Brantley Gilbert- Rugged Indiviualist

Brantley Gilbert's 2011 hit song "Hell on Wheels" reflects the ideology of Rugged Individualism because it emphasizes living by the edge, toughness, and independence.  The song is about him on his own running from the police.  He sings, "Ridin' 95 down the highway, sideways, runnin' from ole John Law."  John Law is a reference to the police and he shows that he is living by the edge because society doesn't typically have a police chase very often.  He strays from what society shows him.  The overall idea of this dong is toughness, but he has some lyrics to show for it too.  He says, "Well roll with me but you better listen good and clear. If you got a badge or a big mouth brother you ain't got no business here."  Right now he's stating that if whoever he is talking to is a cop or will tell someone what is going on, that he does not belong there.  He is showing that he is the boss because he is the toughest man around.  The independence Gilbert shows in the song is best shown in the chorus when he say, "Brother I'm hell on wheels."  He is by himself in this escape from '"John Law" showing he has independence and self reliance to get him free of this situation.  Also an uncanny amount of confidence going into it.