Alan Jackson – Long Hard Road

Introduction:

“Long Hard Road” by Alan Jackson is a track from The Bluegrass Album, released in 2013. This album marked Jackson’s departure from mainstream country, exploring the traditional bluegrass genre. Released on September 24, 2013, through ACR Records and EMI Nashville, The Bluegrass Album received significant acclaim in the bluegrass community, peaking at number one on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart and reaching the top 20 on the Billboard 200, showing Jackson’s versatility and appeal beyond traditional country​.

The song “Long Hard Road” is a reflective piece, encapsulating themes of struggle, redemption, and resilience—hallmarks of bluegrass music. The lyrics convey Jackson’s journey through life’s hardships, symbolized by a “long, hard road” of trials and triumphs, punctuated by soulful memories of family, faith, and self-discovery. His voice, accompanied by instruments like the fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, infuses the song with authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with listeners. This track reflects Jackson’s knack for storytelling, merging introspective lyrics with the earthy sounds of bluegrass​.

In creating The Bluegrass Album, Jackson collaborated with notable bluegrass musicians, such as Sammy Shelor on banjo and Tim Crouch on fiddle, further enhancing the album’s authentic sound. Jackson’s foray into bluegrass garnered accolades and attention, expanding his musical influence and reinforcing his reputation as a versatile artist unafraid to experiment with different genres​.

The Bluegrass Album served not only as a commercial success but as an homage to Jackson’s roots, bridging traditional country and bluegrass in a way that remains accessible to his established fanbase while attracting new listeners to the genre.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Long Hard Road”

It’s a long, hard road I’m traveling on
Seems forever I’ve been gone
Yeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling on
Lord I need to find my way back home

I hear the voice my sweet momma called me
Telling me to change my ways
In my mind, I smell the dogwood blooming
Takes me back to yesterday

I left behind the person that I once was
I changed for good and some for bad
I’ve wasted days and nights on love forgotten
I’ve traded happiness for sad

I’ve felt the hurt of a broken heart inside me
I’ve felt the joy of love unchained
I’ve seen the rain wash away a mountain
Like tears have washed away my pain

I’ve watched some loved ones dear to my heart dying
I’ve heard a newborn baby’s cry
I’ve walked a path of glory and of darkness
I’ve felt the guilt of a senseless life

Drank to forget and I’ve drank to remember
And I’ve drank for love and I’ve drank for hate
I’ve danced alone with a full moon up above me
Lighting the way to heaven’s gate

I’ve felt the love of Jesus shining on me
I’ve felt the devil’s wicked ways
Prayed for forgiveness, prayed for redemption
Prayed just to make it through the day