“I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” by Barbara Mandrell is a defining anthem for the country music genre, capturing the spirit of traditional country fans and artists at a time when the genre was evolving. Released in 1981 as part of her album Barbara Mandrell Live, the song quickly shot to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming one of her signature hits and solidifying her legacy as a major force in country music.
The song resonated deeply with fans who had a strong connection to traditional country values and sounds, especially during the early 1980s when country music was starting to cross over into pop. The lyrics reflect a sense of pride in being “country” before it became trendy, celebrating authenticity and a simpler way of life. The line “I was country when country wasn’t cool” became a rallying cry for fans who felt connected to the roots of country music, and Mandrell delivered it with confidence and sincerity.
Musically, the song blends honky-tonk elements with the more polished, radio-friendly sound that defined much of Mandrell’s music at the time. The production features steel guitar and fiddle, giving it a classic country feel while still appealing to a mainstream audience. George Jones, one of the legends of country music, makes a guest appearance toward the end of the song, adding even more authenticity and weight to the message of the song. His inclusion serves as a nod to the long-standing traditions of country music and further strengthens the song’s nostalgic appeal.
The themes of the song touch on the lifestyle and culture of country music fans—driving pickup trucks, listening to Hank Williams, and wearing jeans and boots. These were symbols of a way of life that, for many, felt overlooked by popular culture until country music’s crossover success. Mandrell’s lyrics suggest that even though country music was becoming more mainstream, there was a core group of people who had always lived the country life and stayed true to their roots. This theme of staying authentic in the face of changing trends is what makes “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” so relatable.
Mandrell’s performance on the track is filled with pride and conviction. She delivers the lyrics with a sense of nostalgia but also with defiance, as if saying, “I’ve been here all along.” It’s a celebration of those who remained loyal to the genre, even when it wasn’t popular or fashionable. This resonated with a large portion of the country music audience, particularly those who may have felt that their values and tastes were being overshadowed by pop influences. The song became an anthem for staying true to oneself and one’s roots.
The success of “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” came at a pivotal moment in Barbara Mandrell’s career. Already a major star with hits like “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” and “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right)”, this song helped to cement her status as a voice for traditional country values at a time when the genre was expanding and evolving. Mandrell was one of the few female country artists of the time who could effortlessly blend traditional and contemporary sounds, making her a crossover success without sacrificing her country credibility.
In conclusion, “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” is more than just a hit song—it’s a cultural statement. It celebrates the authenticity of country life and music, while also embracing the genre’s growing popularity. Barbara Mandrell’s heartfelt performance, combined with its traditional yet accessible production, made the song a beloved anthem for country fans everywhere. Even today, it remains a reminder of the pride and values that have always been at the heart of country music.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I remember wearin’ straight-leg Levis
Flannel shirts even when they weren’t in style
I remember singin’ with Roy Rogers
At the movies when the West was really wild
And I was listenin’ to the Opry
When all of my friends
Were diggin’ Rock ‘n Roll and Rhythm and Blues
I was country when country wasn’t cool
I remember circlin’ the drive-in
Pullin’ up and turnin’ down George Jones
I remember when no one was lookin’
I was puttin’ peanuts in my Coke
I took a lot of kiddin’
‘Cause I never did fit in
Now look at everybody
Tryin’ to be what I was then
I was country when country wasn’t cool, ooh
I was country when country wasn’t cool
I was country from my hat down to my boots
I still act, and look the same
What you see ain’t nothin’ new
I was country when country wasn’t cool
They call us country bumpkins
For stickin’ to our roots
I’m just glad we’re in a country
Where we’re all free to choose
I was country (I was country) when country wasn’t cool
Hey, I was country when country wasn’t cool
Yeah, and I was country from my hat down to, whoa, my boots
I still act, and look the same
What you see ain’t nothin’ new
‘Cause I was country when country wasn’t cool
Yeah, I was country when country wasn’t cool