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Introduction:

“First Love” by Alan Jackson is a heartfelt song that explores the artist’s personal nostalgia and admiration for one of his early passions—his love for automobiles. The song, from Jackson’s 2002 album Drive, stands out as a reflective piece in which he recalls his first vehicle, a red Thunderbird, which symbolizes his youthful independence and freedom. Known for weaving autobiographical themes into his music, Jackson used this track to capture a specific slice of Americana and a sense of longing for simpler times, resonating with fans who share similar memories.

The Drive album marked an important era in Jackson’s career, as it was released during a peak in his popularity. It showcased his songwriting abilities, particularly his skill at connecting personal experiences to broader themes that resonate with listeners. The song “First Love” sits alongside other notable tracks on the album, such as “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” which explores the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, reflecting Jackson’s ability to tackle a range of emotions and topics in his music.

The song’s simple melody and Jackson’s smooth, warm vocals underscore the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it a favorite among his fans who appreciate his storytelling style. Drive as an album achieved significant success, and “First Love” contributed to Jackson’s reputation for crafting songs that reflect both personal and universal themes. The track has also been embraced as an example of Jackson’s ability to make country music a vehicle for deeply relatable stories.

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Lyrics:

“First Love”

I was fifteen, she was eighteen
The prettiest thing I’d ever seen in my life
I loved her at first sight
I found her in Marietta, a town north of Atlanta
I brought her home to see my folks
They loved her tooWe were together for a long time
Thought it would be for all time
But things change and rearrange
She had to go
She left me cryin’ in ’79
An airline pilot, in Carolina
I was a wreck, can’t drive a check
It broke my heart

My first love was an older woman
There’s been many since
But there’ll never be another
Built in 1955, snowshoe white, overdrive
I never should’ve sold her, I’ll always love her
She was mine

Years went by, teardrops dried
I got her back, I was surprised
In ’93, a gift to me on Christmas Eve
We were both older, so I restored her
Could’ve sold her, for a lot more
But I will never she’s mine forever
Until I go

My first love was an older woman
There’s been many since
But there’ll never be another
Built in 1955, snowshoe white, overdrive
I never should’ve sold her, I’ll always love her
She was mine

I’ll never sell her she’s mine forever
I love her so…