Alabama is a band that has released dozens of No. 1 hits. There’s “Dixieland Delight,” “Mountain Music,” “You’ve Got the Touch,” and “Song of the South,” just to name a few.
Thirty-two years ago today (Feb. 13), the band, which is comprised of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook, released what would become the 25th No. 1 single of their career.
Titled, “If I Had You,” the track is a love song. It shares the feelings of a man longing to with the woman he loves. Having her would make his life so much better and more exciting. It’s also a slow and moving song about how a relationship can change your life in so many positive ways. Alabama really captures the emotion of the tune with their performance.
Check out these lyrics: “If I had you, we’d sail the seven seas as one / We’d never say ‘It can’t be done’ / No, if I had you.”
There’s also the following: “‘Cause you light a fire way down in my soul / The flame keeps growing stronger ’cause there ain’t no control / And there’s nothing, no there’s nothing, I know there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do / If I had you…”
“If I Had You” appeared on the “Southern Star” album by Alabama. This album was released in 1989. The album also included the popular songs “Southern Star,” “High Cotton,” and “Song of the South.”
You can hear Alabama sing “If I Had You” below:
‘Song of the South’ Big Hit for Alabama on ‘Southern Star’ Album
While “If I Had You” was a No. 1 hit for Alabama off the “Southern Star” album, arguably the biggest hit on that record was “Song of the South.”
This song becoming a hit really isn’t a surprise. The subject matter is something so many country music fans can relate to. It’s about living a simple life and overcoming the struggles so many have faced over the decades. It’s about rising above economic hardships. Plus, it’s a very catchy song that stays with you long after you’ve listened to it.
Check out these lyrics: “Song, song of the south / Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth / Gone, gone with the wind / There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again.” Can’t you just hear Alabama performing it in your head?
“Song of the South” is also about resilience and making the best of a bad situation. The following lyrics are a good example: “Well momma got sick and daddy got down / The county got the farm and they moved to town / Papa got a job with the TVA / He bought a washin’ machine and then a Chevrolet.”
The music video for “Song of the South” doubled down on its themes. It showed life in the south and across America during very rough economic times. You can watch it below.