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:

Lyrics:

Born the middle son of a farmer
And a small town Southern man
Like his daddy’s daddy before him
Brought up workin’ on the land
Fell in love with a small town woman
And they married up and settled down
Natural way of life if you’re lucky
For a small town Southern man

First there came four pretty daughters
For this small town Southern man
Then a few years later came another
A boy, he wasn’t planned
Seven people livin’ all together
In a house built with his own hands
Little words with love and understandin’
From a small town Southern man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
Was always proud of what he had
He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man

Callous hands told the story
For this small town Southern man
He gave it all to keep it all together
And keep his family on his land
Like his daddy, years wore out his body
Made it hard just to walk and stand
You can break the back
But you can’t break the spirit
Of a small town Southern man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
Was always proud of what he had
He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man

Finally death came callin’
For this small town Southern man
He said it’s alright ’cause I see angels
And they got me by the hand
Don’t you cry, and don’t you worry
I’m blessed, and I know I am
‘Cause God has a place in Heaven
For a small town Southern man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
Was always proud of what he had
He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man