The "Blue Collar Anthem" is a song by country singer J. Johnson, which has taken over the TikTok algorithm and the app's memes recently, largely due to the new "Blue Collar SpongeBob" meme that uses it.

The song's opening lyrics are, "My collar's blue but my neck is red," and the wailing vocalist continues by mentioning Marlboro Reds and energy drinks as his (and every other American blue-collar worker's) lifeblood.

J. Johnson originally sang the song in a viral TikTok video from earlier this year, but two weeks ago, the song attained new attention, which is mostly based on the ironic adoration of it. Being a blue-collar worker who romanticizes his work is quickly becoming an online punchline, with the song embodying that sentiment.

But how did we get to this point? Who is J. Johnson, and how did his song "Blue Collar Anthem" and its lyrics, "My collar's blue but my neck is red," become a viral meme? Let's explain.

What Is The 'My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red' Song?

The actual song is called "Blue Collar Anthem" by American country singer J. Johnson. It was a rather obscure song before it was picked up by the TikTok algorithm last month.

J. Johnson only has two songs released on his YouTube channel as of early October 2025.

Who Is 'Blue Collar Anthem' Singer J. Johnson?

J. Johnson is a Kentucky-based country singer who was brought to the internet's attention in January 2025 when he posted a video of himself singing "Blue Collar Anthem" on his TikTok account @redriverredneck1993.

It looks like he's on a job site in the video, seen in an orange sweatshirt and blue jeans with knee pads. His clothes are splattered with mud and dirt. His work boots are the same color as the ground.

The video immediately resonated with other blue-collar workers on the app. One of the top comments read, "No drums, no guitar…. brother, you got real talent." Another called the song the "Blue Collar Anthem."

Soon after, J. Johnson got in front of a microphone and added an instrumental. The rest is history.

@redriverredneck1993 #outlawcountry #countrymusic #songwriter #bluecollar #musician ♬ original sound – RedRiverRedneck🤘🏻

What Are The 'My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red' Lyrics?

The lyrics for "Blue Collar Anthem" were added to the website Genius by several collaborators. Here they are in full:

My collar's blue but my neck is red
I beena workin' like a dog to keep my family fed
Living off energy drinks, Marlboro Reds
Swear this gas station food is gonna cause my death
Well I voted Trump, I'm talking FJB
Yeah I stand up for the folks like me
If I told you once I won't tell you twice
I'll protect my family with my life
Hell, I was born a Ramblin' man
Wel,l I guess I finally settled down
Found a pretty little lady that smiles at me
Well, I was her white knight swept her off her feet
My money's low but gas is high
Yeah, I've been doing my best just to get by
My jeans are stained my boots are warm
Just to try and let him be a good ol' boy
My collar's blue but my neck is red
My back is broke but my family fed
Hell, times are tough, we'll make due
There's still people out here that are trying to
Working paycheck to paycheck for the weekend
Just to drink cold beer with my rowdy friends
From the Bible Belt they're called a sin
Imagine I live like this until my end
'Cause my collar's blue but my neck is red
My back is broke but my family fed
Hell, times are tough we'll make due
There's still people out here that are trying to
'Cause my collar's blue my neck is red
Abusing alcohol just to ease the stress
We say we're fine no we won't complain
We'll carry these burdens to our graves
We'll carry these burdens to our graves

What Is The 'Blue Collar SpongeBob' Meme?

J. Johnson's track didn't receive significant attention until a TikTok account for an Illinois and Missouri tree-trimming company, Oli Outdoor Services, used the song for one of its ads. "Not everyone gets it… but this is our anthem! #bluecollarlife," read the video's description.

The video's TikTok audio was then used for memes depicting an AI-generated version of the animated character SpongeBob SquarePants as a blue-collar worker. The AI art was paired with captions that satirized hard labor.

"How bro starts acting after working with his dad ONCE," was the caption of one popular example.

@bam..harden Only ONCE🥀✌️ #fyp #funny #bluecollar #kuntry #tuff ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

How Is 'My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red' Being Used In Memes?

Since then, the "My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red" song has evolved past the "Blue Collar SpongeBob" memes. Some TikTokers are sharing humorous "accuracy reenactments" of J. Johnson's original video. Others are lip dubbing the song in strange positions, like the viral "Meowl" pose.

Parodies of the song have also surfaced online. Notably, a "White Collar Anthem" has started spreading, which goes, "My collar's white and my neck is pale." An alternate version reads, "My collar's white and my life's all right." An AI image of Squidward Tentacles in business attire is often shown with it.

Several remixes of the original song have also spread on TikTok. For instance, a phonk version of the track has gained notable traction online.

@theceo_ofbrainrot White Collar Squidward 🦑👔 #ai #squidward #whitecollar #fypシforyoupageシ #meme ♬ original sound – glitsxo

@freakyfemboyfurryphonks Fortnite is technically a blue collar job btw #phonk #tuff #67 #fyp #diddyblud ♬ Blue Collar PHONK – freakyfemboyfurryphonks

What Are Some More 'My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red' Memes?

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7554723952862530830

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7555321606067817758

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7555526540495195405

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7555972454552751391

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7554948447510596877

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7554627361648528671

---

For the full history of My Collar's Blue But My Neck Is Red, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.