About the Song
Buckle Up, City Slickers! Hank Williams, Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive” Takes You on a Gritty Ride
Remember the days when calloused hands, dirt under your fingernails, and a simple life meant more than stock prices and city lights? If so, then Hank Williams, Jr.’s iconic anthem, “A Country Boy Can Survive”, might just be your cup of sweet tea. Released in 1982, this ain’t your typical Nashville ballad. It’s a down-home declaration of self-reliance, a middle finger to the hustle and bustle, and a celebration of the resilience of the country spirit.
Hank Jr., as he’s affectionately known, ain’t shy about paintin’ a picture. The world he sees is filled with economic woes, city dangers, and even talk of the end times. But fear not, because nestled back in the woods, away from the rat race, there’s a different breed. “Country folks,” he sings, “can survive.”
This ain’t just empty boastin’. Hank Jr. lays out the tools of the trade: a shotgun for protection, a four-wheel drive for gettin’ around, and the know-how to grow their own food, make their own whiskey, and even catch catfish for dinner. It’s a life built on self-sufficiency, one where hard work and tradition trump the fleeting trends of the outside world.
But there’s more to “A Country Boy Can Survive” than just livin’ off the land. It’s a song about community, about the values that bind folks together. Family, faith, and respect are woven into the lyrics, reminders that even in the face of adversity, there’s strength in numbers. And let’s not forget the honesty. Hank Jr. speaks his mind, plain and simple, callin’ out the city slickers who wouldn’t know a real man from a fancy suit.
So, whether you’re a grizzled veteran of the country life or just yearn for a simpler time, “A Country Boy Can Survive” has somethin’ for you. It’s a reminder that true grit ain’t found in skyscrapers, but in the spirit of those who can weather any storm, come hell or high water. So crank up the volume, put on your boots, and let Hank Jr. show you why, even today, a country boy (or girl!) can survive.