About the song
“Small Town Southern Man” is a poignant and heartfelt song by American country music artist Alan Jackson, released in November 2007 as the lead single from his album *Good Time*. The song made a significant impact, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in March 2008. It became Jackson’s 23rd number-one hit on that chart and marked his first number-one since “Remember When” in February 2004.
The song is characterized by its moderate tempo and is driven by a blend of fiddle and steel guitar, as noted by *Country Weekly*. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life shaped by the values and experiences of a small-town Southern man. They reflect the simplicity and warmth of rural life, focusing on the story of Jackson’s father and the virtues of a humble, hardworking life in a small Southern town.
While Jackson acknowledges that there are personal elements in the song—such as the line about having four sisters and being the youngest son—he has clarified that “Small Town Southern Man” is not a direct tribute to his father or grandfather. Instead, the song serves as a broader homage to anyone who has experienced a rural upbringing similar to his own. Jackson intended it to celebrate the universal qualities of dedication and family values found in people from small-town backgrounds.
Critical reception for “Small Town Southern Man” has been positive. Kevin John Coyne from *Country Universe* gave the song an A rating, describing it as a deserving tribute to fathers who prioritize their families above all else. Coyne highlighted the song’s emotional depth and its comforting message for those who miss their loved ones.
Overall, “Small Town Southern Man” stands out as a touching tribute to the enduring spirit of rural life and the sacrifices made by those who live it, resonating deeply with listeners who share similar experiences.
Video
Lyrics
Born the middle son
Of a farmer
And a small town
Southern man
Like his daddy’s
Daddy before him
Brought up
Workin’ on the land
Fell in love
With a small town woman
And they married up
And settled down
Natural way of life
If you’re lucky
For a small town
Southern man
First there came
Four pretty daughters
For this small town
Southern man
Then a few years
Later came another
A boy, he wasn’t planned
Seven people
Living all together
In a house built
With his own hands
Little words with love
And understanding
From a small town
Southern man
And he bowed
His head to Jesus
And he stood
For Uncle Sam
And he only loved
One woman
He was always proud
Of what he had
He said
His greatest contribution
Is the ones
You leave behind
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man
Callous hands
Told the story
For this small town
Southern man
He gave it all
To keep it all together
And keep his family
On his land
Like his daddy
Years wore out his body
Made it hard
Just to walk
And stand
You can break the back
But you can’t break
The spirit
Of a small town
Southern man
And he bowed
His head to Jesus
And he stood
For Uncle Sam
And he only loved
One woman
He was always proud
Of what he had
He said
His greatest contribution
Is the ones
You leave behind
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man
Finally death
Came callin’
For this small town
Southern man
He said it’s alright
‘Cause I see angels
And they got me
By the hand
Don’t you cry
And don’t you worry
I’m blessed
And I know I am
‘Cause God
Has a place in heaven
For a small town
Southern man
And he bowed
His head to Jesus
And he stood
For Uncle Sam
And he only loved
One woman
He was always proud
Of what he had
He said
His greatest contribution
Is the ones
You leave behind
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man
Raised on the ways
And gentle kindness
Of a small town
Southern man