About the song
Trace Adkins has long been a stalwart in the country music scene, known for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to craft songs that resonate with working-class audiences. One such song is “Rough & Ready”, a track that encapsulates the rugged charm and down-to-earth nature that Adkins is so often associated with.
“Rough & Ready” is more than just a song; it’s a character sketch. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is proud of his simple life and the hard work that goes into it. Adkins’ deep, gravelly voice perfectly complements the song’s theme of rugged individualism. The imagery in the song is evocative, with lines like “I’m a man of few words and a whole lot of action” and “I’m rough around the edges, but my heart’s made of gold.”
The song’s instrumentation is equally important. The driving rhythm and twangy guitar riffs create a sense of movement and energy, while the pedal steel guitar adds a touch of melancholy. This combination of elements perfectly captures the spirit of traditional country music.
“Rough & Ready” is more than just a country song; it’s a celebration of the working man and the values that he holds dear. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
Video
Lyrics
Mud grips white-tipCigar stickin’ out of my faceEarnhardt racing sticker on the windowBanged up fender4×4, straight pipe roarPrimer and rust all over the doorScarred up knuckles, Mack belt buckleWhite t-shirt, ain’t afraid to workGot a “what-are-you-looking-at-pretty-boy” smirkCold beer, hot wingsWranglers, Skoal ringGet just what you seeGun rack, ball capDon’t take no crapAin’t a pretty boy-toyI’ll rock you steadyRough and readyWork boots, one blue suitSize too small, don’t wear at allUnless somebody kicks, gets hitchedDon’t fit, makes me itchUp with sun, off on the runMakin’ money money, cause I want to have fun5 o’clock whistle, off like a missileGot a hot date, girl named KateThink’s I’m cool, ’cause I shoot straightAin’t one thing about her fakeShe’s long and tall, and she goes great withCold beer, hot wingsWranglers, Skoal ringGet just what you seeGun rack, ball capDon’t take no crapAin’t a pretty boy-toyI’ll rock you steadyRough and readyRough and ready babyOh, here’s JohnyOh there you go GordoI ain’t never heard nothin’ like thatWell you are who you areAnd that’s all right with meBut I am who I amAnd that’s all I can beI like cold beer, hot wingsWranglers, Skoal ringGet just what you seeGun rack, ball capDon’t take no crapAin’t a pretty boy-toyI’ll rock you steadyRough and readyRough and readyRough and ready babyAh, that’s me and my buddiesWe’re all just alikeSaid hey, watch thisThat didn’t turn out too goodYou ok?What are you lookin’ at?Yeah, that’s a real gun in that gun rackNo I don’t have a permit for itYou got a permit to ask stupid questions like that?Gonna hurt you boy, get away from me