About the song
“Song of the South” by Alabama is a nostalgic and evocative country rock anthem that paints a vivid picture of Southern life and heritage. Released in 1983, this track became one of the band’s signature songs, resonating deeply with audiences for its catchy melody and its sentimental portrayal of a specific cultural identity. It’s more than just a country rock tune; it’s a musical snapshot of a region, filled with imagery of familiar landscapes, traditions, and a sense of community.
The song’s lyrics, written by Mark Herndon, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry (all members of Alabama), along with Bob Jennings and Greg Fowler, weave together various elements of Southern culture. References to cotton fields, old folks, front porch swings, and the comforting presence of family create a strong sense of place and time. The chorus, with its memorable refrain “It’s a song, it’s a way of life, it’s a song of the South,” emphasizes the deep connection between the music and the cultural identity it represents. Alabama’s vocal delivery, marked by their signature harmonies and Randy Owen’s earnest lead vocals, enhances the song’s nostalgic and celebratory quality. Their voices blend in a way that feels both familiar and inviting, like a warm breeze on a summer evening.
Alabama’s musical style, characterized by its blend of country instrumentation with rock influences and strong vocal harmonies, is perfectly showcased in “Song of the South.” The prominent use of guitars, bass, and drums, combined with touches of fiddle and steel guitar, creates a sound that is both energetic and rooted in country tradition. The arrangement is well-crafted, building to a singalong chorus that encourages a sense of shared identity and pride. The production is polished yet retains a sense of organic warmth, allowing the band’s musicality and the heartfelt message of the lyrics to shine through.
The enduring appeal of “Song of the South” lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of place and belonging. While specifically referencing the American South, the themes of home, tradition, and the importance of community resonate with people from diverse backgrounds. The song’s catchy melody and its celebratory tone have made it a staple at gatherings and a symbol of Southern pride for many.
“Song of the South” is more than just a country rock hit; it’s a musical tapestry woven with threads of Southern culture and heritage, a testament to Alabama’s ability to create songs that are both commercially successful and deeply connected to a specific cultural identity. Its enduring popularity speaks to the power of music to evoke nostalgia and celebrate a sense of place and community.
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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
