About the song
Alabama’s “Song of the South”: A Lyrical Journey Through the American South
“Song of the South” is a country ballad recorded by the American country music band Alabama. Written by band members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, it was released in 1988 as the second single from their album Southern Star. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Song of the South” is a nostalgic ode to the American South, specifically the state of Alabama. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the South’s natural beauty, its rich history, and its strong sense of community. The song also celebrates the South’s unique culture, including its food, its music, and its people.
The song’s narrator begins by describing the South’s natural beauty, singing of “cotton on the roadside” and “sweet magnolias.” He then goes on to describe the South’s rich history, referencing the Civil War and the Ku Klux Klan. However, the narrator ultimately focuses on the South’s positive qualities, such as its strong sense of community and its unique culture.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with its simple yet powerful lyrics:
“Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth Gone, gone with the wind There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again Cotton on the roadside, sweet magnolias Where the dogwood blooms in the springtime And the mockingbird sings”
“Song of the South” is a powerful and moving song that captures the essence of the American South. It is a song that celebrates the South’s beauty, its history, and its culture. It is a song that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever called the South home.
Key words: Alabama, Song of the South, American South, country music, ballad, nostalgia, natural beauty, rich history, strong sense of community, unique culture