Introduction:
Ah, yes, Alan Jackson’s “Little Man”. Released in 1999, this poignant ballad became a cornerstone of country music in the late 20th century. Jackson, a name synonymous with heartfelt storytelling and a champion of the working class, penned this song at a time when the American landscape was undergoing a significant shift.
“Little Man” wasn’t just another country tune. It was a lament for the backbone of small-town America, the independent businesses and farmers who were the lifeblood of rural communities. Produced by Keith Stegall, a frequent collaborator known for his ability to capture the essence of Jackson’s voice, the song resonated deeply with listeners who felt the squeeze of big-box stores and corporate interests.
Jackson’s signature baritone weaves a tale of a bygone era. The lyrics paint a picture of a bustling town square, a central hub where local businesses thrived. But a sense of melancholy creeps in as the narrative progresses. The “court square,” once a source of vibrancy and local pride, is reduced to “just a set of streets.” Progress, it seems, has come at a cost.
“Little Man” isn’t a song that overtly criticizes progress. It’s a subtler exploration of loss. The “little man” of the title isn’t just a singular character; he’s an embodiment of a disappearing way of life. He represents the shopkeepers, the farmers, the independent entrepreneurs who built these communities from the ground up. Their spirit, their dedication, is what the song mourns.
The beauty of “Little Man” lies in its universality. While the imagery evokes small-town America, the sentiment transcends geographical boundaries. It speaks to the anxieties of anyone who feels the pressure of homogenization, the fear of losing the unique character of their community. This resonated not just with rural listeners but also with those in urban areas witnessing the rise of chain stores and the decline of mom-and-pop shops.
The song’s impact wasn’t limited to critical acclaim (though it received plenty of that too). “Little Man” became a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. More importantly, it became an anthem for those who felt forgotten, a reminder of the value of local businesses and the human connection fostered in a community built by independent spirits. It’s a song that continues to resonate today, a poignant reminder of the importance of small-town values and the enduring spirit of the “little man.”
Video:
Lyrics:
“Little Man”
Lookin’ in windows at things I couldn’t want
There’s johnson’s hardware and morgans jewelry
And the ol’ Lee king’s apothecary
They ware the little man
The little man
I go back now and the stores are empty
Except for an old coke sign dated 1950
Boarded up like they never existed
Or renovated and called historic districts
There goes the little man
There goes the little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
He pumped your gas and he cleaned your glass
And one cold rainy night he fixed your flat
The new stores came where you do it yourself
You buy a lotto ticket and food off the shelf
Forget the little man
Forget about that little man
He hung on there for a few more years
But he couldn’t sell slurpees
And he wouldn’t sell beer
Now the bank rents the station
To a man down the road
And they sell velvet Elvis and
Second-hand clothes
There goes little man
There goes another little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
Now the stores are lined up in a concrete strip
You can buy the whole world in just one trip
And save a penny cause it’s jumbo size
They don’t even realize
They’er killin’ the little man
Oh the little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
It wasn’t long ago when I was a child
An old black man came with his mule and his plow
He broke the ground where we grew our garden
Back before we’d all forgoten
about the little man
The little man
Long live the little man
God bless the little man