Alan Jackson – The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues (Official Music Video)

Introduction:

Alan Jackson’s “The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues” is a clever and humorous country ditty that showcases the singer’s ability to blend storytelling with musical wit. Released in 2005 as the third single from his album What I Do, the track quickly became a fan favorite for its unique concept and Jackson’s signature vocal style.

The song’s genre is undeniably country, with its twangy guitar riffs and traditional instrumentation providing the perfect backdrop for Jackson’s storytelling. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a songwriter seeking help from a mechanic to fix his “broken hook” and “melodic structures.” This unexpected premise sets the stage for a lighthearted exploration of the songwriting process, filled with clever wordplay and humorous observations.

While not credited as a producer on the track, Alan Jackson’s influence is undoubtedly felt throughout the song. His ability to craft a compelling narrative combined with his strong vocal performance elevates “The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues” beyond a simple novelty tune. The song’s success is evident in its chart performance. It peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart, demonstrating its popularity among country music listeners.

“The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to Alan Jackson’s versatility as an artist. By stepping outside the traditional country ballad format, he created a song that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a humorous level while still showcasing Jackson’s songwriting talent.

Video:

Lyrics:

“The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues”

The mechanic raised up from under my hood
And he shook his head and said, “This ain’t good
Your timin’ belt’s done shrunk one size too small
Those spark plug wires are a little too long
And your main prodsponder’s nearly gone
Your injector ports are stripped and that ain’t all”“The torque converter’s runnin’ low on torque
And that water pump’s nearly down a quart
But we caught it all in time so you’re in luck”
He said, “I’ve got the time and I’ve got the parts
Just give me the word and I’m ready to start
I think we can bring her in for eight hundred bucks”But don’t be downhearted, I can fix it for you, sonny
It won’t take too long, it’ll just take money

Then he said, “Aren’t you that songwriter guy?”
And I said, “Yes, I am,” he said, “So am I.”
He sat down and played me a song by the grease rack
When he finished singin’, he gave me a smile
And I closed my eyes and pondered awhile
And he said, “What do you think? Now don’t hold nothin’ back”

Well, I gave him my most sorrowful look
And I said, “This song’s got a broken hook
I can order you a new one from Nashville, but it won’t be cheap
And I know you’ve been using a cut-rate thesaurus
‘Cause your adverbs have backed up into your chorus
Now your verse is runnin’ on verbs that are way too weak”

But don’t be downhearted, I can fix it for you, sonny
It won’t take too long, it’ll just take money

And I said, “Hold on friend now I’m not through
I hate to be the one to give you this news
But your whole melodic structure’s worked itself loose
It’s got so many dotted eighth notes in it
I’d keep her under fifty beats per minute
I mean, that’s just me talkin’, it’s really up to you”

“You’ve got a bad safety problem with
That dominant chord with the augmented fifth
Just see how dangerously high it raises you up
So just go on over there and work on my car
I’ll sit here by the fan and chances are
I can straighten this thing out for eigh… nine hundred bucks”

But don’t be downhearted, I can fix it for you, sonny
It won’t take too long, it’ll just take money
Don’t be downhearted, I can fix it for you, sonny
It won’t take too long
You guessed it
It may be a hit
I like it