Small Town Southern Man
I had never heard this song before this morning, but when my alarm clock went off at 4:00 AM, this song started up, and the guy kept singing the chorus: “Small Town Southern Man”. So the chorus kept echoing in my mind and I had to look it up. Where did this song come from? Who was singing? Maybe I can find it on google… So waddya know… it’s Alan Jackson singing Small Town Southern Man (click the link to watch the whole music video) from his new album called “Good Time”.
Here’s a short clip where Alan Jackson talks about writing the song. (There’s a bunch of negative comments about the music video on YouTube, but I think that just goes to prove that the Small Town Southern Man really is a rare person; a lost treasure; a dying breed; perhaps he really is Gone With the Wind.)
Really the best way to listen to the song (to “really hear the music”) is at 4:00 AM with the lights out as you start the day. That’s how it grabbed me.
Many of Alan Jackson’s songs tell a story, and the story is what draws people in. Is that song like my life story? Where is my life going? Remember When causes people to reflect on the story of their life. Will it have a happy ending? The lyrics tell a simple message, accompanied by a simple melody. Sometimes all the video stuff distracts from the simple message, and to really appreciate the song, you might need to close your eyes. Listen to all the little improvisations coming from the fiddle, piano, bass; subtle harmonies, and counter melodies. Did you catch that pause near the end, where you think the song is over, and then it continues a little while longer… This morning, I shed a tear for the Little Man. I guess you could say those Alan Jackson lyrics struck a chord with me. Maybe God was pulling on my heart strings — even though I’m a Big City Northern Man.
Tags: Alan Jackson, music, video