About the song
Alabama “Song Of The South.” Released in 1988 as the lead single from their album Southern Star, this track wasn’t just a hit; it absolutely soared to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming one of their most recognizable and beloved songs. While it was originally written by Bob McDill and first recorded by Bobby Bare in 1982, Alabama’s version infused it with an undeniable zest and a powerful, nostalgic resonance that truly made it their own. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a vivid musical postcard, a celebration of perseverance, and a reflection on the complex history of the American South.
The lyrics of “Song Of The South” take listeners on a journey through the challenging times of the Great Depression in the southern United States, specifically focusing on the struggles and ultimate resilience of a farming family. It touches upon historical elements like sharecropping and the economic hardships faced by many, while ultimately highlighting the enduring spirit and communal strength that allowed people to push through adversity. Phrases like “Mama got sick and daddy got down / The bank came and took the farm” and “Sweet potato pie and shut my mouth / Gone with the wind, oh, song of the South” paint a picture of hardship interspersed with simple joys and a deep connection to the land and its culture. The song is a tapestry of vivid imagery, evoking a sense of both the beauty and the difficulty of life in that era. It speaks to the idea that despite trials and tribulations, there’s an inherent pride and resilience in the Southern identity, a spirit that carries through generations. It’s a nostalgic look back, acknowledging the past but celebrating the enduring character of the region.
Alabama’s vocal performance on “Song Of The South” is, as always, impeccable. Randy Owen’s lead vocal carries the narrative with his characteristic warmth and sincerity, embodying the voice of someone who understands the struggles and the spirit of the people he’s singing about. The harmonies provided by the rest of the band are absolutely crucial, adding that rich, signature Alabama blend that elevates the chorus into a powerful, almost gospel-like anthem. Their combined vocal prowess lends the song an undeniable sense of community and shared experience, making it feel like a collective memory being sung. It’s a testament to their ability to convey both hardship and hope, making the song resonate deeply with anyone who cherishes their heritage and the lessons learned from tough times.
The musical arrangement of “Song Of The South” is classic Alabama at their peak, a perfect fusion of traditional country instrumentation with a driving, contemporary energy. It features a lively, upbeat rhythm section, prominent electric guitars with a slight rock edge, and that essential fiddle that ties it firmly to its country roots. The arrangement is dynamic and engaging, building energy throughout the verses and exploding into an infectious chorus that invites you to sing along. The production is clean, polished, and powerful, designed for maximum impact on radio while still retaining an organic, heartfelt feel. It’s an arrangement that feels both grand in its scope and intimate in its storytelling.
“Song Of The South” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of resilience, heritage, and pride in one’s roots are universally appealing. It became one of Alabama’s most iconic and beloved hits, solidifying their status as multi-platinum superstars and a band capable of crafting songs that are both widely accessible and deeply meaningful. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and spirited reminder of the strength found in tradition and the enduring allure of the “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
