With “Jesus and Bocephus,” Richard Lynch delivers a gritty, unapologetically Southern tribute to his late friend Tim Bennington. This isn’t a maudlin tearjerker—it’s a proud anthem for anyone who’s ever lived life with a Bible in one hand and a Hank Jr. record in the other.
The track struts with classic outlaw country swagger, wrapped in a soundscape that feels pulled straight from a Tennessee backroad. Lynch blends twangy guitars, honky-tonk rhythms, and down-home storytelling into a celebration of faith, freedom, and old-school country values. The song name-checks Bocephus (Hank Jr.’s nickname) with reverence, nodding to the defiant spirit that defines Southern rock and outlaw country.
Lynch’s voice carries the kind of gravitas you only get from someone who’s lived every word they sing. There’s an authenticity in his delivery that makes you believe he knows the man he’s singing about — someone who lived life with grit, heart, and a love for both Sunday mornings in church and Saturday nights on the back porch with a guitar.
The chorus, “He loved Jesus and Bocephus / That old country boy can survive,” is more than just a catchy hook. It’s a rallying cry for a way of life — one that honors the rugged individualism of country music’s greats while embracing the simple truths of faith and family. It taps into the duality of Southern identity: hard-living and God-fearing, rough around the edges but deeply rooted in tradition.
The track’s production stays true to its honky-tonk roots. Twangy guitar riffs, a steady rhythm section, and a touch of fiddle make it feel like something you’d hear in a small-town bar, where the music tells stories of people you might know. The accompanying video adds an extra layer of authenticity, featuring raw, unpolished footage that reinforces the song’s down-to-earth charm.
This isn’t slick Nashville country polished for pop radio — it’s music for the purists. Fans of Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, and even Waylon Jennings will appreciate the grit, the rebellion, and the unapologetic Southern pride that Lynch brings to the table. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt closer to heaven driving down a dirt road with the windows down, the radio up, and the world rolling by.At its heart, “Jesus and Bocephus” is a reminder that country music’s soul still thrives in stories of real people and real lives. Lynch’s tribute isn’t just a personal goodbye — it’s a celebration of an enduring way of life that feels more relevant than ever in a world that often forgets its roots.