About The Song
Absolutely! “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama is a country music anthem known for its upbeat tempo, catchy lyrics, and Southern charm. Here’s a breakdown of this foot-stompin’ classic:
Origins and Release:
- Written by band member Ronnie Rogers, inspired by a road trip through Tennessee.
- Released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “The Closer You Get.”
- The song quickly became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Genre: Country
Musical Style:
- The song features a driving tempo and a prominent banjo riff backed by acoustic guitar, fiddle, and upright bass.
- This creates a classic country sound with a touch of rock and roll energy.
- Lead singer Randy Owen’s clear vocals deliver the lyrics with enthusiasm and a laid-back Southern charm.
Lyrics and Theme:
- The song celebrates a romantic getaway on a Tennessee backroad (“Rollin’ down a backwoods Tennessee byway”).
- The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a carefree weekend spent with a loved one (“Hold her up tight / Make a little lovin’ / A little turtle-dovin’”).
- The overall feel is happy, nostalgic, and celebrates the simple pleasures of life and love.
Legacy and Impact:
- “Dixieland Delight” became one of Alabama’s signature songs and a staple of country radio in the 1980s.
- The song also developed a surprising connection with college football fanbases in the Southeastern Conference, particularly the Alabama Crimson Tide.
- It continues to be a popular choice for tailgating events, country music playlists, and songs that evoke feelings of summer and nostalgia.
Interesting Tidbits:
- The original title of the song was “Tennessee Saturday Night,” but was changed to “Dixieland Delight” to give it a broader appeal.
- The iconic banjo riff was inspired by a similar riff in the song “Dueling Banjos” from the movie “Deliverance.”
- “Dixieland Delight” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Want to hear the song?
You can find “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama on most streaming platforms. There’s also the official music video available on YouTube: you can search for “Alabama – Dixieland Delight (Official Audio)”.
Here are some additional questions you might be interested in:
- Would you like to explore other upbeat country anthems or delve deeper into the history of country music in the 1980s?
- Are you curious about the connection between “Dixieland Delight” and college football culture?
- Would you like to explore other songs about summertime romances or weekend getaways?
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Rolling down a backwoods Tennessee byway
One arm on the wheel
Holding my lover with the other
A sweet soft southern thrill
Worked hard all week
Got a little jingle
On a Tennessee Saturday night
Couldn’t feel better
I’m together with my dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh so right
My dixieland delight
Whitetail buck deer munchin’ on clover
Red-tailed hawk sitting on a limb
Chubby ol’ groundhog
Croakin’ bullfrog
Free as a feeling in the wind
Home grown country girl
Gonna give me a whirl
On a Tennessee Saturday night
Lucky as a seven
Livin’ in Heaven
With my dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh, so right
My dixieland delight
Spend my dollar
Parked in a holler ‘neath the mountain moonlight
Holdin’ her up tight
Make a little lovin’
A little turtle dovin’ on a Mason Dixon night
It’s my life
Oh, so right
My dixieland delight
Rolling down a backwoods Tennessee byway
One arm on the wheel
