Introduction:
“Midnight in Montgomery” is a haunting and evocative ballad by Alan Jackson, co-written with Don Sampson. Released in 1992 as the fourth single from Jackson’s album Don’t Rock the Jukebox, the song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It is both a tribute to country legend Hank Williams and a reflective narrative about loneliness and loss, told through the lens of a ghostly encounter.
The song’s story unfolds as the narrator stops in Montgomery, Alabama, on the way to a New Year’s Eve performance. In the stillness of midnight, he visits the grave of Hank Williams, where he senses a spectral presence and feels a profound connection to the late icon. The lyrics blend imagery of the Southern night with themes of reverence and solitude, creating an atmosphere rich with emotion and mystery.
Inspired by Jackson’s own experience visiting Williams’ gravesite, “Midnight in Montgomery” is deeply rooted in the heritage of country music. The song’s production, marked by its understated instrumentation and Jackson’s emotive baritone, amplifies the eerie yet respectful tone. The accompanying black-and-white music video, directed by Jim Shea, complements the song’s haunting quality and was recognized with a CMA Award for Music Video of the Year in 1992.
Critically acclaimed, “Midnight in Montgomery” is celebrated for its lyrical depth and storytelling, serving as both a homage to one of country music’s greatest figures and a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life and fame.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Midnight In Montgomery”
I was on my way to Mobile, for a big New Year’s Eve show
I stopped for just a minute, to see a friend outside of town
Put my collar up, I found his name, and felt the wind die downAnd a drunk man in a cowboy hat took me by surprise
Wearing shiny boots, a Nudie suit, and haunting haunted eyes
He said friend it’s good to see you, it’s nice to know you care
Then the wind picked up and he was gone, was he ever really there?
‘Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right you’ll hear his songs
Smell whiskey in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singing there
Well I climbed back on that Eagle, took one last look around
Through red tail lights, a shadow moved, slow across the ground
And off somewhere a midnight train is slowly passing by
I can hear that whistle moan, I’m so lonesome I could cry
‘Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right you’ll hear his songs
Smell whiskey in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singing there
Yeah, he’s always singing there
Oh, Hank’s always singing there