Introduction:
“Pop A Top” is a classic country song performed by Alan Jackson, released in 1999 as the lead single from his album Under the Influence. The album is a tribute to the artists and songs that have influenced Jackson’s career, and it showcases his deep connection to traditional country music. “Pop A Top,” originally written by Nat Stuckey and recorded by Jim Ed Brown in 1967, exemplifies Jackson’s penchant for reviving classic hits and giving them a contemporary twist while remaining faithful to their original spirit.
The song belongs to the country genre, characterized by its catchy melody, twangy instrumentation, and relatable lyrics. The story of “Pop A Top” revolves around themes of heartache and solace found in a cold beer at a bar—a common trope in traditional country music that emphasizes storytelling and raw emotion. Jackson’s version retains the nostalgic honky-tonk feel, with its signature sound effect of a bottle cap being popped off a beer, immediately immersing listeners in the song’s setting.
Upon its release, “Pop A Top” achieved considerable success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and No. 10 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It became a fan favorite and received significant airplay, further cementing Jackson’s reputation as a leading figure in the genre during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The song’s success also contributed to the overall acclaim of Under the Influence, an album that reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
By revisiting “Pop A Top,” Alan Jackson not only honored the legacy of country music’s past but also bridged the gap between different generations of country music lovers. His rendition is a testament to his enduring influence in the genre, blending the timeless qualities of classic country with a modern sensibility that resonates with audiences to this day.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Pop A Top”
I just got time for one more round.
Set em’ up my friend.
Then I’ll be gone;
And you can let some other fool sit down.
I’d like for you to listen to a joke I heard today
From a woman who said she was through and calmly walked away.
I tried to smile, and did a while; but it felt so outta place.
Did you ever hear of a clown with tear drops streaming down his face?
Pop a top, again.
I think I’ll have another round.
Set em’ up my friend.
Then I’ll be gone and you can let some other fool sit down.
Home for me, is misery, and here I’m wasting time
Cause a row of fools on a row of stools is not what’s on my mind.
But then you see her leaving me. It’s not what I perfer.
So, it’s either here just drinking beer or at home remembering her.
Pop a top, again.
I think I’ll have another round.
Set em’ up my friend.
Then I’ll be gone and you can let some other fool sit down.
Pop a top, again.