Introduction
“Country Boy” is a song written and performed by American country music artist Alan Jackson. Released on September 29, 2008, it served as the third single from his album Good Time. The track showcases Jackson’s signature blend of traditional country sounds with contemporary themes, underscoring his deep-rooted connection to rural life.
The song is characterized by a moderate up-tempo rhythm, predominantly driven by electric guitar. In the lyrics, the narrator invites a female companion to join him in his four-wheel-drive truck, expressing his willingness to take her wherever she desires, embodying the quintessential “country boy” persona.
Upon its release, “Country Boy” garnered mixed reviews from music critics. Brady Vercher of Engine 145 offered a less favorable critique, describing the song as “four minutes of triviality” and suggesting it lacked depth beyond its repetitive chorus. He also compared it to Luke Bryan’s “Country Man,” noting that while Bryan’s track embraced its own absurdity, Jackson’s song seemed to rely heavily on suggestive innuendo. Conversely, Jeffrey B. Remz of Country Standard Time provided a more positive assessment, acknowledging the song’s familiar theme of Southern life but emphasizing Jackson’s authenticity in delivering such content, distinguishing him from less genuine portrayals in the genre.
To engage his audience in the song’s promotion, Jackson initiated a music video contest in late September 2008. Fans were encouraged to create simple videos, no longer than five minutes, depicting themselves driving around with a girlfriend, reflecting the song’s narrative. The contest concluded on October 6, 2008, with Clay Ashley, Dan Hair, and Mark Trotter from Sioux City, Iowa, emerging as the winners. Prior to the release of the official music video, CMT aired a live performance featuring Jackson alongside fellow country artists Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and George Strait during the CMT Country Giants special.
Commercially, “Country Boy” achieved significant success. In January 2009, it ascended to the Number One position on the Billboard country singles charts, marking Jackson’s twenty-fifth chart-topping hit. This accomplishment tied him with George Strait for the most Number One hits by a country artist since January 1990, when charts began incorporating Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems for tabulation. “Country Boy” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s enduring appeal and his ability to craft music that resonates with both traditional and contemporary country music fans.
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.