Introduction:
Ah, yes, Alan Jackson’s “Where I Come From”. Released in 2001, this poignant ballad became a landmark song in Jackson’s career, solidifying his position as a champion of traditional country music.
Jackson, a native Georgian with a distinctive, warm baritone, rose to prominence in the late 1980s alongside artists like Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam. This new guard of country singers championed a return to the genre’s roots, emphasizing storytelling and heartfelt lyrics over the more polished pop-influenced sounds that had dominated the charts in the previous decade.
“Where I Come From” perfectly encapsulates this philosophy. The song, written solely by Jackson himself, is a simple yet powerful ode to rural life and the values that come with it. Accompanied by a gentle acoustic guitar and a subtle backing band, Jackson’s voice takes center stage, weaving a tapestry of imagery that evokes a bygone era.
The song’s producer, Keith Stegall, deserves recognition for his masterful touch. Stegall, a longtime collaborator with Jackson, is known for his ability to create a warm and inviting soundscape that perfectly complements the artist’s vocals. In “Where I Come From,” Stegall keeps the arrangement uncluttered, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine through.
Critically acclaimed upon release, “Where I Come From” resonated deeply with audiences. It spent several weeks at the top of the Billboard country charts, becoming Jackson’s 18th number one hit and his only chart-topper from the album When Somebody Loves You. More importantly, the song struck a chord with listeners who yearned for a simpler time, a time defined by hard work, family values, and a deep connection to the land.
“Where I Come From” transcended the boundaries of a mere country song. It became an anthem for a generation that felt increasingly disconnected from its roots. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Jackson’s ability to capture the essence of small-town America and the values that continue to define its heartland. So, when you listen to “Where I Come From,” prepare to be transported to a simpler place, a place where cornbread and chicken fuel the soul, and where hard work and faith pave the path to heaven.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Where I Come From”
‘Round that Jersey Turnpike
Barney stopped me with his gun
ten minutes after midnight
Said sir you broke the limit in that rusty ol’ truck
I don’t know about that accent son
Just where did you come fromI said where I come from
It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta front porch sittin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come fromWell i was south of Detroit City
I pulled in this country kitchen
To try their brand of barbecue
The sign said finger-lickin’
Well I paid the tab and the lady aked me
How’d you like my biscuit
I’ll be honest with you ma’am
It ain’t like mama fixed it
Cause where I come from
It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta front porch pickin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
I was chasin’ sun on 101
somewhere around Ventura
I lost a universal joint and I had to use my finger
This tall lady stopped and asked
If I had plans for dinner
Said no thanks ma’am, back home
we like the girls that sing soprano
Cause where I come from
It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta front porch sittin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
Well I was headed home on 65
somewhere around Kentucky
The CB rang for the bobtail rig
that’s rollin’ on like thunder
Well I answered him and he asked me
Aren’t you from out in Tulsa
No, but you might’a seen me there
I just dropped a load of salsa
Where I come from It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta front porch pickin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
and workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
Where I come from It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta back porch pickin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
Workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
Yeah where I come from
A lotta front porch sittin’
Starin’ up at heaven
Where I come from
Where I come from
Tryin’ to make a livin’
Tryin’ to make a livin’
Oh, where I come from
Where I come from
Yeah where I come from
Get back down there sometimes
Where I come from