Introduction:
“Midnight in Montgomery” by Alan Jackson was released in April 1992 as the fourth single from his album Don’t Rock the Jukebox. Co-written by Jackson and Don Sampson, the song is a tribute to country legend Hank Williams, who passed away in 1953. The lyrics tell the story of a man visiting Montgomery, Alabama, and having a mysterious encounter with a ghostly figure, believed to be the spirit of Hank Williams. The atmosphere of the song is eerie and reflective, capturing the loneliness and legacy of Williams, a key figure in country music.
The inspiration for the song came from Jackson’s own visit to Montgomery, where he paid homage at Williams’ gravesite. This personal connection added an emotional layer to the song, resonating with listeners who appreciated the deep ties to country music history. The song not only celebrates Williams’ influence but also evokes a sense of melancholy and reverence for the past.
“Midnight in Montgomery” was well-received and became a staple in Jackson’s live performances, praised for its vivid storytelling and haunting melody. The music video, directed by Jim Shea, enhances the song’s ghostly atmosphere by being filmed entirely in black and white. Interestingly, a mysterious shadow appeared during filming, which added to the eerie feel of the project.
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