I’ve lived in the South for over 20 years, and I still have to rely on survival skills any time I find myself in a scary redneck bar. You basically have to do something to equalize the situation within the first fifteen minutes of your arrival (after you order your first beer), or else nobody knows what your story is. And when nobody knows your story in a redneck bar, be prepared to be the loser in a City Folk vs. Country Folk stab-fest.
Your best option? Go immediately to the jukebox and play “Lay Down Sally” by Eric Clapton. This has won more people over than I care to discuss. Also, in the case of a karaoke situation, it helps to know all the lyrics to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn. This has gotten me out of multiple jams, I’m telling you.
