As a tomboy growing up in the country, I listened to a lot of music by Alan Jackson – well, anything from earlier than the mainstream hip hop and rock music of the 90’s thanks to my dad as we cruised over some dusty dirt roads. Oh and the radio was nearly always turned to an AM station. I didn’t think I could survive hearing The Rest of the Story by Paul Harvey one more time as a teen, but I do cherish the memory of chanting the phrase with my brother as my dad silently laughed. There were a lot of old country tunes mixed – I always thought he played AM stations because they were clean, but it’s really because that’s what he grew up with and loved. This introduced me to countless Alan Jackson songs from “Remember When” to “Gone Country” to “Country Boy”. I didn’t think about this until I was older, but many of his songs would be considered Christian country songs by today’s standards.
Here are just a few great Christian songs sung by Alan Jackson.
“Livin’ On Love” by Alan Jackson
This song is so rich in telling a true love story who weren’t rich by the world’s standards, but had all of God’s love in their relationship.
Favorite Lyrics
Livin' on love, buyin' on time
Without somebody nothing ain't worth a dime Just like an old fashion story book rhyme Livin' on love It sounds simple, that's what you're thinkin' But love can walk through fire without blinkin' It doesn't take much when you get enough Livin' on love
“Remember When” by Alan Jackson
I always imagined an elderly couple looking back in time at the long life they lived – not a perfect life, but one full of timeless memories. This song reminds me of the ups and downs all Christians face through life.
Favorite Lyrics
Remember when the sound of little feet
was the music We danced to week to week Brought back the love, we found trust Vowed we'd never give it up Remember when
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson wrote this as a tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. People felt many mixed emotions that day. This song covers so much of what people felt and did, including reflecting on God’s blessings.
Favorite Lyrics
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell You the difference in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us And the greatest is love
“Small Town Southern Man” by Alan Jackson
Life seems a lot less hectic when you are in a small country town and I think this is because people have to work so hard. Older people who lived a simple farm life tend to have a greater appreciation for life and Alan Jackson’s song “Small Town Southern Man” talks about the hard work, simple ways and importance of a country man.
Favorite Lyrics
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
“Home” by Alan Jackson
Marriage is so different today than it was 40 years ago and Alan Jackson talks about the commitment of two people in love who started out on little to nothing. They lived a good moral life and loved God and that’s what was remembered and cherished.
Favorite Lyrics
And they made their house from a tool shed
Grandaddy rolled out on two logs And they built walls all around it And they made that house a home
And they taught us 'bout good living
And taught us right from wrong
Lord, there'll never be another place
In this world that I'll call home
My mama raised five children
Four girls, and there was me
She found her strength in faith of God
And a love of family
Alan Jackson has had an amazing career and he has connected with people of all walks of life. You can’t deny his music is good ol’ country, but the lyrics in many of the songs lay out life for what it was and you can paint a clear picture of what’s important to him and what life was like growing up. In 2012 he re-released his gospel album Precious Memories with favorites like “Softly and Tenderly,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “I Love To Tell The Story” and “Standing On The Promises.” What are your favorite Alan Jackson songs?
Resources- Youtube, photo credit: Joe Bielawa via photopin cc
