as a voice of the common man.
Musical Style
The song features a blend of traditional country and Southern rock elements, with a prominent acoustic guitar line and harmonica that evoke the simplicity and rawness of rural life. The use of a steady, comforting rhythm anchors the song’s message in a familiar country music tradition.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics champion rural skills and a connection to the land as sources of strength. Each verse unfolds a new aspect of rural life, from natural disasters to economic hardships, tying these challenges to the broader theme of survival through self-reliance.
Performance History
“A Country Boy Can Survive” has been covered by various artists, reflecting its broad appeal and adaptability. Its performances are often highlighted by emotional resonance and communal singing, especially in venues that cater to a traditionally country audience.
Cultural Impact
The song’s influence extends beyond music, touching on political and social themes relevant to rural communities. It has been utilized in campaigns and documentaries, serving as a voice for a segment of America often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Legacy
The song’s legacy is evident in its continued relevance and popularity, serving as a musical and cultural reference point for discussions about rural American identity.
Conclusion
For those interested in the intersections of music, culture, and social identity, “A Country Boy Can Survive” offers a rich case study. Its enduring appeal makes it a worthy subject for both academic study and casual appreciation.
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