Alan Jackson – Small Town Southern Man

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 farmer
And 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 man

First there came four pretty daughters
For 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 man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And 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

Callous hands told the story
For 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 man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And 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

Finally 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 man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And 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