Long Haired Country Boy

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Long Haired Country Boy" by The Charlie Daniels Band, a track from their 1974 album Fire on the Mountain, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its laid-back, rebellious spirit. This song, penned by Charlie Daniels himself, was written as a tongue-in-cheek anthem of carefree living, but its references to getting "stoned in the morning" and "drunk in the afternoon" stirred some controversy. In a 2007 interview with Songfacts, Daniels shared that the song’s message was about tolerance, saying, “If you don’t like me, just leave me alone... You don’t have to be nasty about it.” He later expressed regret over the drug and alcohol references due to his Christian beliefs, feeling they could be misconstrued as promoting that lifestyle, especially as drug culture became a serious issue. Because of this, he stopped performing the song live for several years, reflecting his desire to align his music with his values.

Another tidbit about "Long Haired Country Boy" is its chart journey. First released as a single in April 1975, it reached #56 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the massive success of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in 1979, the song was re-released in 1980 and climbed to #27 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, proving its enduring appeal. Daniels recalled writing the song casually while sitting with his guitar at home, with his wife Hazel nearby, as he told American Songwriter in 2020. The song’s themes of self-assurance and defiance against judgment—like the preacher on TV or societal expectations—resonated with fans, making it a staple of the band’s live shows. Posts on X from the band’s official account in 2019 highlighted its legacy, noting special 45th-anniversary Fire on the Mountain guitars signed by Daniels, complete with handwritten lyrics to the song.

Charlie Daniels, born Charles Edward Daniels on October 28, 1936, in Wilmington, North Carolina, began his musical journey influenced by Pentecostal gospel, bluegrass, and rhythm and blues heard on the radio. Skilled on guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, he started performing in the 1950s with the bluegrass band Misty Mountain Boys. By the 1960s, he was playing rock and roll, but a pivotal moment came when producer Bob Johnston invited him to Nashville as a session musician. Daniels played on Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline and Ringo Starr’s Beaucoups of Blues, earning Dylan’s insistence to keep him in the studio. In 1972, he formed The Charlie Daniels Band, blending country, rock, blues, and jazz into a pioneering Southern rock sound. Their 1973 hit “Uneasy Rider” and the 1974 album Fire on the Mountain cemented their place in music history.

Fans can connect with The Charlie Daniels Band’s legacy through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, including the Charlie Daniels Band Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share memories, photos, and tributes to Daniels, who passed away in 2020. Another fan-driven space is the CDB Fan Club accessible via the band’s website, offering exclusive content and updates for devoted followers. These platforms keep the spirit of Daniels’ music alive, celebrating songs like "Long Haired Country Boy" that continue to inspire.