Meaning of "A Country Boy Can Survive" by Hank Williams, Jr.

"A Country Boy Can Survive" is an anthem that celebrates the strength and resilience of rural America. The lyrics depict a contrast between urban life and the country way of living. The preacher's warnings of the end of time and the drying Mississippi River, combined with the downfall of the stock market and increased crime rates in the city, represent the struggles and challenges faced by society. However, the narrator emphasizes how they are untouched by these problems and proud of their way of life. Living in the woods with family, dogs, a shotgun, rifle, and four-wheel drive, they display self-sufficiency and the ability to survive in any situation.

The song also highlights the skills and abilities that define a country boy's life. Plowing fields, catching fish, making their own whiskey and smoke, growing vegetables, and producing homemade wine are showcased as examples of their resourcefulness. These skills not only provide food and sustenance but also represent a sense of self-reliance and independence that sets them apart from others.

Moreover, the lyrics emphasize the values and etiquette upheld by country folks. They say grace and use terms like "ma'am," showing respect and politeness towards others. However, they also make it clear that they are unapologetically themselves and not concerned with conforming to societal norms. The line "If you ain't into that, we don't give a damn" reflects their defiance and refusal to compromise their identity.

The song takes a somber turn with the narrative of the narrator's friend from New York City who never called him by his name, just "Hillbilly." This highlights the cultural clash and the stereotype that exists between rural and urban communities. The story of the friend's tragic death, killed by a man with a switchblade knife for a small sum of money, is a stark reminder of the dangers of city life. The anger expressed by the narrator towards the perpetrator, wishing to retaliate with violence, showcases the protective nature and loyalty of the country folks.

Overall, "A Country Boy Can Survive" is a song that embraces the values, traditions, and resilience of rural America. It presents a stark contrast between the simplicity and self-sufficiency of the country way of life and the challenges faced by urban society.