Introduction
David Allan Coe’s “If That Ain’t Country” isn’t your typical country ballad. Released in 1977 on his album “Rides Again,” the song throws a spotlight on the raw and unpolished side of rural life, a stark contrast to the smoother, more sanitized country music that was gaining popularity at the time.
Coe, known for his rebellious streak and outlaw persona, wasn’t afraid to tackle uncomfortable truths. “If That Ain’t Country” dives headfirst into the struggles of the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a family living on the edge – a tattooed old man with a gruff demeanor, thirteen children, a pack of dogs, and a farmyard full of animals. Their days are filled with hard labor, from chopping wood for winter to fixing up old junk cars. It’s a life of sweat, dirt, and the ever-present threat of financial hardship.
But within this harsh reality, Coe finds a different kind of beauty. This family’s resilience, their fierce independence, and their connection to the land – that’s what “If That Ain’t Country” celebrates. It’s a middle finger to the romanticized version of country life, a reminder that for many, country living is about survival, not aesthetics.
The song’s unapologetic lyrics, coupled with Coe’s signature drawl, resonated deeply with a segment of the country music audience who felt their struggles were being ignored. “If That Ain’t Country” became an anthem for those living on the fringes, a testament to the grit and determination that defines a certain kind of American spirit. So crank up the volume and get ready for a dose of unfiltered country with David Allan Coe’s “If That Ain’t Country.”