My Collars Blue But My Neck Is Red Lyrics — J. Johnson

My Collars Blue But My Neck Is Red (Meaning) Lyrics

“My collar’s blue
but my neck is red
I’ve been a-workin’ like a dog
just to keep my family fed”

Meaning: This part’s basically him saying he’s a blue-collar guy through and through. “Blue collar” means hard-working, labor type jobs and “red neck” shows his rural roots and pride in it. He’s been busting his back like a dog just to make sure his family’s got food on the table. It’s about pride and survival at the same time.

“Livin’ off energy drinks
and Marlboro Reds
I swear this gas station food’s
gonna cause my death”

Meaning: Here he’s painting a picture of his day-to-day. Running on cheap energy drinks, smoking Marlboro Reds, eating quick food from gas stations. It’s not healthy but it’s the reality when you’re always on the go. He’s tired, probably worn out, but keeps at it anyway.

“Well, I voted Trump
I’m talkin’ F.J.B
Yeah, I stand up for
the folks like me
If I told you once
I won’t tell you twice
I’ll protect my family
with my life”

Meaning: This part’s showing his politics and his attitude. He’s not shy about who he voted for and how he feels about the other side. It’s not just about politics though, it’s about sticking up for people like him. He’s saying loud and clear he’ll protect his family no matter what.

“Hell, I was born a ramblin’ man
Well, I guess I finally settled down
Found a perky little lady
that smiles at me
Well, I was her with night
swept her off her feet”

Meaning: This stanza’s a softer moment. He’s always been a “ramblin’ man,” moving and living rough, but now he’s settled down with a woman who makes him happy. It’s about finding a bit of peace in the chaos.

“my money’s low but gas is high
Hell, I’m doin’ my best
just to get it by
My jeans are stained
and my boots are worn
Just tryin’ like hell
to be a good ol’ boy”

Meaning: Now he’s back to the grind. Gas is expensive, money’s tight, but he’s still pushing. Worn-out clothes, old boots — it’s his badge of honor. He’s doing everything he can to live up to his own idea of a “good ol’ boy,” meaning someone honest and hardworking.

“My collar’s blue
but my neck is red
My back is broke
but my family’s fed”

Meaning: This is almost like a chorus line. No matter how broken down he feels, his family’s taken care of. That’s the sacrifice and the pride rolled into one.

“Hell, times are tough
but we’ll make do
There’s still people out here
that are tried and true
Workin’ paycheck to paycheck
for the weekend”

Meaning: This part’s more about his community. Times are hard but there’s still good people out there, honest folks who do the same — work paycheck to paycheck and look forward to the weekend. It’s a nod to everyone in the same boat.

“Drinking cold beer
with my rowdy friends
From the Bible Belt
so they’ll call it a sin”

Meaning: Here he’s talking about unwinding. Having beers with friends, even though where he’s from — the Bible Belt — some might call it sinful. It shows his culture and the small rebellions in it.

“I imagine
I’ll live like this
until my end
And hell
I’ll live like this
until my end”

Meaning: This closing part’s him accepting his life. He’s not dreaming of escape or big changes. He figures he’ll live this way till the end and he’s okay with it. It’s resignation but also pride — he’s chosen this life, or at least embraced it.

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