Introduction:
Released on March 26, 2013, “Boys ‘Round Here” stands as a notable single in Blake Shelton’s discography, featured on his seventh studio album, Based on a True Story. The track is a collaborative effort, credited to “Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies and Friends,” and showcases contributions from the Pistol Annies—comprising Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley—as well as country singer RaeLynn, the song’s writers Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Craig Wiseman, and producer Scott Hendricks.
The inception of “Boys ‘Round Here” occurred during a songwriting session where Davidson and Wiseman were discussing musical influences. Noticing a Beatles poster in Wiseman’s office, Davidson remarked that, while he appreciated the Beatles, they weren’t a staple in his Southern upbringing. Instead, artists like Hank Williams Jr. dominated the local soundscape. This observation led to the song’s opening line: “The boys ’round here don’t listen to the Beatles.” Davidson elaborated, “I remember thinking to myself, I’m from Albany, Georgia. I didn’t really listen to The Beatles. No offense, The Beatles are one of the greatest bands of all time, but I didn’t listen to The Beatles.”
The song’s production is distinctive, incorporating elements from its original demo. Producer Scott Hendricks retained the acoustic guitar from the demo, played by Wiseman on a modest $200 instrument, as its unique sound couldn’t be replicated by even the most seasoned Nashville musicians. Hendricks explained, “Even the best musicians in this town could not duplicate [the sound of Wiseman playing on the demo]… It’s a $200 guitar that sounds like no other guitar on the planet.” Musically, “Boys ‘Round Here” is set in A major with a tempo of approximately 84 beats per minute, following a chord pattern of A-D. The verses are delivered in a spoken-word style, which Shelton likened to “Jerry Reed-type rapping.” He contrasted this approach with the more conventional rap styles emerging in country music at the time.
Upon its release, the song received mixed reviews. Billy Dukes of Taste of Country awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, noting its intentional silliness and playful nature. Conversely, some critics felt it leaned heavily on country stereotypes. Despite the polarized reception, “Boys ‘Round Here” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on both the Country Airplay and Canada Country charts. By May 2015, it was certified 3× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, underscoring its widespread popularity.
The accompanying music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, premiered in May 2013. It features Shelton alongside the Pistol Annies, RaeLynn, and other friends enjoying a lively gathering that blends traditional country elements with contemporary influences, reflecting the song’s themes of Southern culture and camaraderie.
In essence, “Boys ‘Round Here” serves as a celebration of Southern life, encapsulating the spirit and traditions of rural America through its lyrics and collaborative energy.