About the song
Song of the South” by Alabama is more than just a country music hit; it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song. Released in November 1988 as part of their album Southern Star, this track quickly ascended to the top of both the U.S. and Canadian country charts, solidifying Alabama’s position as one of the genre’s most iconic bands.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the talented songwriter Bob McDill. McDill, a prolific songwriter known for his ability to craft narratives that resonate with audiences, penned “Song of the South” with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the Southern experience. His words paint vivid pictures of rural life, family, and tradition, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
The song has seen a number of notable recordings over the years. Bobby Bare was the first to record “Song of the South” for his 1980 album Drunk & Crazy. While Bare’s version is a solid rendition, it was Johnny Russell who first brought the song to the attention of a wider audience, reaching number 57 on the Billboard country chart in 1981. Tom T. Hall and Earl Scruggs also offered their unique interpretations of the song, with their cover peaking at number 72 in 1982. However, it was Alabama’s version that truly captured the hearts of country music fans.
Alabama’s recording of “Song of the South” is characterized by the band’s signature harmonies and heartfelt performance. The song’s melody is both catchy and memorable, and the lyrics strike a chord with listeners who appreciate traditional country music. The instrumentation is rich and textured, featuring prominent pedal steel guitar and acoustic guitar parts that evoke the sound of a classic country ballad.
The title, “Song of the South,” is itself significant, evoking images of the American South and its rich cultural heritage. The song’s themes of home, family, and tradition resonate with listeners of all ages, but it holds a particular appeal for those who have grown up in the South or who appreciate its unique way of life.
In conclusion, “Song of the South” by Alabama is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by country music fans around the world. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling through music, and it serves as a reminder of the rich musical legacy of the American South.
Video
Lyrics
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Gone, gone with the wind
There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Cotton on the roadside, cotton in the ditch
We all picked the cotton, but we never got rich
Daddy was a veteran, a Southern Democrat
They ought to get a rich man to vote like that
Sing it
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Gone, gone with the wind
There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Well, somebody told us Wall Street fell
But we were so poor that we couldn’t tell
Cotton was short and the weeds were tall
But Mr. Roosevelt’s a-gonna save us all
Well, Mama got sick and Daddy got down
The county got the farm and we moved to town
Papa got a job with the TVA
He bought a washin’ machine and then a Chevrolet
Sing it
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Gone, gone with the wind
There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Play it
Sing it
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
(Gone) gone, gone with the wind
There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Song, song of the south
(Gone) gone, gone with the wind
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Sing it
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Gone, gone with the wind
Ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth
Gone, gone with the wind
Ain’t nobody lookin’ back again
Song, song of the south
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth