Introduction:
“Midnight in Montgomery” is a country song by Alan Jackson, released as the fourth single from his second studio album, Don’t Rock the Jukebox, in April 1992. Written by Alan Jackson and Don Sampson, the song pays tribute to the legendary country singer Hank Williams, who passed away in 1953. The song captures the haunting atmosphere of Montgomery, Alabama, where Hank Williams was buried, and reflects on the impact of his legacy on the country music genre.
The inspiration for “Midnight in Montgomery” came from Jackson’s personal experience while he was traveling to Montgomery for a New Year’s Eve show. While passing by the cemetery where Hank Williams is buried, Jackson felt a profound sense of connection to the late singer and was inspired to write the song. The lyrics tell a story from a first-person perspective, with the narrator visiting Williams’ gravesite on a lonely night and experiencing a supernatural encounter that suggests Williams’ spirit still lingers there.
Musically, “Midnight in Montgomery” is classified under the country genre, featuring a traditional country sound with a blend of acoustic and steel guitars that create a haunting melody, perfectly complementing the song’s eerie narrative. The song is characterized by its melancholic tone and storytelling style, which pays homage to the storytelling tradition in country music. The production, handled by Scott Hendricks and Keith Stegall, was designed to evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia, making it stand out from other contemporary country songs of its time.
Upon its release, “Midnight in Montgomery” achieved significant success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in the United States and number 5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. The song also received critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, with many critics praising Jackson’s vocal delivery and the song’s atmospheric production. In 1993, the song earned Alan Jackson a nomination for Best Country Song at the Grammy Awards, further solidifying his status as a leading artist in the country music scene.
“Midnight in Montgomery” remains one of Alan Jackson’s most memorable songs, celebrated for its unique blend of storytelling, melody, and tribute to one of country music’s greatest legends.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Midnight In Montgomery”
Midnight in Montgomery, Silver Eagle, lonely road
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 thereWell 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 thereYeah, he’s always singing there
Oh, Hank’s always singing there