About the song
John Denver, a beloved singer-songwriter known for his folk-rock style and environmental activism, penned “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” as a heartfelt tribute to his rural upbringing. This upbeat and nostalgic song, released in 1972, became a hit single and a defining track for Denver’s career.
With his distinctive voice and acoustic guitar, Denver paints a vivid picture of life in the countryside. The song celebrates the simple pleasures of rural living, such as fishing, hiking, and spending time with loved ones. Denver’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody make it easy to sing along to and enjoy.
The opening lines, “Thank God I’m a country boy, raised on the farm,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a nostalgic tone. The lyrics continue to reference the beauty of the natural world and the simple joys of country life. Denver’s positive message and upbeat tempo create a sense of optimism and nostalgia.
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is more than just a nostalgic song; it is a celebration of the American spirit. Denver’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of connection to nature and the simple pleasures of life. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences, serving as a reminder of the beauty and value of rural living.
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Lyrics
Well, life on the 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
A-raisin’ me a family and workin’ 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 comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy
When the work’s all done and the sun’s settin’ low
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow
Kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low
And thank God I’m a country boy
I’d play “Sally Goodin” all day if I could
But the Lord and my wife wouldn’t take it very good
So I fiddle when I can, 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 comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, woohoo!
Well, 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 farmin’ tools
Thank God I’m a country boy
Yeah, city folk drivin’ in a black limousine
A lotta sad people thinkin’ that’s 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 comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m a country boy, yes sir!
Well, my fiddle was my daddy’s ’til the day he died
And he took me by the hand, held me close to his side
Said, “Live a good life, play the fiddle with pride
And thank God you’re a country boy”
My daddy taught me young how to hunt and how to whittle
Taught me how to work and play a tune on the fiddle
Taught me how to love and how to give just a little
And thank God I’m a country boy
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle
When the sun’s comin’ up, I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle
Whew! Thank God I’m a country boy, yeah!
John Summers played the fiddle
And he wrote that song!