Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
I'm Doin' Alright
Van Zant Lyrics
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I got a spot in the country
I got a dog in the yard
I got a beat-up Chevy
Rust kinda rough but she starts
I got my granddaddy's shotgun
I got a nice little garden of weeds
Tucked back up in the woods
And I'm doin' alright, livin' my life
You got yours and I got mine
Yeah, it may not look like much to you
But it's simple and it suits me fine
Yeah, the sound of the rain an' a lonely old train
Listen to that engine whine
'Cause I am what I am and I sleep good at night
And I'm doin' alright
I got a front porch for pickin'
I got a nice old guitar
I got some lightnin' for sippin'
I've had about a jar
I got a pretty old lady
She's good at stretchin' a dime
In this little corner of heaven, mister
We have a hell of a time
And I'm doin' alright, livin' my life
You got yours and I got mine
Yeah, it may not look like much to you
But it's simple and it suits me fine
Yeah, the sound of the rain an' a lonely old train
Listen to that engine whine
Yeah, I am what I am and I don't give a damn
And I'm doin' alright
All the rats in the city
Are livin' out of a box
They look down their nose, at my life, I suppose
And I just laugh my country ass off
Yeah, I'm doin' all right, livin' my life
You got yours and I got mine
Yeah, it may not look like much to you
But it's simple and it suits me fine
Yeah, the sound of the rain an' a lonely old train
Listen to that engine whine
'Cause I am what I am and I sleep good at night
And I'm doin' alright
Yeah, I'm doin' alright, doin' alright
The song “I’m Doin’ Alright” by Van Zant is a celebration of the small things in life that make us happy. The singer of the song takes pride in what he has, even though it might not be much in the eyes of others. He is content with his life in the country, where he has a spot of his own, a dog, a beat-up Chevy, and a little garden of weeds tucked in the woods. He also has his granddaddy's shotgun, which reminds him of his roots, and he can shoot pretty well. He enjoys the sound of the rain and a lonely train that passes near him, and he has a porch and an old guitar to pick.
The song is a testament to the joy of simple living. The singer has a pretty old lady by his side who knows how to stretch a dime, and they have a hell of a time in their little corner of heaven. The singer laughs at the rats in the city who are living out of a box, and he is proud of what he has. He sleeps well at night, knowing that he is doing alright, and that he has everything he needs.
Overall, “I’m Doin’ Alright” is an uplifting song that reminds us to appreciate the small things in life. It’s about finding contentment in what we have and not comparing ourselves to others.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a spot in the country
I have a place to live outside the city
I got a dog in the yard
I have a pet dog that lives outside with me
I got a beat-up Chevy
I own a worn car, which has some rust, but it still runs
Rust kinda rough but she starts
Despite the rust, the car still runs
I got my granddaddy's shotgun
I possess the shotgun that belonged to my granddaddy
I can shoot pretty good
I am capable of aiming and shooting accurately
I got a nice little garden of weeds
I have a small farm that grows unwanted plants
Tucked back up in the woods
The garden is located in a concealed area of the forest
And I'm doin' alright, livin' my life
I'm doing well and living my life the way I like
You got yours and I got mine
Everyone has their own way of living
Yeah, it may not look like much to you
My way of living may not appear exceptional to you
But it's simple and it suits me fine
My lifestyle is uncomplicated and satisfying for me
Yeah, the sound of the rain an' a lonely old train
I enjoy hearing the sound of rain and old trains
Listen to that engine whine
I find the noise of the train's engine enjoyable
'Cause I am what I am and I sleep good at night
I am who I am, and I feel content with myself, resulting in a peaceful sleep at night
And I'm doin' alright
Overall, I'm doing well in life
I got a front porch for pickin'
I have a front porch where I can play music
I got a nice old guitar
I own an aged guitar that I can use to play music
I got some lightnin' for sippin'
I have some moonshine whiskey to drink
I've had about a jar
I drank approximately one jar of moonshine
I got a pretty old lady
I have a girlfriend who is aging well
She's good at stretchin' a dime
My girlfriend is skillful in managing finances
In this little corner of heaven, mister
In my small, happy haven
We have a hell of a time
We are thoroughly enjoying ourselves
All the rats in the city
People who live in the urban area
Are livin' out of a box
A metaphor representing people living confined lives in small apartments
They look down their nose, at my life, I suppose
They have contempt for my lifestyle
And I just laugh my country ass off
I find it amusing and laugh at their arrogant behavior
Yeah, I'm doin' all right, livin' my life
I'm doing well and enjoying the way I live
Yeah, it may not look like much to you
Others might perceive my life as unimpressive
I am what I am and I don't give a damn
I'm comfortable with who I am, and I don't care what others think
And I'm doin' alright
Overall, I'm satisfied with my life
Yeah, I'm doin' alright, doin' alright
I'm doing excellent and happy with my current situation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JOHNNY ROY VAN ZANT, MELVERN RIVERS II RUTHERFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind