About the song
“A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr. is a rugged anthem that celebrates the resilience and self-reliance of rural America. Written and performed by Hank Williams Jr. himself, this song was released in 1981 as part of his album “The Pressure Is On.”
Upon its release, “A Country Boy Can Survive” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its gritty lyrics and defiant attitude struck a chord with listeners, particularly those who identified with the rural way of life and values espoused in the song.
The song paints a vivid picture of life in the countryside, depicting a world where hard work, ingenuity, and a strong sense of community are essential for survival. Lines like “I can plow a field all day long, I can catch catfish from dusk till dawn” embody the resourcefulness and resilience of the country boy, who is unapologetically proud of his roots.
“A Country Boy Can Survive” has since become one of Hank Williams Jr.’s most iconic and enduring songs, inspiring generations of country music fans with its message of strength and perseverance. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic.
For many older listeners, “A Country Boy Can Survive” evokes memories of a simpler time when self-sufficiency and rugged individualism were valued traits. Its timeless message of resilience and determination continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved anthem for country boys and girls everywhere.
Hank Williams Jr.’s legacy as a country music icon is exemplified by songs like “A Country Boy Can Survive.” Its enduring popularity and universal appeal speak to Williams Jr.’s ability to capture the spirit of rural America and the values that define it.
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