About the song
“High Cotton” is a reflective and nostalgic song by the American country music group Alabama, released in July 1989 as the third single from their album *Southern Star*. Written by Scott Anders and Roger Murrah, the song quickly became a favorite, reaching number one on the Hot Country Singles chart and contributing to the album’s overall success. Notably, it was one of four singles from the *Southern Star* album to achieve this chart-topping status.
The essence of “High Cotton” lies in its heartfelt reminiscence of simpler times and the narrator’s youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a time when life seemed easier and more fulfilling, even if it was marked by hard work and modest means. The narrator reflects on how he and his family were unaware of the struggles they faced, as their days were filled with green grass and the joy of simple pleasures. The song underscores the value of religious and familial traditions, such as attending church on Sundays and working diligently on the farm. It fondly recalls how Sundays were special because it was the only day his father did not work, emphasizing the importance of rest and family time.
The lyrics also celebrate the hardworking lifestyle of farming families, highlighting the physical labor involved in “choppin’ cotton and pushin’ plows” and the enduring lessons learned from these experiences. The song’s portrayal of this straightforward, labor-intensive life resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar upbringings.
The music video for “High Cotton,” directed by Jack Cole, visually complements the song’s themes. It features modern footage of a farm, including scenes with an early 1950s Cadillac convertible driven by the band members. This imagery enhances the song’s nostalgic feel, as the band observes and admires the farming life depicted in the video.
Overall, “High Cotton” is celebrated not only for its catchy melody but also for its poignant reminder of the values and simplicity of rural life, making it a cherished part of Alabama’s musical legacy.
Video
Lyrics
We didn’t know the times were lean,
Round our house the grass was green,
It didn’t seem like things were all that bad,
I bet we walked a thousand miles,
Choppin’ cotton and pusing plows,
And learnin’ how to give it all we had.
As Life went on and years went by,
I saw the light in daddy’s eye,
And felt the love in mamma’s hands,
They kept us warm and kept us fed,
Taught us how to look ahead,
Now lookin’ back I understand.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
When Sunday mornings rolled around,
We dressed up hand-me-downs,
Just in time to gather with the church,
Some times I think how long It’s been,
And how it impressed me then,
It was the only day my daddy wouldn’t work.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
Walkin’ in High Cotton