Alan Jackson – There’s a New Kid In Town (Official Lyric Video)

Introduction:

Released in 1993 on the album Honky Tonk Christmas (Deluxe Version), “There’s a New Kid in Town” isn’t your typical holiday jingle. While the festive season provides the backdrop, the song by country music giants Alan Jackson and Keith Whitley takes a poignant look at the nativity story through the eyes of ordinary Bethlehem residents.

The song falls squarely within the genre of traditional country music. Defined by its focus on storytelling and relatable characters, country music often features acoustic instrumentation like guitars, fiddles, and pianos. “There’s a New Kid in Town” embodies these elements, with a gentle melody driven by acoustic guitar and punctuated by subtle pedal steel flourishes.

Keith Whitley, a rising star tragically cut short in 1989, lends his smooth tenor vocals to portray the skepticism of a townsperson encountering the commotion surrounding the newborn Jesus. Alan Jackson, known for his baritone voice and down-to-earth persona, delivers the perspective of another villager, one who recognizes the significance of the event. The interplay between their contrasting viewpoints creates a compelling narrative tapestry.

While not a chart-topping hit, “There’s a New Kid in Town” has garnered a dedicated following among country music fans and Christmas music enthusiasts alike. Its unique perspective on the nativity story, combined with the powerful vocal performances of Jackson and Whitley, has secured its place as a thoughtful and understated holiday classic.

The song’s production credits are not widely available, but it likely reflects the signature style of producer Scott Hendricks, who helmed many of Alan Jackson’s early albums. Hendricks was known for his focus on clean instrumentation and allowing the artist’s vocals to shine. This approach is evident in “There’s a New Kid in Town”, where the stripped-down production puts the spotlight on the emotional weight of the lyrics and the vocal interplay between Jackson and Whitley.

“There’s a New Kid in Town” stands out for its ability to capture the wonder of the nativity story from a fresh perspective. By placing the listener in the shoes of ordinary townspeople, the song allows us to appreciate the significance of Jesus’ arrival in a relatable and intimate way.

Video:

Lyrics:

“There’s A New Kid In Town”
(with Keith Whitley)

We’re looking for the King
The new Messiah
We’re following the star
Shining brighter
Old man won’t you help us if you can
He shook his head
But he pointed his handThere’s a new kid in town
And he’s lying in a manger down the road
There’s a new kid in town
But he’s just another baby I suppose
Heaven knows
There’s a new kid in town
Here in Bethlehem

I see you’ve traveled far
Bearing treasures
You say these gifts are for
The new King’s pleasure
Well I’ve heard
That a King might come
But up ’til now there hasn’t been one

There’s a new kid in town
And he’s lying in a manger down the road
There’s a new kid in town
But he’s just another baby I suppose
Heaven knows
There’s a new kid in town
Here in Bethlehem

There’s a new kid in town
And he’s lying in a manger down the road
There’s a new kid in town
But he’s just another baby I suppose
Heaven knows
There’s a new kid in town
Here in Bethlehem…