Introduction:
“You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie” is a country song originally recorded by The Bellamy Brothers. Written by David Bellamy, it was released in August 1979 as the third single from their album The Two and Only. The song made a significant impact on the country music scene, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It became one of the signature tracks for The Bellamy Brothers during the late ’70s, showcasing their blend of traditional and contemporary country music influences.
In 2005, the Bellamy Brothers re-recorded “You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie” with country music star Alan Jackson. This version appeared on their collaborative album Angels & Outlaws, Vol. 1. The addition of Alan Jackson’s vocal and musical style gave the song a fresh take, introducing it to a newer generation of country music fans. This collaboration highlights the song’s enduring appeal and its role in connecting classic country sounds with modern audiences.
Musically, the song is characterized by its upbeat tempo of 115 BPM and is set in the key of G major, featuring chords like C major, D major, G major, and A minor. Its genre firmly lies within country music, reflecting the Southern spirit and lifestyle that both The Bellamy Brothers and Alan Jackson are known for. The song’s themes and its distinctive country sound helped solidify The Bellamy Brothers’ place in country music history and furthered Alan Jackson’s reputation as a country music traditionalist.
Video:
Lyrics:
“You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie”
(feat. Alan Jackson)
A young boy steals his daddy’s fishin’ line
An alligator lays on the banks of a riverbed
And if you didn’t know any better you’d swear he’s dead.Now these are a few things I’m in love with
A small part of the reason I go back
To Carolina, Mississsippi, Florida, gorgeous Georgia
Now if you think I’m happy down there you’re on the right track.
And you ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie
You ain’t just slappin’ your knee
I’m a grandson of the Southland
An heir to the Confederacy.
You ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie
‘Cause the cattle call’s callin’ me home
So put me down there where I wanna be
Plant my feet with Robert E. Lee.
Bury my bones under a cypress tree
And never let me roam.
And you ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie
You ain’t just slappin’ your knee
I’m a grandson of the Southland
An heir to the Confederacy.
Cotton balls gleam and the cow gives cream
For the baby’s sake
Pa comes in full of gin
And he’s mean as a rattlesnake.
And if the well runs dry
and we cry and cuss the garden hose
Mama draws a bucket full of creek water
Just to wash our clothes.
Now these are a few things I’m in love with
A small part of the reason I go back
To Carolina, Mississsippi, Florida, gorgeous Georgia
Now if you think I’m happy down there you’re on the right track…