"Pocahontas Proud" is a song by country singer Gretchen Wilson. The song tells the story of the singer's upbringing in her hometown of Pocahontas, Illinois, and her determination to make the town proud despite facing obstacles and rejection. The lyrics describe the singer's early years, where she was seen as one of the boys and ran with a tough crowd. She mentions performing at Big O's Bar at a young age, singing late into the night for meager tips. Despite these challenges, she remained dedicated to her craft, singing and paying her dues to pursue her dreams. The song reflects on the singer's struggles to break into the music industry in Nashville, Tennessee. She recounts knocking on every door on Music Row, the heart of the country music industry, only to be rejected and told to go back home. However, the singer's fighting spirit and determination never wavered. She emphasizes that she comes from a background where giving up is not an option and how it took her whole life and perseverance to finally be recognized. The chorus conveys the singer's pride in being the biggest thing to come out of Pocahontas. She declares her refusal to let her hometown down, vowing to make them proud no matter what. This determination is further highlighted by her desire to achieve this goal even before she is laid to rest. Towards the end of the song, the focus shifts to the birth of the singer's daughter, Grace. Becoming a mother brings a new sense of purpose and fulfillment to her life. Despite her achievements, Grace is seen as the greatest thing she has ever done. Overall, "Pocahontas Proud" is an anthem of resilience, determination, and hometown pride. It celebrates the singer's journey, from her tough upbringing to her struggles in the music industry, and ultimately her success in making her hometown proud and finding personal fulfillment.
