Corb Lund, the Canadian country artist known for his gritty storytelling and authentic cowboy charm, has written many songs that resonate deeply with working-class communities. Among them, “Roughest Neck Around” stands out as one of his most beloved and iconic tracks.
Released in 2005 as part of the album Hair in My Eyes Like a Highland Steer, the song quickly became an unofficial anthem for oilfield workers, particularly in Alberta, where the oil industry is not just an occupation—it’s a way of life.
What makes “Roughest Neck Around” so powerful is its unfiltered portrayal of life in the oil patch. Lund doesn’t romanticize the job—he tells it like it is. Long shifts in unforgiving terrain, blistering cold, dangerous conditions, and the looming threat of fatal mistakes all come alive in his lyrics. The result is a tribute that feels genuine, not glamorized.
For many, the song struck a chord because it told their story—finally, someone in music was talking about them, with honesty and respect. It’s not just a song; it’s a cultural marker for a rugged group of workers who are often overlooked.
However, the song hasn’t been without controversy. Some listeners criticized it for glorifying an industry associated with environmental degradation. But according to Corb Lund, Roughest Neck Around is not a political statement—it’s a deeply personal reflection. Raised in rural Alberta, with family members who worked in oil, Lund wrote from experience, not ideology.
In fact, Lund later became an outspoken critic of coal mining expansion in the Rocky Mountains. He voiced concerns about water contamination and environmental impacts, demonstrating a nuanced view. He supports the people but questions the politics—an approach that has earned him even more respect.
Today, “Roughest Neck Around” continues to be played in pubs, work trucks, and hometown concerts. It’s more than music—it’s a thread that connects identity, labor, and regional pride. And for the oilfield workers of Alberta, it remains a rare song that speaks for them, and with them.