“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine stepping into a warm Southern night, where the soft hum of laughter and the ocean breeze mixes with the rhythmic pulse of a jukebox. This scene could easily be the backdrop for Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard, a track by Alabama that embodies the heart and soul of Gulf Coast beach culture. For anyone who’s ever danced barefoot on the sand or soaked in the atmosphere of a lively beachside bar, this song stirs an instant sense of nostalgia and warmth. Alabama captures a slice of Southern beach life, offering a vivid tribute to an era and place that many still cherish.
About The Composition
- Title: Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard
- Composer: Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Greg Fowler
- Premiere Date: 1997
- Album: Dancin’ on the Boulevard
- Genre: Country (with elements of Beach Music)
Background
Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard comes from Alabama’s 1997 album Dancin’ on the Boulevard, a project reflecting the band’s Southern roots and love for the culture that shaped them. By 1997, Alabama was a well-established name in country music, but this song marked a unique point in their career. Inspired by the nostalgic charm of beachside dances, “shag” moves, and a deep love for Gulf Coast traditions, Alabama crafted this song as a tribute to Myrtle Beach’s iconic Ocean Boulevard. This track’s throwback vibe captured an audience’s yearning for simpler times, connecting with fans who remembered those beach nights vividly.
Musical Style
Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard fuses country music with beach-inspired rhythms and danceable grooves, a blend often called “Beach Country.” The instrumentation is simple yet effective, with steady guitar strums, rhythmic bass lines, and a touch of light percussion that pulls listeners into a laid-back, beachy ambiance. Alabama’s sound here is effortless, melding harmony-rich vocals with a smooth, relaxed beat, a refreshing departure from mainstream country’s typical structure. The music captures the essence of “shagging,” a popular Carolina dance style, and evokes a lively, carefree spirit that’s easy to get lost in.
Lyrics
The lyrics of Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard reflect a story of joy, nostalgia, and local pride. Each verse paints a picture of Ocean Boulevard, where locals and tourists alike gather to dance, laugh, and enjoy the coastal nightlife. The references to Myrtle Beach’s cherished hotspots give the song a specific and authentic feel, making it not only a musical composition but a lyrical postcard from the South. Through their words, Alabama invites listeners into a world that’s charming, communal, and blissfully unaffected by the pressures of modern life.
Performance History
This song has become a favorite in Alabama’s live performances, often inspiring audiences to get up and dance. It continues to receive enthusiastic receptions whenever played, particularly at shows in the Southeast, where fans feel a special connection to its imagery and themes. Over the years, it has grown beyond just a song; it has become a celebration of place and time for those who share Alabama’s affection for the beach life.
Cultural Impact
Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard has influenced a generation of musicians and fans who appreciate its fusion of country and beach music. The song’s homage to beach culture resonated far beyond country music fans, helping shape the subgenre of “Beach Country.” Its catchy beat and relatable lyrics have led to its inclusion in nostalgic Southern playlists and beach party soundtracks, solidifying its cultural relevance even decades after its release.
Legacy
Today, Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard endures as a beloved anthem for beach lovers and country music fans alike. Its easygoing charm and homage to Southern traditions have ensured its lasting presence in Alabama’s discography. The song stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and their ability to capture the essence of Southern life, one dance step at a time.
Conclusion
Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard is a heartfelt love letter to beach culture, an invitation to slow down and soak in the spirit of a place where memories are made. If you’re new to Alabama or haven’t had the chance to experience this classic, find a live performance or recording and let yourself be transported. It’s more than music—it’s a snapshot of Southern living, captured in rhythm and rhyme.
Video
Lyrics
Well, the magic attic’s where the music rolls
And the Army-Navy’s got ol’ Jackie Soul
Down on peaches corner there are good ol’ boys
And mother fletchers makin’ lots of noise
They’re dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Well, the tams are playin’ at the Port-O-Call
And the drifters underneath the boardwalk
At the Spanish Galleon and ol’ fat Jacks
Jukebox playin’ and the place is packed
You bet they’re dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
You know they’re dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Got the top down and the traffic’s slow
Sun fun weekend, we all go
Where the girls are sunnin’ and are lookin’ good
Well, I never met ’em but I wish I could
And we’d go dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
We’d go dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Well, the embers singin’ up on ocean drive
And the castaways are gettin’ loud tonight
At the electric circus they all getin’ down
And the Carousel’s spinnin’ round and round
See them dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
I see ’em dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Well, I’m hangin out down at sloppy Joes
They may doze but they never close
And the Bama boys at the bowery and
They can’t dance but they play for free
But they like dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
They know dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
They wrote dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard
Dancin’, shaggin’ on the boulevard