About the song
“Song Of The South” by the legendary band Alabama. Released in 1988 as a single from their album Southern Star, this song, originally written by Bob McDill and first recorded by Bobby Braddock in 1966, soared straight to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It’s far more than just a catchy tune; it’s a vibrant, nostalgic, and ultimately uplifting tribute to resilience, community, and the simple pleasures found in the heart of Dixie.
The lyrics of “Song Of The South” paint a vivid, almost cinematic picture of life in the rural South during economically challenging times, particularly recalling the era of the Great Depression. It speaks of lean years, sharecropping, and making do with what little one had, yet it consistently highlights the joy, the warmth of family, and the strength of community that flourished despite the hardships. Phrases like “Sweet potato pie and a-come and go / To the fishing hole, but the fish don’t bite” and the iconic “Papa got a brand new bag of cement / Built a two-room house for fifteen cents” blend humor with the very real struggles of the era. The recurring chorus, “Song Of The South, Sweet potato pie, and I wish I were in Dixie / Hooray, hooray, hooray!” serves as an infectious declaration of unwavering pride in one’s roots and the resilient spirit of the people. It’s a testament to finding joy and strength in community, even when circumstances are tough.
Alabama’s performance on “Song Of The South” is absolutely quintessential. Randy Owen’s lead vocal is brimming with an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine, heartfelt pride that perfectly embodies the song’s celebratory spirit. His voice has that distinctive, earnest quality that resonated with millions, and he delivers the lyrics with a confident, storytelling ease. The band’s signature harmonies – rich, tight, and soaring – are front and center, adding layers of vibrancy and excitement to the chorus. Their collective musicianship is impeccable, creating a tight, driving rhythm that pulls you right into the joyful narrative, making it impossible not to tap your feet. It’s a performance that truly showcases the band’s unparalleled energy and their ability to craft songs that feel both authentically regional and universally appealing.
The musical arrangement of “Song Of The South” is an energetic, foot-stomping blend of country, Southern rock, and traditional bluegrass elements that defined Alabama’s groundbreaking sound. It features a prominent, lively banjo that gives the song much of its infectious, driving energy, along with a fiddle, electric guitars, and a robust rhythm section. The arrangement is upbeat, rollicking, and utterly irresistible, built for singalongs and spontaneous dancing. The production is clean, crisp, and powerful, designed to highlight the band’s dynamic interplay and ensure the song’s wide-ranging appeal.
“Song Of The South” resonated deeply with audiences because it tapped into a universal appreciation for heritage, resilience, and the simple joys of life amidst adversity. It became an immediate classic, and an unofficial anthem for countless gatherings, family reunions, and celebrations of Southern culture. It remains one of Alabama’s most enduring and beloved hits, a timeless reminder of their unparalleled ability to fuse various musical styles into a sound that was, and still is, a joyous “Song Of The South.”
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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
