Analyzing Hank Williams Jr.'s 'Country Boy Can Survive': Decoding the Lyrics

In the iconic song 'Country Boy Can Survive' by Hank Williams Jr., there are a few lines that have sparked some debate. Specifically, the line 'we MAKE our own whiskey and our own smoke too' has led many to wonder what 'our smoke' refers to. Is it tobacco or marijuana? Let's delve into the context and lyrics to uncover the possible answers.

Lyrics and Context

Let's start by going through the original lyrics of the song:

Now I have only heard that song about a billion times so I'm going to start by correcting you on the lyrics. The only thing he says they grow is "good ole tomatoes." But he does say "we MAKE our own whiskey and our own smoke too."

Hank Jr. is indeed correcting the common misconception, stating that the original lyrics mention growing tomatoes. However, the line "we MAKE our own whiskey and our own smoke too" has been the subject of much speculation. Here, we will explore the possible meanings behind 'make our own smoke.'

Theoretical Significance of 'Making Smoke'

When Hank Williams Jr. sings about 'making smoke,' it could be interpreted through a few different lenses. One common interpretation is that 'make our own smoke too' refers to smoking marijuana. However, the song also mentions growing tomatoes, which can lead to other interpretations.

Tobacco vs. Marijuana

Many people grow their own tobacco or even marijuana. When they do, they might smoke it. The line could be a reference to smoking either tobacco or marijuana. However, growing and smoking tobacco might not always make as much sense from an economic standpoint. Producing marijuana, on the other hand, is often associated with more personal and recreational use.

The Generational Influence on Hank Jr.

Understanding Hank Williams Jr.'s background can provide some context. He grew up in the music industry and was exposed to various substances and situations at a young age. His father, Hank Williams Sr., passed away at a young age, leading to an upbringing that was heavily shaped by his mother and other male figures in the music industry.

This exposure may have influenced his understanding of substances and the freedom to experiment. While he might have seen his fair share of tobacco fields, the reference to 'tomatoes' in the lyrics could point to a clever subtext. Marijuana is known to grow well with tomato plants, and some private farmers use this technique to hide their marijuana plants within tomato gardens.

The Conclusion: Marijuana or Tobacco?

Given the complexities and context, it seems more likely that the 'smoke' in Hank Williams Jr.'s lyrics refers to marijuana. However, without direct confirmation, it remains an educated guess based on the context and the market for marijuana.

Additional Insights: Family Tradition

Hank Williams Jr. is well known for his storytelling skills and ability to paint vivid musical pictures. In the song 'Family Tradition,' he explains his unique position, singing about why he drinks and smokes. These songs often reference his parents' influence and the cultural expectations placed upon him.

The crowd's enthusiastic responses to the song 'Family Tradition' provide insight into the cultural context. They answer the questions with 'TO GET DRUNK' and 'TO GET STONED!' This reinforces the idea that Hank Jr. is not just referring to his own personal experiences but is also addressing broader cultural and familial traditions.

Conclusion

To sum up, while the line 'we MAKE our own whiskey and our own smoke too' from 'Country Boy Can Survive' could refer to either tobacco or marijuana, it is more likely that 'smoke' refers to marijuana. This interpretation fits well within the context of the song and the cultural and familial traditions it addresses.

Further Reading and Listening

To gain a deeper understanding of Hank Williams Jr. and his music, I would recommend listening to some of his other chart-topping songs, such as 'Family Tradition.' These songs provide valuable insights into his life and the cultural nuances of his songs.

Note: The information and interpretations provided are based on the presented text and common song analysis. For more in-depth understanding, it is always recommended to listen to the songs and read through detailed analyses from music historians and scholars.