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.
My Kind Of Country
Van Zant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say grace at supper time
I'm just a dot on the map
ain't scared to take a stand
For this little piece of land
Don't make me take you out back
Hard hat, head back to work on Monday
My kind of country
Little league, bass boats and good clean fun
That's my kind of country
Roots run deep as they come
In my kind of country
I'm from the old school
Live by the golden rule
Ain't no strangers around here
I like the simple life
Sit a spell, have a bite
Honey, get that man a beer
Cornbread, collard greens, mama?s fried chicken
Blue jeans, work boots, I'm still kicking
My kind of country
Football, four-wheeling, good clean fun
That's my kind of country
Roots run deep as they come
In my kind of country, yeah, that's my kind of country
We got Johnny Cash, Back in Black, Southern rock 'n' roll
.38, Skynyrd, turn up that radio
My kind of country
Camouflage, hunting dogs, good clean fun
That's my kind of country
Roots run deep as they come
My kind of country
Backyard barbecue, get you some
That's my kind of country
Roots run deep as they come
In my kind of country
Pick up trucks and dirt roads
Ah, the fourth of July, salute the flag
Yeah, my kind of country
That, that, that's my kind of country
Van Zant's song "My Kind Of Country" describes the singer's favorite aspects of country life. The lyrics suggest that the singer is a proud, hard-working person who is true to traditional values. The singer speaks his mind, says grace before eating, and is unafraid to defend his land or take someone outside to settle a dispute. He enjoys the simple life, reminiscing about his Mama's fried chicken and liking his beer cold. The singer believes in living by the golden rule, embracing his neighbors as though they've known each other for years.
The lyrics also mention some of the aspects of country living the singer enjoys, including tattoos, sweet tea, NASCAR, hard hats, and working with his hands. He likes to hunt and fish, attend football games, ride four-wheelers, and attend backyard barbecues. He also likes to listen to Southern rock and country artists like Johnny Cash.
Line by Line Meaning
I like to speak my mind
I enjoy expressing my thoughts and opinions
Say grace at supper time
I give thanks before eating dinner
I'm just a dot on the map
I live in a small, rural area
ain't scared to take a stand
I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in
For this little piece of land
I care deeply about my community
Don't make me take you out back
I won't hesitate to defend myself or my values
Tattoos, sweet tea, NASCAR Sunday
I enjoy tattoos, sweet tea, and watching NASCAR races on Sundays
Hard hat, head back to work on Monday
I work a manual labor job and go back to work on Mondays
Little league, bass boats and good clean fun
I find enjoyment in activities like little league baseball, bass fishing, and wholesome entertainment
Roots run deep as they come
My connection and loyalty to my roots and community are strong
In my kind of country
This is the type of environment and lifestyle that I prefer
I'm from the old school
I have traditional values and beliefs
Live by the golden rule
I treat others as I would like to be treated
Ain't no strangers around here
Everyone in my community is familiar and friendly with each other
I like the simple life
I prefer a straightforward and easygoing lifestyle
Sit a spell, have a bite
Take a moment to relax and have a meal with me
Honey, get that man a beer
Bring a cold beer over for me
Cornbread, collard greens, mama's fried chicken
These are examples of southern cuisine that I enjoy
Blue jeans, work boots, I'm still kicking
I wear durable and practical clothing for my daily activities
Football, four-wheeling, good clean fun
I enjoy playing and watching football, as well as recreational off-roading
We got Johnny Cash, Back in Black, Southern rock 'n' roll
These are examples of music that I like to listen to
.38, Skynyrd, turn up that radio
I appreciate classic rock and have a preference for southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd
Camouflage, hunting dogs, good clean fun
I enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, and appreciate the camouflage aesthetic
Backyard barbecue, get you some
Come join me for a barbecue in the backyard
Pick up trucks and dirt roads
I drive a pickup truck and enjoy driving on dirt roads
Ah the fourth of July, salute the flag
I honor my country and its independence on the fourth of July
Yeah, my kind of country
All of these things make up the lifestyle and environment that I identify with
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BLAIR DALY, DONALD N VAN ZANT, JOHNNY ROY VAN ZANT, TOM HAMBRIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DollarShhort
Excellent job on the video. Very well done. On behalf of the "Van zant Fans " I thank you.
Luiz Cláudio Ribeirinho
Love .38, Skynyrd and the Van Zant Brothers, great video! And that's some livin' as well: simple life will always rule! You guys really have a nice kind of country. Been there 2 years ago, hope to be back soon. Cheers from Brazil!
KT Cat
Great job! It made me smile. Thanks for sharing this.
Deric Vanzant
I sure love your music guys!
Jason Gutrhie
awesome video man i miss livin out in the country but ill always be a country boy at heart. it dont matter where you live its the way you live
Matt Sayle
Great job guys...keep country stong!
Carl hartley
God Bless the Van Zany boys!😎
Dominick Loyd
Great video I really enjoyed it. Thank you, keep up the good work.
Brittany Richard
still my fav. i love watching this esp. when im missing my family. i love all you guys!
its me myself
great job love it