I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool

George Jones · Other Songs - George Jones

(Written by K. Fleming & D. Morgan)

Barbara Mandrell & George Jones

Album: Ultimate Collection: Barbara Mandrell 2001



(Barbara)

I remember wearin' straight leg Levis and flannel shirts

Even when they weren't in style

I remember singin' with Roy Rogers at the movies

When the West was really wild

And I was listenin' to the Opry

When all of my friends were diggin'

Rock 'n Roll and Rhythm & Blues

I was country, when country wasn't cool.



I remember circlin' the drive-in, pullin' up

And turnin' down George Jones

I remember when no one was lookin'

I was puttin' peanuts in my Coke

I took a lot of kiddin'

'Cause I never did fit in

now look at everybody tryin' to be what I was then

I was country, when country wasn't cool.



Chorus:

I was country, when country wasn't cool

I was Country, from my hat down to my boots

I still act, and look the same

What you see ain't nothin' new

I was country, when country wasn't cool.



--- Instrumental ---



They call us country bumpkins

For stickin' to our roots

I'm just glad we're in a country

Where we're all free to choose

I was country, when country wasn't cool.



Chorus: (George)

Hey, I was country, when country wasn't cool

Yes, I was Country, from my hat down to my boots

(Both)

I still act, and look the same

What you see ain't nothin' new

I was country, when country wasn't cool.



Yeah, I was Country when Country wasn't cool.

I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool

George Jones delivers a poignant reflection on his early career in this track, addressing the era when country music faced significant stigma and was often dismissed as rustic or unrefined. Released during a period when Jones was already establishing himself as a leading figure in the genre, the song captures the tension between artistic authenticity and mainstream acceptance. Jones' signature vocal style, characterized by its raw emotion and storytelling depth, underscores the personal struggle of performing in a field that many of his peers felt was undervalued. The recording stands as a testament to his commitment to the genre's roots, even as he navigated the complexities of public perception and industry standards in the late 20th century.