Country is…The Portrayal of Southern Culture in Country Music

This thesis explores the Image of the South and Its culture that Is presented to the public through country music, primarily contemporary, popular country music. The lyrics of several songs were analyzed to determine how they represent the South and its people. Songs were chosen based on their message, with a great deal of consideration being given to the popularity of each song. The thesis argues that country music presents a more positive South than most other media interpretations of the culture. That portrayal is quite complex, with often contradictory Ideas being contained within the various songs. As a whole, the genre depicts Southern culture as a very widely varied one, but usually with a positive tone