This Ole Boy (song) explained

This Ole Boy
Cover:This Ole Boy (Craig Morgan single - cover art).jpg
Type:single
Artist:Craig Morgan
Album:This Ole Boy
Genre:Country
Length: (album version)
3:23 (radio edit)
Label:Black River
Producer:Craig Morgan
Phil O'Donnell
Prev Title:Still a Little Chicken Left on That Bone
Prev Year:2010
Next Title:Corn Star
Next Year:2012

"This Ole Boy" is a song written by Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip. Originally recorded by Joe Nichols for his 2011 album It's All Good,[1] it was also recorded by Craig Morgan. His version of the song was released in July 2011 as the first single and title track from his 2012 album of the same name.

Content

Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, collectively known as The Peach Pickers, wrote the song. According to Hayslip, Davidson "had the groove going", and all three drew from personal experiences: "It’s just a fun song about growing up like we did. We got those butterflies from that girl … you drove her around … you did go to the river … you did start thinking about wanting to marry her." While on the road with Morgan, Akins heard him singing the song while preparing coffee on the bus, and decided that the song was "meant for" him.[2]

Critical reception

Bobby Peacock of Roughstock gave it four stars out of five, saying that "it's a move back away from the strident sound he's been forging lately" and "It's not a very original idea, but it's very well-executed".[3] A less favorable review came from Billy Dukes of Taste of Country, who said "the whole song is sweet and unoffensive, but it’s too familiar for a man who’s beginning a new chapter of his career".[4]

Music video

The song's music video features Morgan performing the song on a fishing dock, with actress Angie Harmon portraying his love interest. It was filmed in Arrington, Tennessee.[5]

Chart performance

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Nicholson. Jessica. November 28, 2011. New music. Country Weekly. 18. 48. 56.
  2. Web site: Craig Morgan, 'This Ole Boy' – Lyrics Uncovered. Conaway. Alanna. 2 July 2011. Taste of Country. 7 March 2012.
  3. Web site: Craig Morgan — 'This Ole Boy' review. Peacock. Bobby. 5 July 2011. Roughstock. 7 March 2012.
  4. Web site: Craig Morgan, 'This Ole Boy' – Song Review. Dukes. Billy. 23 June 2011. Taste of Country. 7 March 2012.
  5. Web site: Craig Morgan Cuddles With Actress Angie Harmon in New 'This Ole Boy' Video. Dukes. Billy. 12 January 2012. Taste of Country. 7 March 2012.
  6. Best of 2012: Country Songs . . . 2012 . December 14, 2012.