About The Song
Country music artist Alan Jackson absolutely embodies country, and his 2008 track “Country Boy” from his Good Time album is a perfect example. The song was his 25th career number-one hit on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
The even more impressive part was that it marked the moment that Jackson matched fellow singer George Strait’s record for the most Number One hits by a country artist since January 1990. Aside from that, the song also peaked at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Meaning Behind The Song
Alan Jackson’s songs like “Country Boy” were as country as country gets – from the lyrics down to the sound. Produced by Keith Stegall, this song is considered “one of the earliest popular examples of bro-country music.” It has also resonated with many fans of the genre, especially the country folks.
While the lyrics talk about a boy inviting a girl to climb on his four-wheel-drive to go on a ride around town, at its core, it’s about the simplicity of rural life in America. Life can be rewarding without it being complicated. More importantly, the song celebrates it, and that’s because it highlights the sense of community of the country folks, their self-sufficiency, and their can-do attitude to overcome any difficulties.
In terms of sound, it’s straightforward and fresh, bringing along that same sense of simplicity. It’s also so fun to listen to and even dance along to.
For its music video, Jackson held a contest, which he announced on his official YouTube channel. The brief was that it should showcase driving around with a girlfriend, be no longer than five minutes, and be just a simple video. Clay Ashley, Dan Hair, and Mark Trotter of Sioux, Iowa, won the contest.
However, before the official contest-won music video aired, TV network CMT aired the song’s live version for their Country Giants Special. Jackson featured fellow country artists Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and George Strait in his performance.
Video
Lyrics
Excuse me ma’am, I saw you walkin’
I turned around, I’m not a stalker
Where you going? Maybe I can help you
My tank is full, I’d be obliged to take you
‘Cause I’m a country boy, I’ve got a four-wheel drive
Climb in my bed, I’ll take you for a ride
Up city streets, down country roads
I can get you where you need to go
‘Cause I’m a country boy
You sure look good, sittin’ in my right seat
Buckle up, and I’ll take you through the five speeds
Wind it up, or I can slow it way down
In the woods or right uptown
I’m a country boy, I’ve got a four-wheel drive
Climb in my bed, I’ll take you for a ride
Up city streets, down country roads
I can get you where you need to go
‘Cause I’m a country boy
Big 35’s whinin’ on the asphalt
Grabbin’ mud, and slingin’ up some red dirt
‘Cause I’m a country boy
My muffler’s loud, dual thrush tubes
I crank the music, the tone gets real good
Let me know when we’re gettin’ close
You can slide on out, or we can head on down the road
‘Cause I’m a country boy, I’ve got a four-wheel drive
Climb in my bed, I’ll take you for a ride
Up city streets, down country roads
I can get you where you want to go
‘Cause I’m a country boy
Bucket seats, soft as baby’s new butt
Lockin’ hubs, that’ll take you through a deep rut
‘Cause I’m a country boy, I’ve got a four-wheel drive
Climb in my bed, I’ll take you for a ride
Up city streets, down winding roads
I can get you where you need to go
‘Cause I’m a country boy
Yeah
Yeah I’m a country boy, I’ve got a four-wheel drive
Climb in my bed, I’ll take you for a ride
Up city streets, down country roads
I can get you where you want to go
‘Cause I’m a country boy
Yeah, I’m a country boy,
Oh, I’m just a country boy,
A nice little country boy.