About the song
“Chattahoochee” is a standout song by American country music artist Alan Jackson, co-written with Jim McBride. Released in May 1993 as the third single from his album *A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)*, the song has become a memorable part of Jackson’s discography. The album itself takes its name from a line in the song, highlighting its significance.
The inspiration for “Chattahoochee” came when Jackson and McBride aimed to create an upbeat tune. McBride brought in the catchy line “way down yonder on the Chattahoochee,” which sparked the song’s development. Alan Jackson describes the song in the liner notes of his 1995 compilation album, *The Greatest Hits Collection*. He explains that “Chattahoochee” reflects the fun and experiences of growing up and coming of age in a small town. Although they never anticipated its major success, the song resonated widely with audiences.
The song is lively and nostalgic, celebrating youthful adventures and love along the Chattahoochee River, which runs through northern Georgia and forms part of the borders with Alabama and Florida. Its upbeat tempo and engaging lyrics contribute to its universal appeal.
Critics have praised “Chattahoochee” for its nostalgic charm. Kevin John Coyne from Country Universe awarded the song an A grade, noting its effective portrayal of the innocence and joy of adolescence.
The music video, directed by Martin Kahan and premiering in May 1993, features Alan Jackson water-skiing in his iconic red cowboy boots and life vest. This memorable visual complements the song’s lively spirit.
On the charts, “Chattahoochee” made a notable debut at #72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and eventually reached #46 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Jackson’s first entry on this chart. The song’s popularity led to it being certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, solidifying its place as a classic in country music.
Video
Lyrics
Well, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
We got a little crazy but we never got caught
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a litttle ’bout love
Ah ha
Well, we fogged up the windows in my old Chevy
I was willing but she wasn’t ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn’t go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
Well, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
We got a little crazy but we never got caught
Well, we fogged up the windows in my old Chevy
I was willing but she wasn’t ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn’t go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
Yeah, that’s right