Songwriter-turned-artist Hardy's debut single, "Rednecker," is a boatload of country fun. So much fun, in fact, that the song almost went to another, more-established artist.

Before being an artist himself was even on Hardy's radar, he co-wrote "Rednecker" with Jordan Schmidt and Andy Albert, on a trip to Winter Park, Colo., with a bunch of songwriters. They knew it was "the dumbest thing," he admits to the Boot, but they also knew it was funny and unique. So, they pitched it around.

"A few people put it on hold. Actually, there was a label that wanted it for [Blake Shelton]," Hardy shares, "and by the time it got to him, I had signed my record deal and started talking about songs. I had to call my buddies up and say, 'Hey, this label wants the song, but I really think this could be a career song for me, and I would like y'all's blessing for us to tell them no and for me to cut it.' And thankfully, they're such cool guys, and such good friends, that they said, 'Absolutely.'"

"Rednecker" is climbing the country charts thanks to its goofiness, sure, but also because of its attention to detail. References to Mossy Oak hats, Slim Jims and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt — to say nothing of the wordplay in the chorus — elevate what would otherwise be a novelty song about being a redneck.

Hardy's "Rednecker" Lyrics:

So you think you've got some county line cred / 'Cause you rode a dirt road or two / You got a Mossy Oak hat on top of your head / And a Southern pride tattoo / Yeah, you mighta drank a little grain alcohol or hauled a little hay / But if you think your boots got more dirt than mine / I got one thing to say

Chorus:

My town's smaller than your town / And I got a bigger buck and bass on my wall / I got a little more kick in my drawl, y'all / I got little more spit in my chaw / My truck's louder than your truck / And my collar's a little more blue / You might think that you're redneck / But I'm rednecker than you, yes I am

I got a car parked in my front yard / With a floorboard full of Slim Jims / I piss where I want to / And I fish where I swim / I bet you you ain't got it on a tailgate / Or killed a copperhead a time or two / Man, if you're thinking you're a better beer drinker / Buddy, I've got news for you

Chorus:

My town's smaller than your town / And I got a bigger buck and bass on my wall / I got a little more kick in my drawl, y'all / I got little more spit in my chaw / My truck's louder than your truck / And my tick hound's a little more blue / You might think that you're redneck / But I'm rednecker than you / I'm rednecker than you

Yeah, I'm down with the sound of a Dixie whistle / Raising hell, praising Dale 12 in at Bristol / More sweat on my brow at the end of the day / So needless to say

Chorus:

My town's smaller than your town / I got a bigger buck and bass on my wall / And I ain't tryin' to talk no smack / It's just the facts, y'all / 'Cause my truck's louder than your truck / And my red-white's a little more blue / You might think that you're redneck / But I'm rednecker than you / I'm rednecker than you

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