Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy
Don Williams
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Well I grew up wild and free walking these fields in my bare feet There wasn't no place I couldn't go with a twenty-two rifle and a fishing pole Well I live in the city but don't fit in you know it's a pity the shape I'm in But I got no home and I got no choice oh Lord have mercy on a country boy When I was young I remember well I'd hunt the wild turkey and the bob-white quail The river was clear and deep back then and fishin' lines tied to the willow limb Well I live in the city... Well they dammed the river they dammed the stream They cut down the cypress and the sweet gum trees There's a laundra mat and a barber shop and now the whole meadow is a parking lot Well I live in the city...
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Written by: BOB MCDILL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy" is a song recorded by both country icons Don Williams and Josh Turner. Don Williams, known as the "Gentle Giant" of country music due to his smooth baritone voice and calm demeanor, was a popular artist in the 1970s and '80s. Josh Turner, on the other hand, emerged in the early 2000s with his deep voice and traditional country sound.
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Song's ReleaseThe song was first released as part of Don William’s album "True Love" in the year 1990. Nearly two decades later, Josh Turner covered the song in his album "Haywire" which was released in 2010.
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Genre Classification"Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy" is classified as a country song, making use of traditional country elements such as storytelling lyrics, acoustic guitar, and a slower tempo.
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Lyric SynopsisThe lyrics of the song tell a story of a country boy who laments the changes brought by urbanization and the industrial revolution. He's seen his rural surroundings replaced by factories and urban development and prays for mercy in navigating this new world.
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SongwritersThe song was written by Bob McDill, a renowned songwriter for country music who has written for other well-known artists besides Don Williams, including Waylon Jennings, Alan Jackson, and George Strait.
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Chart PerformanceWhile Don Williams' original version did not chart, Josh Turner's version was a solid performer on the country charts. It helped his album "Haywire" peak at number 2 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
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Critical ReceptionCritics have praised "Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy" for its thought-provoking lyrics and traditional country sound. Both versions of the song, by Don Williams and Josh Turner, have been praised for their vocal performances.
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Influence and LegacyThe song's message about preserving personal identity despite societal changes has resonated with audiences for decades. It symbolizes a longing for simpler times, a theme common in country music and still relevant today.
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Don Williams's VersionDon’s rendition of the song was favored for its smooth, laid-back style that the artist was popular for. His version of the song has a classic, timeless appeal that fans embraced.
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Josh Turner's VersionJosh Turner's take on the song is considered no less compelling. By covering this song, Turner paid homage to one of his musical influences, Don Williams, while adding his own unique touch. A younger audience, not familiar with Don Williams, got to appreciate the song through Turner's version.
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"Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5708631/Don+Williams/Lord+Have+Mercy+on+a+Country+Boy>.
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