About the song
“Jackson” is a memorable song penned by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber in 1963. The song was first recorded by several artists that year, including the Kingston Trio, Wheeler himself, and Flatt and Scruggs. However, its most notable popularity came in 1967 with two standout versions: one by Johnny Cash and June Carter, and another by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood.
The song’s story revolves around a married couple whose relationship has lost its spark. The husband dreams of escaping to “Jackson,” a place he believes will rejuvenate his wild side, while his wife foresees his plans leading only to trouble and mockery. The underlying humor and sharp dialogue in the song create a vivid portrayal of the couple’s differing outlooks on their situation.
There has been some speculation about which “Jackson” the song refers to, but Wheeler revealed that he chose the name simply for its sharp sound rather than a specific city. Despite this, some later recordings, like those by Charlie Daniels and Johnny Cash, hinted at Jackson, Tennessee.
The 1967 recordings of “Jackson” marked its peak in popularity. Johnny Cash and June Carter’s version hit number two on the Billboard Country Singles chart and earned them a Grammy Award in 1968. Their rendition also gained renewed interest through its appearance in the film *Walk the Line* and on the soundtrack of *The Help*. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood’s take reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and saw significant success in Europe.
“Jackson” remains a significant part of music history, with various artists covering the song over the years, including INXS, Phil Alvin and Exene Cervenka, and Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck. The song’s enduring appeal was recognized in 2024 when Rolling Stone ranked it among the top country songs of all time. The song’s influence is evident not only in its various covers but also in its cultural references, including its feature in TV shows like *Defiance*.
In addition to its musical impact, “Jackson” is notable for its role in inspiring the name of the UK pop band Prefab Sprout, according to a misheard lyric. The song’s legacy continues to be celebrated through its numerous recordings and its place in the annals of classic American music.
Video
Lyrics
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
I’m gonna mess around
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson
Look out Jackson town
Well, go on down to Jackson
Go ahead and wreck your health
Go play your hand you big-talkin’ man, make a big fool of yourself
Yeah, go to Jackson
Go comb your hair
Honey, I’m gonna snowball Jackson
See if I care
When I breeze into that city
People gonna stoop and bow, (hah)
All them women gonna make me
Teach ’em what they don’t know how
I’m goin’ to Jackson
You turn-a loose-a my coat
‘Cause I’m goin’ to Jackson
“Goodbye, ” that’s all she wrote
But they’ll laugh at you in Jackson
And I’ll be dancin’ on a Pony Keg
They’ll lead you ’round town like a scalded hound
With your tail tucked between your legs
Yeah, go to Jackson
You big-talkin’ man
And I’ll be waitin’ in Jackson
Behind my Jaypan Fan
Well now, we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper Sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
And that’s a fact
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Jackson
Ain’t never comin’ back
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout’
And we’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went…