Introduction:
This song wasn’t just another track on the album; it became a chart-topper, reaching the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It wasn’t just the catchy melody or Alan’s signature vocals that propelled it to success, but the evocative imagery and poignant lyricism. The credit for that goes not only to Alan, but also to his co-writer, Don Sampson. Together, they crafted a song that captured the essence of a lonely night in the Deep South, a place steeped in its own unique character and history.
While the exact location of “Montgomery” in the song isn’t explicitly stated, it paints a vivid picture of a small Southern town, likely bypassed by the interstate’s hustle and bustle. The listener is transported to a place where time seems to slow down, a place where the soundtrack is provided by the mournful call of the whip-poor-will and the gentle hum of crickets. Midnight in Montgomery isn’t just about a place, though. It’s about a feeling – that melancholic yearning that can grip you under a vast, starlit sky, a feeling perhaps amplified by the faint scent of whiskey wafting on the breeze.
The production by Scott Hendricks and Keith Stegall deserves a mention as well. They masterfully created a soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s mood. The acoustic guitar sets the foundation, its gentle strumming mirroring the quiet hum of the town. Subtle touches like the mournful wail of the pedal steel guitar add depth and emotion, further immersing the listener in the song’s atmosphere.
Midnight in Montgomery transcended the boundaries of a simple country song. It became an anthem for those who find solace in the quiet solitude of small towns, a reminder that beauty and emotion can be found in the most unexpected places. So, if you’re looking for a song that will take you on a journey, a song that will make you feel the emotions of a lonely night in the South, then look no further than Alan Jackson’s Midnight in Montgomery. Put on your favorite pair of boots, pour yourself a glass of something sweet, and let this timeless classic transport you to its own special world.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Midnight In Montgomery”
I was on my way to Mobile, for a big New Year’s Eve show
I stopped for just a minute, to see a friend outside of town
Put my collar up, I found his name, and felt the wind die downAnd a drunk man in a cowboy hat took me by surprise
Wearing shiny boots, a Nudie suit, and haunting haunted eyes
He said friend it’s good to see you, it’s nice to know you care
Then the wind picked up and he was gone, was he ever really there?’Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right you’ll hear his songs
Smell whiskey in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singing there
Well I climbed back on that Eagle, took one last look around
Through red tail lights, a shadow moved, slow across the ground
And off somewhere a midnight train is slowly passing by
I can hear that whistle moan, I’m so lonesome I could cry
‘Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right you’ll hear his songs
Smell whiskey in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singing there
Yeah, he’s always singing there
Oh, Hank’s always singing there