About the song
“Dixieland Delight” is a classic country song by the American band Alabama, released on January 28, 1983. The song was written by Ronnie Rogers and serves as the lead single from Alabama’s seventh studio album, *The Closer You Get…*. It quickly became a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in April 1983. Its catchy tune and engaging lyrics have made it a beloved anthem, particularly in college football circles, notably among fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The inspiration for “Dixieland Delight” came to Ronnie Rogers during a drive along U.S. Route 11W in Tennessee. This rural highway, and specifically a dead-end road in the town of Leiper’s Fork, sparked the initial idea for the song. Rogers began writing the song that day and was encouraged by a friend to complete it. He finished the lyrics while exploring the woodlands, finding inspiration in the peacefulness of nature and the wildlife around him.
The song’s title reflects the romantic escapade of the narrator, who envisions a weekend outing with his girlfriend. The lyrics paint a picture of a serene countryside setting, complete with imagery of forest animals like a white-tailed buck and a red-tailed hawk. These elements help convey a sense of tranquility and escape from the everyday hustle. As the song progresses, it shifts into a more upbeat tempo, highlighted by a lively fiddle bridge before returning to the chorus.
“Dixieland Delight” stands out not only for its engaging storytelling and musical composition but also for its cultural impact. It became a staple in college football traditions and is cherished by fans for its nostalgic and vibrant portrayal of Southern life.
Video
Lyrics
Rolling down a backwoods Tennessee byway
One arm on the wheel
Holding my lover with the other
A sweet soft southern thrill
Worked hard all week
Got a little jingle
On a Tennessee Saturday night
Couldn’t feel better
I’m together with my dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh so right
My dixieland delight
Whitetail buck deer munchin’ on clover
Red-tailed hawk sitting on a limb
Chubby ol’ groundhog
Croakin’ bullfrog
Free as a feeling in the wind
Home grown country girl
Gonna give me a whirl
On a Tennessee Saturday night
Lucky as a seven
Livin’ in Heaven
With my dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh, so right
My dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh, so right
My dixieland delight
Rolling down a backwoods Tennessee byway
One arm on the wheel