“A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr. is an anthem of resilience, independence, and Southern pride that resonates deeply with listeners who share those values. Released in 1982 on his album The Pressure Is On, this song struck a chord with fans and became one of Williams’ signature tracks. Although it only reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, its impact went far beyond the charts, embedding itself in the fabric of country music and cementing Williams’ place as a voice for rugged individualism and self-sufficiency.
The song tells the story of a rural man who values self-reliance and a traditional way of life, one rooted in hard work, resourcefulness, and a connection to the land. Williams’ lyrics paint a picture of someone who can thrive even in the toughest conditions, a sentiment that speaks to the cultural divide between rural and urban America. With lines that celebrate the ability to “live off the land” and face adversity head-on, “A Country Boy Can Survive” taps into a sense of defiance and pride in one’s heritage and way of life. It’s about resilience and the belief that even in a rapidly changing world, there’s strength and value in the simpler ways of life.
Musically, the song combines country and Southern rock elements, creating a sound that’s both gritty and anthemic. The driving guitar riffs and steady rhythm create a powerful backdrop for Williams’ strong, authoritative voice, which embodies the confidence and strength of the song’s message. His delivery is both bold and sincere, giving listeners the sense that these are not just words, but beliefs that Williams himself lives by. This authenticity is part of what makes the song so compelling; it’s clear that Williams is not just performing but expressing a deeply held worldview.
Hank Williams Jr. has long been known for his unapologetic embrace of Southern culture and his outspoken, sometimes controversial, views. “A Country Boy Can Survive” is an embodiment of this aspect of his personality, presenting a way of life that values freedom, self-reliance, and resilience. The song’s message is simple but powerful, speaking to anyone who has ever felt proud of their ability to “make it” on their own. For many listeners, it’s more than a song—it’s a statement of identity and a celebration of values that might not always align with modern, urban sensibilities.
Over the years, “A Country Boy Can Survive” has become an anthem for people who feel a connection to the land and to a life that isn’t dependent on modern conveniences. It has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and remains a staple of Williams’ live performances, with audiences often singing along to every word. For those who live in rural areas or have a love for the outdoors, the song is a reminder of the unique skills and strengths that come from that lifestyle.
Even today, “A Country Boy Can Survive” resonates as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of self-sufficiency and independence. It’s a timeless celebration of resilience, offering a sense of pride to those who live by these principles and standing as a testament to the enduring appeal of Hank Williams Jr.’s music and message. In a world that’s constantly changing, the song’s message remains steadfast, resonating as strongly now as it did when it was first released.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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