Toby Keith’s “A Country Boy Can Survive”: A Timeless Country Anthem
Toby Keith’s “A Country Boy Can Survive” is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of independence and a celebration of rural life.
Released in 2001 as the lead single from his album of the same name, this track quickly became one of Keith’s signature songs and a country music staple.
Background
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the countryside. From fishing and hunting to simple pleasures like drinking beer and watching the sunset, Keith encapsulates the rugged individualism and love for the land that define country living.
The chorus, “A country boy can survive,” is a rallying cry, a testament to the resilience and self-reliance of people who grew up in rural America.
What sets “A Country Boy Can Survive” apart is its authenticity. Keith’s deep, resonant voice and the song’s straightforward, no-nonsense lyrics connect with listeners on a visceral level. It’s a song that evokes memories of simpler times, of growing up in a small town, and of the enduring appeal of the great outdoors.
The music video for “A Country Boy Can Survive” further enhances the song’s appeal. Featuring Keith and his band performing in various rural settings, the video is a visual feast for fans of traditional country music. The imagery of pickup trucks, fishing poles, and wide-open spaces reinforces the song’s themes of freedom and self-sufficiency.
While “A Country Boy Can Survive” is undoubtedly a celebration of rural life, it also has a broader appeal. The song’s themes of perseverance, independence, and the importance of family resonate with people from all walks of life. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can always find strength in your roots and the values that have shaped you.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
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 4-wheel drive
And a country boy can survive, country folks can survive[Verse 2]
I can plow a field all day long
I can catch catfish from dusk ’til dawn
We make our own whiskey and our own smoke, too
Ain’t too many things these old boys can’t do
We grow good ol’ tomatoes and homemade wine
And a country boy can survive, country folks can survive[Chorus]
Because you can’t starve us out and you can’t make us run
‘Cause we’re them old boys raised on shotguns
And we say grace and we say Ma’am
If you ain’t into that we don’t give a damn[Verse 3]
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 trotline
And a country boy can survive, country folks can survive