Introduction:
Released in November 2007, “Small Town Southern Man” quickly became a country music favorite. The song, written and performed by country music icon Alan Jackson, is a heartfelt tribute to his father and the values instilled in him by a small-town upbringing. “Small Town Southern Man” was the lead single from Jackson’s album Good Time, released in 2008. The album itself went on to critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. “Small Town Southern Man” was produced by Keith Stegall, a frequent collaborator of Jackson’s who has worked on many of the singer’s most successful albums.
The song itself is a mid-tempo ballad featuring a distinctive country instrumentation with prominent fiddle and steel guitar. Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of Jackson’s father’s life, describing his dedication to hard work, family, and faith. The song celebrates the simple virtues often associated with small-town Southern life and the profound impact a father can have on his children. “Small Town Southern Man” resonated with many listeners, becoming a chart-topping hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying its place as a modern country classic.
“Small Town Southern Man” is not just a song about Alan Jackson’s father; it’s a song about the values that many people hold dear. The song speaks to the importance of hard work, honesty, faith, and family. It celebrates the strong sense of community often found in small towns and the lasting impact that a father figure can have on a child’s life. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, regardless of their background or upbringing.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Small Town Southern Man”
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 manFirst 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 manAnd he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
(He) 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
(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 manFinally 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