About the song
“Small Town Southern Man” by Alan Jackson is a poignant country song released in November 2007 as the lead single from his album *Good Time*. The track swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in March 2008, marking Jackson’s 23rd number one hit on that chart and his first since “Remember When” in 2004.
**Content and Theme**
Described by *Country Weekly* as a “loping, fiddle-and-steel-guitar-driven song,” “Small Town Southern Man” embraces a moderate tempo and unfolds across three verses. Its lyrics poignantly chronicle the life of Jackson’s father, highlighting how he was shaped by the values and warmth of a small-town Southern upbringing. The song pays homage to rural life and the enduring virtues of hard work, kindness, and family values, which transcend generations.
Contrary to popular belief, Jackson clarified that the song is not strictly a tribute to his own father or grandfather, although it draws heavily from his personal ancestry. Instead, he views it as a tribute to anyone who shares the experience of growing up in a rural setting, resonating with the universal themes of familial love and community bonds. As Jackson puts it, “Wherever you go, there are rural people that are working for a living and raising families. They all have the same qualities and goals as a small town Southern man.”
**Critical Reception**
Kevin John Coyne, in his review for *Country Universe*, awarded “Small Town Southern Man” an A rating. He praised the song as a heartfelt tribute to fathers who prioritize family above all else, offering solace to those who cherish their memory after they are gone. Coyne’s review underscores the song’s emotional depth and its ability to resonate with listeners on a personal level, capturing the essence of familial love and the legacy passed down through generations.
In conclusion, “Small Town Southern Man” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s ability to craft deeply resonant country music that celebrates the values of rural America. With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and Jackson’s distinctive delivery, the song continues to endure as a beloved anthem honoring the enduring spirit of small-town life and the cherished figures who embody its essence.
Video
Lyrics
Born the middle son of a farmerAnd a small town Southern man Like his daddy’s daddy before him Brought up workin’ on the land Fell in love with a small town woman And they married up and settled down Natural way of life if you’re lucky For a small town Southern manFirst there came four pretty daughtersFor this small town Southern man Then a few years later came another A boy, he wasn’t planned Seven people livin’ all together In a house built with his own hands Little words with love and understandin’ From a small town Southern manAnd he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle Sam And he only loved one woman Was always proud of what he had He said his greatest contribution Is the ones you leave behind Raised on the ways and gentle kindness Of a small town Southern manCallous hands told the storyFor this small town Southern man He gave it all to keep it all together And keep his family on his land Like his daddy, years wore out his body Made it hard just to walk and stand You can break the back But you can’t break the spirit Of a small town Southern manAnd he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle Sam And he only loved one woman Was always proud of what he had He said his greatest contribution Is the ones you leave behind Raised on the ways and gentle kindness Of a small town Southern manFinally death came callin’For this small town Southern man He said it’s alright ’cause I see angels And they got me by the hand Don’t you cry, and don’t you worry I’m blessed, and I know I am ‘Cause God has a place in Heaven For a small town Southern manAnd he bowed his head to JesusAnd he stood for Uncle Sam And he only loved one woman Was always proud of what he had He said his greatest contribution Is the ones you leave behind Raised on the ways and gentle kindness Of a small town Southern man