Alan Jackson – Back

Introduction:

“Back” by Alan Jackson is a reflective track from his 2021 album Where Have You Gone, a record that marked his return to music after several years of relative quiet. Released on May 14, 2021, under ACR/EMI Nashville, Where Have You Gone showcases Jackson’s signature neotraditional country sound, with heartfelt lyrics and a rich blend of classic country instrumentation.

Alan Jackson has long been known for blending traditional country elements with modern storytelling, and “Back” fits comfortably within this tradition. The song offers a nostalgic reflection on the past, echoing many of Jackson’s earlier works that deal with themes of family, memories, and the passage of time. The album as a whole pays homage to the classic country sound that Jackson helped revive throughout his career.

Musically, “Back” maintains Jackson’s typical style, characterized by steel guitars, fiddles, and a slow, contemplative tempo. This traditionalist approach is a hallmark of Jackson’s music and has helped him become one of the most respected figures in country music over the past three decades. With this release, Jackson reaffirmed his commitment to keeping traditional country music alive, particularly at a time when the genre has seen significant shifts towards pop and other modern influences.

Commercially, Where Have You Gone debuted at No. 2 on the US Country Albums chart and No. 9 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Jackson’s continued relevance in the country music scene despite the changing landscape of the industry. The album’s critical reception was positive, with reviewers praising Jackson for sticking to his roots while still delivering fresh material.

Overall, “Back” and the rest of the album continue to demonstrate Alan Jackson’s ability to craft timeless country music that resonates deeply with his audience, old and new alike​.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Back”

Tomatoes on the vine, elderberry wine
Last week’s clothes dryin’ on the line
Momma in the kitchen, daddy down the hall
Bourbon on the table, Jesus on the wallFront porch, back porch, crickets in the trees
Plowin’ up the garden, puttin’ down the seed
Build a little scarecrow, stringin’ up the beans
Prayin’ for the sunshine, pullin’ up the weeds

Back, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
I’m bringin’ country back

Pickup truck, four-wheel drive
Catfish dinner on a Saturday night
Shirt tail in Sunday, dinner on the ground
Back in time for football, pour another round

Back, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
Yeah, I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
Lord, I’m bringin’ country back

Two-step, three-step, dancin’ in line
Gas up that old John Deere, take her for a ride
Cruisin’ ’round the court square every Friday night
Ride out in the country, see the lightnin’ bugs light

Find a little June bug, tie him on a string
Fly him in a circle till your head begins to swing
Patch an old tire tube, float it down the stream
Blue jeans, prom queens, homemade ice cream

Back, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
Yeah, I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
I’m bringin’ country back

Strum a little guitar, pick an old song
Grandma on the banjo, family sings along
Baby makes the cornbread, sister makes the tea
Dance a little jig ’round the kitchen with me

Back, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
Yeah, I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
Lord, I’m bringin’ country back

Fishin’ in a Jon boat, giggin’ in the dark
Eatin’ watermelon on a table in the yard
Chicken in a brown bag, picnic in the park
Draggin’ up the hay bales, stack ’em in the barn ya’ll

Songs about heartbreak, pair of swingin’ doors
Ridin’ on the tailgate, sawdust on the floors
Jukebox, tater tots, prayin’ on our knees
Andy on the TV, lovin’ on Aunt Bee

Back, yeah, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
Yeah, I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
I’m bringin’ country back

Workin’ for a livin’, proud to pay the man
Wake up every mornin’ happy that we can
Yes sir, yes ma’am, stand up for the flag
Thank the Lord in Heaven for the freedom that we have

Back, I’m bringin’ country back
Back where it belongs, back on track
Yeah, I think ol’ Hank would like it like that
I got my boots, I got my hat
I’m bringin’ country back