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Life Filled With Challenges on A Country Boy Can Survive

A Country Boy Can Survive
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

“A Country Boy Can Survive” became a trademark anthem for Hank Williams Jr. It is perhaps more well-known these days even more, although it never peaked at #1. It was penned by the singer himself and was released in January 1982 as a single with the production of Jimmy Bowen. 

It depicts developments to American lifestyle and culture that matched countryside concerns of the adverse effect from rising deindustrialization and applauds the aptitude of ‘country boys.’ As literate townsfolk and residents may despise their countryside neighbors, they must never forget that those “rednecks” can trail, farm, and protect themselves. Its lyrics narrate how rural-dwellers don’t believe that huge cities supply the same conditions for themselves. 

It is among Hank Williams Jr. songs that still experience appreciation from people who embrace their determination to live. It clearly states that those who live earnestly should keep going regardless. Moreover, the song is an up-tempo version of modern country music that is still unrivaled over the years. 

A Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams Jr. peaked at # 2 on the US Hot Country Songs chart, remaining there for 20 weeks. It also reached number # 2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts. 

Thirty years later, Williams reinterpreted and re-recorded the song to pay tribute to America shortly after 9/11, and “America Will Survive” was born. And in 2007, Williams re-released the original rendition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its first release. Both versions reached the #45 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. 

Watch the video below of Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive” and explore every lyric and unriddle them as they resemble your own life.

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