About the song
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers for decades. Written by John Martin Sommers and recorded by the legendary American singer-songwriter John Denver, this song has become an iconic representation of country music’s rich heritage. Released in 1974, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” was included on Denver’s album Back Home Again, which showcased his unique blend of folk, rock, and country music.
The song’s origins date back to December 31, 1973, when Sommers, a talented musician and member of Denver’s backup band, was driving from Aspen, Colorado to Los Angeles. Feeling peaceful, happy, and content, Sommers scribbled down notes about his blissful state, which would later serve as the inspiration for the song. The result was a heartfelt tribute to the simple joys of country living, with lyrics that celebrate the beauty of nature, the comfort of small-town life, and the warmth of human connection.
Musically, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is a masterclass in storytelling, with a structure that perfectly captures the song’s emotional essence. The song is written in cut (2/2) time, a traditional two-step rhythm that adds a sense of movement and energy to the music. The verse and chorus are eight measures long, with a brief pause in the middle that creates a sense of anticipation and tension. The instrumental breaks are particularly noteworthy, featuring a beautiful violin solo that plays the old fiddle tune Sally Goodin, which is also referenced in the song’s lyrics.
Throughout its history, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” has been praised for its authenticity, its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing in listeners. The song’s success can be measured by its chart-topping performance, which reached number one on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts. Today, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the enduring power of country music to bring people together and evoke emotions that transcend time and place.
Video
Lyrics
Clap your hands!
Well, life on the farm is kinda laid back
Ain’t much an old country boy like me can’t hack
It’s early to rise, early in the sack
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, a simple kind of life never did me no harm
A-raisin’ me a family and workin’ on the farm
My days are all filled with an easy country charm
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy
When the work’s all done and the sun’s settin’ low
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow
Kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low
And thank God I’m a country boy
I’d play “Sally Goodin” all day if I could
But the Lord and my wife wouldn’t take it very good
So I fiddle when I can, work when I should
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, woohoo!
Well, I wouldn’t trade my life for diamonds or jewels
I never was one of them money-hungry fools
I’d rather have my fiddle and my farmin’ tools
Thank God I’m a country boy
Yeah, city folk drivin’ in a black limousine
A lotta sad people thinkin’ that’s mighty keen
Son, let me tell you now exactly what I mean
Thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, yes sir!
Well, my fiddle was my daddy’s ’til the day he died
And he took me by the hand, held me close to his side
Said, “Live a good life, play the fiddle with pride
And thank God you’re a country boy”
My daddy taught me young how to hunt and how to whittle
Taught me how to work and play a tune on the fiddle
Taught me how to love and how to give just a little
And thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Whew! Thank God I’m a country boy, yeah!
John Summers played the fiddle
And he wrote that song!