Introduction:
“Job Description” by Alan Jackson is a reflective track from his 1994 album Who I Am. This song provides a candid glimpse into the life of a touring musician, blending humor and heartfelt emotion. Written by Jackson himself and produced by Keith Stegall, the song delves into the challenges and rewards of his career. It portrays the sacrifices, such as time away from family, juxtaposed with the joy of performing for fans and the satisfaction of providing for loved ones.
The track stands out for its authenticity, drawing from Jackson’s personal experiences. He grew up in rural Georgia, witnessing the hard work of blue-collar families, and later applied this ethic to his music career. The song’s narrative unfolds with vivid imagery of life on the road, highlighting themes of resilience, gratitude, and the balancing act of professional and personal commitments.
Musically, “Job Description” features Jackson’s signature blend of traditional country instrumentation, with acoustic and steel guitars complemented by fiddle and backing vocals. His smooth baritone adds a layer of sincerity, making the track relatable for anyone who has experienced the demands of a challenging job.
Although not released as a single, the song resonates with fans as a poignant ode to the dignity of labor and the human side of a musician’s journey. It is a testament to Jackson’s ability to connect with his audience through storytelling, offering a song that is both personal and universally relatable.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Job Description”
To understand just what we do out here
Well that bus rolls up at home
And I just disappearAnd I sure don’t like to leave you
Couldn’t stand for you to think that I don’t care
So I wrote this job description
Just to tell you what I do when I’m not there
I sleep eighty miles an hour
To the whining of a diesel down the interstate
Dreamin’ ’bout my little girls
The easy chair that sits beside the fireplace
Then we shut her down in another town
Shower up and do just what we came to do
Sing for the people
Count the money and the miles back home to you
Well each night I take the stage
With a six piece band and a guitar in my hand
Singin’ songs about my life
All the good times and the bad
Then we say goodbye and we load it up
And head somewhere I’ve already been
Then I lay down in that double bed alone
And I thank the Lord again
I sleep eighty miles an hour
To the whining of a diesel down the interstate
Dreamin’ ’bout my little girls
The easy chair that sits beside the fireplace
Then we shut her down in another town
Shower up and do just what we came to do
Sing for the people
Count the money and the miles back home to you
Well I just sing for the people
Count the money and the miles back home to you