About the song
“Hank Williams Jr. – A Country Boy Can Survive” is a quintessential country anthem that celebrates the resilience and self-reliance of rural America. Released in 1982 as part of his album “The Pressure Is On,” the song quickly became one of Williams’ signature tracks.
Written by Hank Williams Jr. himself, “A Country Boy Can Survive” reflects on the challenges and hardships faced by those living in rural areas, emphasizing their ability to adapt and thrive in difficult circumstances. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of rural life, from hunting and fishing to living off the land, resonating with audiences who identify with its themes of independence and resilience.
Upon its release, “A Country Boy Can Survive” achieved significant success on the country music charts, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its popularity has endured over the years, becoming a staple of Williams’ live performances and earning recognition as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
With its memorable melody and evocative lyrics, “A Country Boy Can Survive” continues to be celebrated by fans of country music and is regarded as a classic in the genre. Its enduring appeal speaks to its timeless themes and Williams’ ability to capture the spirit of rural America in song.
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