About The Song
John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a cultural touchstone, an ode to rural life that resonated across America and beyond. But the song’s journey, from pen to platinum record, is itself a fascinating story.
Written by John Martin Sommers in 1971, the song’s origins are humble. Sommers, a songwriter grappling with city life, poured his longing for simpler times intolyrics that celebrate open spaces, fresh air, and the close-knit bonds of rural communities. In 1974, Denver discovered the song and knew it belonged in his repertoire. He recorded it for his album “Back Home Again,” his voice imbuing the lyrics with a genuine love for the land and its values.
However, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” wasn’t an instant hit. While embraced by Denver’s loyal fanbase, radio stations initially hesitated, deeming it too “country” for mainstream appeal. Undeterred, Denver included the song in his live sets, where its infectious chorus and relatable message ignited crowds. The live version, recorded at the Universal Amphitheatre in 1974, captured this electric energy and became the single release.
In a stunning turn of events, the song took off. It climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Country Singles charts in 1975. The song’s success transcended genres, resonating with city dwellers yearning for a connection to nature and community. It became an anthem for rural America, its simple message of finding joy in the everyday resonating with hearts everywhere.
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” cemented Denver’s status as a superstar and remains a beloved classic. It has been covered by countless artists, featured in movies and TV shows, and become synonymous with a certain idyllic vision of rural life. While times have changed, the song’s core message – of appreciating the simple things, cherishing our roots, and finding joy in the rhythms of nature – continues to resonate. So, as the opening guitar riff rings out, prepare to be transported back to simpler times, where the sky is wide, the air is sweet, and a grateful heart sings, “Thank God I’m a country boy.”
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Lyrics
Well, life’s on a farm is kinda laid back,
ain’t much an old country boy like me can’t hack.
It’s early to rise, early in the sack thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, a simple kind of life never did me no harm,
raising me a family and working on the farm.
My days are all filled with an easy country charm, thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun’s coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.When the work’s all done and the sun’s setting low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
The kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low, thank God I’m a country boy.
I’d play Sally Gooding all day if I could,
but the lord and my wife wouldn’t take it very good.
So I fiddle when I can and I work when I should, thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun’s coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.I wouldn’t trade my life for diamonds or jewels,
I never was one of them money hungry fools.
I’d rather have my fiddle and my farming tools, thank God I’m a country boy.
Yeah, city folk driving in a black limousine,
a lotta sad people thinking that’s-a mighty keen.
Son, let me tell you now exactly what I mean, thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun’s coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.Well, my fiddle was my daddy’s till the day he died,
and he took me by the hand and held me close to his side.
He said, “Live a good life and play my fiddle with pride,
and thank God you’re a country boy.
My Daddy taught me young how to hunt and how to whittle,
he taught me how to work and play a tune on the fiddle.
He taught me how to love and how to give just a little,
thank God I’m a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun’s coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I’m a country boy.