Jump to content

A Country Boy Can Survive

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Richhoncho (talk | contribs) at 23:07, 24 August 2015 (removed Category:1982 songs; added Category:1981 songs using HotCat). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

"A Country Boy Can Survive"
Song
B-side"Weatherman"

"A Country Boy Can Survive" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Hank Williams, Jr. The song was released as a single in January 1982 and reached a peak of number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts in March 1982.[1] It is considered one of Williams' signature songs even though it never reached number one.

Shortly after 9/11, Williams re-wrote and re-recorded the song with a patriotic theme under the name "America Will Survive"; the rewrite peaked at number 45 on the Billboard country charts.

In early 2007, Williams re-released the original version to commend the 25th anniversary of its original release, in addition to creating a music video for it. This re-release peaked at number 45 on the Billboard country charts.

The song has also gained popularity as the fight entrance song for UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes.

Content

The song exalts and lists many things that detail the everyday life of country dwellers.

The notable second verse mentions the narrator's relationship with a New York City businessman; despite their differing backgrounds the two become good friends and exchange gifts ("he'd send me pictures of the Broadway nights/And I'd send him some homemade wine"). However, the businessman is "killed by a man with a switchblade knife/for $43 my friend lost his life"; Williams replies that he would like to personally kill the mugger himself. (The "America Will Survive" remix has the businessman being a victim of the 9/11 attacks.)

Chart positions

Original version

Chart (1982) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks 2
Canadian RPM Country Tracks 2

2001 re-release as "America Will Survive"

Chart (2001) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks 45

2007 re-release for 25th Anniversary

Chart (2007) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks 45

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[2] Gold 500,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Chad Brock version (Y2K version)

"A Country Boy Can Survive"
Song
B-side"Going the Distance"

In late 1999, Chad Brock and George Jones collaborated with Williams to record a re-written version of the song with a Y2K theme, with lines such as "If the bank machines crash, we'll be just fine." This version peaked at number 30 on the Billboard country charts, and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Chart positions

Chart (1999) Peak
position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[3] 66
US Billboard Hot 100[4] 75
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5] 30

References

  1. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
  2. ^ "American single certifications – Hank Williams, Jr. – A Country Boy Can Survive". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  3. ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 10016." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. January 10, 2000. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  4. ^ "Chad Brock Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  5. ^ "Chad Brock Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A_Country_Boy_Can_Survive&oldid=677692759"