About The Song
Absolutely! “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band is a feel-good country anthem that celebrates Southern comfort food and simple living. Here’s a breakdown of this delicious song:
Origins and Release:
- The song has two interesting release stories:
- First recorded in 2003 for their independent album “Home Grown.”
- Re-recorded and released in 2008 on their major label debut album “The Foundation.” This version became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and propelling Zac Brown Band to national stardom.
Genre: Country
Musical Style:
- The song features a blend of Southern rock and country influences with prominent electric guitar and banjo.
- Zac Brown’s distinctive vocals deliver the lyrics with a laid-back and inviting tone.
- The upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a great sing-along and driving song.
Lyrics and Theme:
- The song celebrates the simple pleasures of life in the American South (“I was born in a sweet tea state / Sweet tea runnin’ through my veins”).
- It lists iconic Southern dishes like chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and collard greens (“I like my chicken fried / Cold beer on a Friday night / A long neck bottle and I’m doin’ alright”).
- The overall feel is nostalgic, patriotic, and welcoming, creating a sense of community and shared experience.
Legacy and Impact:
- “Chicken Fried” became Zac Brown Band’s breakthrough hit and a signature song for the group.
- The song helped popularize the term “chicken fried” as a catch-all phrase for Southern comfort food.
- It continues to be a popular choice at country concerts, tailgating events, and restaurants across the US, especially in the South.
Interesting Tidbits:
- The original version of “Chicken Fried” from “Home Grown” featured a different guitar solo and a slightly slower tempo compared to the hit re-recording on “The Foundation.”
- The music video for “Chicken Fried” features scenes of the band performing live intercut with images of Southern life, reinforcing the song’s theme.
- “Chicken Fried” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its contagious energy and universal appeal.
Want to hear the song?
You can find “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band on most streaming platforms. There’s also the official music video available on YouTube: you can search for “Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried (Official Music Video)”.
Here are some additional questions you might be interested in:
- Would you like to explore other songs by Zac Brown Band or delve deeper into the world of Southern rock music?
- Are you interested in learning more about the history of Southern cuisine and its influence on American culture?
- What other songs celebrate the simple pleasures in life or the beauty of their hometowns?
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
You know I like my chicken fried
A cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well, I was raised up beneath the shade of a Georgia Pine
And that’s home you know
Sweet tea, pecan pie, and homemade wine where the peaches grow
And my house, it’s not much to talk about
But it’s filled with love that’s grown in southern ground
And a little bit of chicken fried
A cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I’ve done seen the sun rise
See the love in my woman’s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother’s love
It’s funny how it’s the little things in life that mean the most
Not where you live, what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes
There’s no dollar sign on a peace of mind
This I’ve come to know
So if you agree, have a drink with me
Raise your glasses for a toast
To a little bit of chicken fried
A cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I’ve done seen the sun rise
See the love in my woman’s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother’s love
I thank God for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring
Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives
So we don’t have to sacrifice
All the things we love
Like our chicken fried
And cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I’ve done seen the sun rise
See the love in my woman’s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother’s love
Get your little chicken fried
And cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I’ve done seen the sun rise
See the love in my woman’s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother’s love
