Current hit:  “Come Back as a Country Boy” by Blake Shelton

Linked to:  “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver / 1975

Because:  Both songs exult Country music  and the Country lifestyle.

Pop star John Denver  whooped with delight at being a “Country boy” and his song was upbeat and positive; Blake Shelton, an actual Country star, declares his love for all things Country with a defiant, in your face delivery:

When I die, I wanna come back as a country boy
No, there ain’t no better life if you ask me
If my neck don’t come out red, then Lord, just keep me dead
‘Cause a country boy’s all that I know how to be

Shelton will perform his newest tonight, on the 55th annual Country Music Awards, broadcast live from Nashville on ABC at 8P ET/5P Pacific.