Introduction:
Ah, yes, Midnight in Montgomery, a bona fide classic from country music’s contemporary heartthrob, Alan Jackson. Released in 1992, nestled amongst the gems of his sophomore album Don’t Rock the Jukebox, this song is more than just a catchy tune – it’s a vivid portrait painted with lyrical strokes and a melody that lingers long after the last note fades.
Jackson, by this point, was already carving his niche in the vast country music landscape. He wasn’t a flashy newcomer with a heavily produced sound. Instead, he was a breath of fresh air, a champion of the genre’s traditional roots. His smooth baritone, reminiscent of country legends like Keith Whitley and George Strait, resonated with audiences yearning for something genuine. Don’t Rock the Jukebox, produced by the acclaimed duo of Scott Hendricks and Keith Stegall, perfectly captured this essence. It wasn’t a flashy production; it was all about the song, the story, and of course, the voice.
Midnight in Montgomery embodies this philosophy beautifully. The instrumentation is simple yet evocative. A gentle strumming guitar lays the foundation, while a melancholic fiddle adds a touch of rustic charm. The spotlight, however, is firmly on Jackson’s vocals. He weaves a tale of a lonesome traveler passing through Montgomery, Alabama, at the witching hour. The imagery is palpable – the silver glint of a lone eagle overhead, the vastness of the open road stretching before him, and the inky-black sky ablaze with a canopy of stars.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to evoke emotions that transcend the specific narrative. The “midnight” hour and the mournful call of the whip-poor-will paint a picture of solitude, a feeling many can relate to. The “purple sky” and the “lonesome chill” add a touch of mystery and melancholy, leaving the listener yearning for something more, a feeling perhaps of a love lost or a dream unfulfilled.
Midnight in Montgomery wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a commercial success as well. It climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, solidifying Jackson’s position as a rising star. But more importantly, it cemented his reputation as a storyteller, a singer who could paint vivid pictures with words and melody. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, a testament to the enduring power of country music’s simple eloquence. So, sit back, close your eyes, and let Alan Jackson transport you to Midnight in Montgomery, a place where the stars shine a little brighter, the air carries a hint of sadness, and the music speaks volumes without uttering a single word.
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