OldiesButGoodies

Country

Alan Jackson – Small Town Southern Man

Introduction:

Released in 2007 as the lead single from his album Good Time, Small Town Southern Man is a country music song that Alan Jackson both wrote and recorded. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and staying there for two weeks. This success cemented Alan Jackson’s status as a country music star and Small Town Southern Man continues to be a popular choice among fans.

Musically, the song is a mid-tempo ballad driven by fiddles and steel guitar. The lyrics pay homage to the life and values of a Southern small-town man, specifically Jackson’s own father. The song depicts a man who is faithful to his God, country, and wife. He finds pride in what he has built and sees his greatest accomplishment as the family he leaves behind. Small Town Southern Man evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler way of life, celebrating the virtues of hard work, community**, and family.

Critically acclaimed, Small Town Southern Man is often seen as a signature song for Alan Jackson. The song resonates with listeners because it celebrates values that are central to the American South and the country music genre as a whole. It evokes a sense of patriotism and respect for tradition, while also acknowledging the importance of faith and family. Small Town Southern Man continues to be a popular choice for radio play and continues to be a staple at Alan Jackson concerts.

Video:

https://youtu.be/5zwq9RCeISY?si=0bLuCGJyuDVZclR7

Lyrics:

Born the middle son of a farmerAnd a small town Southern manLike his daddy’s daddy before himBrought up workin’ on the landFell in love with a small town womanAnd they married up and settled downNatural way of life if you’re luckyFor a small town Southern man
First there came four pretty daughtersFor this small town Southern manThen a few years later came anotherA boy, he wasn’t plannedSeven people livin’ all togetherIn a house built with his own handsLittle words with love and understandin’From a small town Southern man
And he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle SamAnd he only loved one womanWas always proud of what he hadHe said his greatest contributionIs the ones you leave behindRaised on the ways and gentle kindnessOf a small town Southern man
Callous hands told the storyFor this small town Southern manHe gave it all to keep it all togetherAnd keep his family on his landLike his daddy, years wore out his bodyMade it hard just to walk and standYou can break the backBut you can’t break the spiritOf a small town Southern man
And he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle SamAnd he only loved one womanWas always proud of what he hadHe said his greatest contributionIs the ones you leave behindRaised on the ways and gentle kindnessOf a small town Southern man
Finally death came callin’For this small town Southern manHe said it’s alright ’cause I see angelsAnd they got me by the handDon’t you cry, and don’t you worryI’m blessed, and I know I am‘Cause God has a place in HeavenFor a small town Southern man
And he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle SamAnd he only loved one womanWas always proud of what he hadHe said his greatest contributionIs the ones you leave behindRaised on the ways and gentle kindnessOf a small town Southern man

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