Country
Ryan Upchurch Lyrics
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Clean up your act and sing these songs
You gotta smile, get rid of those clothes
And put these new ones on
Oh I like how I dress
And my crooked smile ain′t that wrong
I'll be damned, where′s country music gone
They ain't changing my red neck or blue collar
I′ll still be sitting here on this old tailgate
Jamming to Lynyrd Skynyrd or some old time Hank
You can take the boy way out of the country
But you ain′t gonna take the country out of this boy
I bet people thought I was gonna sing
The same songs on the radio
But I can't write that textbook shit
I′m just singing what I know
I might not sing the song
That charts on Billboard's number 1
But I′ll make sure you know every dadgum word
And your buddy's sing along
Yeah I don′t know but from one country boy to another
They ain't changing my red neck or blue collar
I'll still be sitting here on this old tailgate
Jamming to Lynyrd Skynyrd or some old time Hank
You can take the boy way out of the country
But you ain′t gonna take the country out of this boy
Yeah I don′t need no mansion with them marble floors
I got a single wide trailer with some locking doors
A truck that runs a little money for gas
A few bucks on the side for Bud Light on draft
You can take the boy way out of the country
But you can't take the country out of this boy
Yeah I don′t know but from one country boy to another
They ain't changing my red neck or blue collar
I′ll still be sitting here on this old tailgate
Jamming to Lynyrd Skynyrd or some old time Hank
You can take the boy way out of the country
But you ain't gonna take the country out of this boy
In Ryan Upchurch's song "Country", he speaks to the changing nature of country music and how it seems like the industry wants him to conform to a certain image and sound. The lyrics reflect his frustration with the pressure to "clean up" his act and sing certain types of songs that will chart on Billboard lists. He asserts that he won't be changing his redneck or blue-collar ways and will always keep his roots in country music. He speaks to the importance of staying true to oneself and not conforming to external pressure to change.
The lyrics also speak to Upchurch's love for the traditional country sound, as he references listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams. He acknowledges that his songs might not chart as high as others, but he prioritizes authenticity and making music that reflects his experiences and values. He speaks to the working-class nature of his life, describing his trailer and truck, and how he values the simple things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
They say you gotta change your ways
According to society, I am supposed to change who I am.
Clean up your act and sing these songs
I am expected to present myself as a better person and conform to the music industry's standards.
You gotta smile, get rid of those clothes
I am expected to look a certain way and act a certain way.
And put these new ones on
I am expected to change my style and conform to what is popular.
Oh I like how I dress
I am comfortable in my own style and do not wish to change it.
And my crooked smile ain't that wrong
I do not need to change my appearance to please others.
I'll be damned, where's country music gone
I am disappointed with the state of country music and how it has changed from its original roots.
Yeah I don't know but from one country boy to another
I may not have all the answers, but I know other country boys feel the same way I do.
They ain't changing my red neck or blue collar
I am proud of my background and will not conform to societal pressure to change it.
I'll still be sitting here on this old tailgate
I will continue to enjoy the simple things in life and not worry about conforming to societal norms.
Jamming to Lynyrd Skynyrd or some old time Hank
I will continue to enjoy and appreciate classic country music and not conform to what is popular.
You can take the boy way out of the country
Even if I were to leave the country and live in a city, I will always embody the values and lifestyle of a country boy.
But you ain’t gonna take the country out of this boy
My love for and embodiment of country life cannot be taken away from me.
I bet people thought I was gonna sing
People expected me to conform to what is popular in country music.
The same songs on the radio
I am expected to create and perform music that fits in with what is currently popular on the radio.
But I can't write that textbook shit
I cannot create music that does not truly represent who I am and what I stand for.
I'm just singing what I know
I will create and perform music that is authentic to me and my experiences.
I might not sing the song
I may not create music that is popular and expected in the industry.
That charts on Billboard's number 1
I may not be creating music that achieves mainstream success and is popular among the general population.
But I'll make sure you know every dadgum word
Even if my music is not mainstream, I will ensure that those who do listen to it will know and appreciate it.
And your buddy's sing along
My music will resonate with those who appreciate and embody the same values as I do.
Yeah I don't need no mansion with them marble floors
I do not need to conform to or aspire to what is considered luxurious or wealthy.
I got a single wide trailer with some locking doors
I am happy with the simple life and do not aspire to live in a grandiose manner.
A truck that runs a little money for gas
I am content with what I have and do not need material possessions to define my worth.
A few bucks on the side for Bud Light on draft
I am happy with the simple pleasures in life, such as a cold beer at the end of a hard day.
Contributed by Taylor J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ryan Upchurch
Help a ol boy out 🤘🏼🧡 share this mug if y’all can 🌽🍞🙏🏼 #hollerboys
jeff b
Fuggen love this shit skin man what a legend of a song much love skin stay safe bubba.
B Pete
This is definitely going on my fishing Playlist! 🎣
Jessica Marie
Already done skin🤙
Joshua Maiville
Wish you coulda made it to tailgates and tallboys fuggin we are almost there gonna be a blast. Banger like always keep it up #HOLLERBOYS
Steele Reels
I paused it after 34 seconds right off the rip now I will finish this song Keep It Up Up church I know the rest is going to be fired
Ginger Billy
Awesome song my duuude!
Timothy Jacobs
No way two of my favorite YouTubers dope 🤘
Lil JT
@Timothy Jacobs fr
Matt
Ginger billy and upchurch could have a damn good time filming together, I’m sure of it. 🤔