Alan Jackson’s song “Where I Come From” vividly captures the down-home Southern roots and way of life that shaped the country music star. The lyrics highlight the simple pleasures like front porch sitting, corn bread and chicken and hard work that Jackson was raised with growing up in rural Georgia.
A Taste of Southern Living
The chorus lays out the essence of Jackson’s Southern upbringing:
“Where I come from it’s corn bread and chicken<br>Where I come from a lotta front porch sittin'<br>Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin'<br>And workin’ hard to get to heaven where I come from”
Jackson sings fondly of the Southern staples like corn bread and fried chicken that he was raised on. He paints an idyllic picture of relaxing on the front porch on a sunny afternoon, strumming a guitar or just watching the world go by. The lyrics also reflect the strong religious faith and work ethic of small town Southern communities.
The song goes on to give more examples of Jackson’s Southern roots and how they sometimes clash with the wider world. He sings about stopping at a roadside barbecue joint up North and noting how the biscuits don’t taste like his mama’s. During a drive through California, he declines a dinner invitation from a tall lady because back home he likes “girls that sing soprano.”
Down Home Details
Jackson also includes some great descriptive details that bring his lyrics to life:
- The “universal joint” on his truck that breaks down, forcing him to use his finger to secure it
- CB radio chatter between truckers about dropping off a load of salsa
- Burning up the roads around the Jersey Turnpike until a cop pulls him over
These help create a tangible sense of place. You feel transported into Jackson’s world as he rolls through different parts of the country in his beat up old truck.
A Universal Theme
While “Where I Come From” is filled with Jackson’s unique experiences, the lyrics touch on the universal theme of staying grounded in your roots. No matter how far we may travel and explore, our childhoods and backgrounds shape who we are.
Jackson has certainly traveled far, both literally and figuratively. But he stays loyal to the simple Southern values he was raised with. The song is an anthem to remembering where you came from, even amidst fame and fortune.
Why “Where I Come From” Resonates
Released in 1997, “Where I Come From” was a huge hit for Jackson. It topped the country charts for four weeks and reached #7 on the mainstream Hot 100. The song clearly resonated with many listeners, both country fans and beyond.
Its accessible lyrics and melodic chorus make “Where I Come From” easy for people across the country to sing along to. And the theme of staying grounded in your roots, working hard, and not forgetting your origins is universally appealing.
Jackson himself said the inspiration for the song came during drives through the countryside while on tour. As he racked up more accomplishments, he didn’t want to lose track of the small town Georgia roots that made him who he is.
That combination of country details and universal relatability is a large part of what has made “Where I Come From” a modern classic. Over 20 years later, fans still love to crank up Jackson’s ode to his Southern lifestyle and get lost in the down home details. For many, it brings back memories of their own hometowns and upbringings.
Still Truckin’ Along
Decades into his career, Jackson has never strayed far from the country sound and Southern themes of his early work. He’s still cranking out music about the simple pleasures in life and staying true to your roots.
2018’s album Precious Memories Collection shows Jackson’s faith and gospel background. And he marked his 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2021.
Clearly the corn bread and chicken lifestyle still suits Jackson well. “Where I Come From” endures as the quintessential summary of his guiding philosophies. As the final verse says:
“Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin'<br>
Oh, where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’…”
Jackson will likely keep celebrating those down home roots for albums to come. And fans old and new will continue finding meaning in the universal themes of “Where I Come From.” Its mix of nostalgia and wisdom will never go out of style.
Alan Jackson – Where I Come From (Official Audio)
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