Tipping his hat to Bochephus.
Joe Nichols released a new project this past week, Honky Tonks And Country Songs, and while the record is filled with what the title details, sad songs, and honky tonk vibes, it also features a stellar cover of Hank William Jr.’s “A County Boy Can Survive.”
The song, which is considered an essential song from Bochephus’ catalog, highlights his love of the outdoors and living off the land. The song expresses concern for the world becoming more modern, and Williams Jr. sings of his worry that folks will no longer live by the American way. Written and recorded by Williams Jr., the hit 1982 single is one that fans know and love, and they will sing every word at his shows.
As Nichols declares himself a “singer of country songs” over his career, he has proven that statement true and makes authentic music that connects listeners to the genre’s roots. His cover of the Hank Williams Jr. tune further makes that statement true.
Of the new record, Nichols says:
“I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks. They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people.
My job is to make people feel good. And sometimes that means with fun and happy songs, and other times with sad and sorrowful truths. But the goal is always to make them feel good. This album is meant to do exactly that. Everyone can find a good time in a honky tonk and a country song.”
This stellar cover tips his hat, the living legend, and breathes new light into the single.
Nichols kept the composition of this single very similar to the studio cut, honoring Bocephus by not changing it up too much. However, Nichols’ smooth and silky twangs coat listeners’ ears differently than Williams Jr.’s version.
“We came from the West Virginia coal minesAnd the Rocky Mountains, and the western skiesAnd we can skin a buck, we can run a trotlineAnd a country boy can surviveCountry folks can survive…”
I am sure that Hank Williams Jr. would give this cover his stamp of approval. If you’re a fan of “A Country Boy Can Survive,” you must fire up “Country Boy Can Survive” today.
Honky Tonks and Country Songs Tracklist:
1. Honky Tonks and Country Songs – (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
2. Bottle It Up – (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
3. People Still Doin’ That – (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels)
4. Helpless in a Honky Tonk – (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
5. Country Boy Can Survive – (Hank Williams Jr)
6. Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward) – (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
7. Doin’ Life with You – (Jimmy Yeary)
8. Y’all Do – (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
9. On and On – (Jason Sellers Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
10. Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko) – (Derek George/John Pierce)
11. Amazing Ways – (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)
Without the original, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy this stellar cover, so fire that up while you’re here, too.
