Where's the Theoretical Musical Meaning?

Country music is often described as having a "twang" or a "hick" feel. But what's behind this twang? Is it the sound of a banjo strumming out a catchy tune, or the wail of a heartbroken cowboy's cry?

Or maybe it's just the echo of a thousand rural gas stations, their neon signs reflecting off the chrome of a '68 Chevy.

Theories

Or, you know, it's just the sound of beer cans and truck stop diners.