Introduction
Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” also known as “Country Boy,” is a lively song performed by American singer-songwriter John Denver. Written by John Martin Sommers, a member of Denver’s backing band, the song was first recorded for Denver’s 1974 album Back Home Again. A live version, recorded on August 26, 1974, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, was included in his 1975 album An Evening with John Denver. This live recording was subsequently released as a single, reaching the top position on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1975.
The inspiration for “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” came from Sommers’ feelings of contentment during a drive from Aspen, Colorado, to Los Angeles on December 31, 1973, coincidentally Denver’s 30th birthday. Sommers, a multi-instrumentalist proficient in guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, penned the lyrics reflecting his peaceful and happy state during the journey.
Musically, the song features a two-step rhythm typical of country music, with verses and choruses comprising eight measures, incorporating a 3/2 measure between the first four and last three measures to create a slight rhythmic stall. Instrumental breaks include a violin playing “Sally Goodin,” an old fiddle tune referenced in the lyrics.
Beyond the charts, the song became culturally significant. It has been played during the seventh-inning stretch at Baltimore Orioles home games since 1975, with Denver performing it live at Memorial Stadium during the 1983 World Series and again in 1997. The song also inspired Denver’s 1977 variety special of the same name.
For a visual experience of the song, you can watch John Denver’s live performance below:
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