About the song
“High Cotton,” penned by Scott Anders and Roger Murrah, stands as a nostalgic anthem in American country music, immortalized by the iconic band Alabama. Released in July 1989 as part of their album “Southern Star,” this track quickly ascended to the summit of the Hot Country Singles chart, marking one of their many chart-topping successes.
The song’s lyrics vividly reminisce on the narrator’s youthful days, painted with sentiments of blissful ignorance towards hardships. It portrays a simpler era where hard work and family values were paramount. Lines such as “We didn’t know that times were lean / Around our house the grass was green” evoke a time when life seemed easier and the future held limitless promise. The song also pays homage to the traditional values upheld by rural, farming communities, emphasizing the significance of Sundays as a day of rest and spiritual reflection.
In the music video directed by Jack Cole, Alabama members are seen cruising in a vintage Cadillac convertible against a backdrop of picturesque farmland. This visual narrative enhances the song’s theme of fondly looking back on a bygone era, capturing the essence of rural life in mid-century America.
“High Cotton” not only celebrates a specific time and place but also resonates universally with anyone who cherishes memories of youthful innocence and the warmth of family bonds. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a simpler time, where hard work, faith, and community were the cornerstones of a fulfilling life.
With its heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and evocative imagery, “High Cotton” remains a timeless testament to Alabama’s prowess in capturing the essence of Americana through their music. It stands as a poignant reminder of the value of heritage and the enduring spirit of those who toil under the sun, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of country music history.
Video
Lyrics
We didn’t know the times were lean,
Round our house the grass was green,
It didn’t seem like things were all that bad,
I bet we walked a thousand miles,
Choppin’ cotton and pusing plows,
And learnin’ how to give it all we had.
As Life went on and years went by,
I saw the light in daddy’s eye,
And felt the love in mamma’s hands,
They kept us warm and kept us fed,
Taught us how to look ahead,
Now lookin’ back I understand.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
When Sunday mornings rolled around,
We dressed up hand-me-downs,
Just in time to gather with the church,
Some times I think how long It’s been,
And how it impressed me then,
It was the only day my daddy wouldn’t work.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.
Walkin’ in High Cotton