Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Meaning Behind Alan Jackson’s “Midnight in Montgomery”

Meaning behind Alan Jackson - Midnight in Montgomery
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The song was released in 1992 as part of Alan Jackson’s album “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” and it reached no. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Canada Country charts. The song was so fantastic that many musicians, even in the twenty-first century, still enjoyed covering it.

And one of those people is country artist Josh Turner, who covered the song on his album Country State of Mind in 2020. But the sentiment behind the lyrics makes this song so appealing to many country music fans.

Meaning Behind the Song 

Hank Williams Sr., also known as “the King of Country Music,” is known to be the inspiration behind the song.

According to some accounts, the song’s narrative began while Alan Jackson was traveling throughout the country, visiting radio stations to augment his musical inspirations for his album, and he ended up in Montgomery, Alabama. While he was there, he was able to recall that the famed and iconic Hank Williams Sr.’s body was laid in the said town.

RELATED: These 15 Alan Jackson Songs Prove He Is One of The Best In Country Music

Since he was already there, he decided to visit the icon’s grave. And let’s just say he felt something unusual in the air that night of his visit amid the stones. This incident sparked the idea for “Midnight in Montgomery.”

And if you saw the music video, which was directed by Jim Shea, you’ll notice that the entire video was in black and white, creating an ominous atmosphere. In addition, they had to film the said music video twice since there was a shadow in the first take that wasn’t meant to be there—making the song a bit eerie and exciting to listen to.

So, if you want to see it for yourself, here’s Alan Jackson’s “Midnight in Montgomery” performance.

Latest Stories

Top 30 Country Songs This Week

Country Top 30

Country Chart – Week of September 14, 2024 Country music fans, get ready—this week’s chart is packed with songs that hit every corner of the genre. Whether you’re into heart-wrenching ...

What You Never Knew About Annie D'Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

What You Never Knew About Annie D’Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

Every legend has a secret weapon, a steady hand that keeps them grounded in a constantly spinning world. For country music icon Willie Nelson, that guiding force is Annie D’Angelo. ...

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

Dolly Parton isn’t just a country music icon—she’s a cultural force. Her larger-than-life image, from glittering outfits to sky-high heels, is as legendary as her voice. But if one thing ...

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

Megan Moroney, a rising star in country music, showcased her talent and her playful side when she pulled off a memorable prank on Kenny Chesney. During the final leg of ...

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith's World Together While Staying Unseen

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith’s World Together While Staying Unseen

Toby Keith may have been the face of success, but behind every great artist is someone who keeps it all together. For Toby, that someone was Tricia Lucus—his wife, partner, ...

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd's Daughter's Unbelievable Downfall

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd’s Daughter’s Unbelievable Downfall

Grace Pauline Kelley, daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd, has lived a life filled with public scrutiny, legal struggles, and attempts at redemption. Born into a family synonymous with ...

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain't No Love in Oklahoma

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma

When Luke Combs delivers a song, you don’t just hear it—you feel it. “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” a standout track from the 2024 Twisters soundtrack, is no exception. This ...

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Dustin Lynch’s “Chevrolet,” featuring Jelly Roll, is more than just another song about country life—it’s a tribute to the freedom found in the open road, love, and the small, meaningful ...

Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” Is a Song That Knows What Really Matters

Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” Is a Song That Knows What Really Matters

When Cody Johnson sings “Dirt Cheap,” you feel like you’ve been handed a piece of truth we sometimes forget: not everything valuable comes with a price tag. This 2023 release ...

Beyoncé Snubbed by the CMA as Country Music Defends Its Roots

Beyoncé Snubbed by the CMA as Country Music Defends Its Roots

When the 2024 CMA Awards nominations were announced, fans of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter were shocked by its absence. But it felt like the right call for many in the country ...