“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Little Man” is a song by American country music artist Alan Jackson. Released in August 1999 as the third single from his album “High Mileage,” the song showcases Jackson’s signature blend of traditional country sounds and storytelling. “Little Man” reflects on the decline of small-town America and the impact of big corporations on local businesses, resonating with many listeners who have witnessed similar changes in their own communities. The song’s poignant message and Jackson’s heartfelt delivery have made it a memorable track in his discography.
About The Composition
- Title: Little Man
- Composer: Alan Jackson
- Premiere Date: August 1999
- Album/Opus/Collection: High Mileage
- Genre: Country
Background
“Little Man” was written by Alan Jackson himself, who is known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday American life in his music. The song was released as part of his eighth studio album, “High Mileage.” Upon its release, “Little Man” received positive reviews for its heartfelt lyrics and Jackson’s sincere performance. The song reflects on the challenges faced by small business owners as large corporations expand and take over, a theme that resonated deeply with listeners, especially those from rural or small-town areas.
Musical Style
The musical style of “Little Man” is quintessentially country, characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar. The song’s arrangement is straightforward, allowing the narrative-driven lyrics to take center stage. Jackson’s vocal delivery is warm and emotive, emphasizing the song’s reflective and nostalgic tone.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Little Man” focus on the economic and social impact of the encroachment of big business on small-town America. Jackson tells the story of local businesses struggling to survive as they are overshadowed by large corporations. The song’s narrative highlights themes of change, loss, and resilience, offering a poignant commentary on the transformation of the American landscape.
Performance History
“Little Man” has been performed by Alan Jackson at various concerts and live events. One of the notable performances was during his tours promoting the “High Mileage” album. Jackson’s live renditions of the song often evoke strong emotional responses from audiences, as the themes of the song resonate with many who have witnessed similar changes in their communities.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “Little Man” lies in its ability to articulate the struggles faced by many small business owners in the face of corporate expansion. The song has been praised for shedding light on the often overlooked consequences of economic shifts in America. While it hasn’t appeared prominently in media outside of Jackson’s performances, it remains a significant piece in his repertoire and in discussions about country music’s role in social commentary.
Legacy
Today, “Little Man” continues to be an enduring reminder of the challenges faced by small towns and businesses. Its message remains relevant as economic landscapes continue to evolve. The song is frequently cited in discussions about Alan Jackson’s contributions to country music and his ability to address important social issues through his art.
Conclusion
“Little Man” by Alan Jackson is a powerful piece that resonates with listeners through its heartfelt storytelling and traditional country roots. It invites reflection on the impact of economic change on communities and encourages appreciation for the stories behind small-town America. For those interested in exploring more of Alan Jackson’s work or the themes of his music, “Little Man” serves as a poignant starting point.
Video
Lyrics
I remember walk’in round the court square sidewalk
Lookin’ in windows at things I couldn’t want
There’s johnson’s hardware and morgans jewelry
And the ol’ Lee king’s apothecary
They ware the little man
The little man
I go back now and the stores are empty
Except for an old coke sign dated 1950
Boarded up like they never existed
Or renovated and called historic districts
There goes the little man
There goes the little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
He pumped your gas and he cleaned your glass
And one cold rainy night he fixed your flat
The new stores came where you do it yourself
You buy a lotto ticket and food off the shelf
Forget the little man
Forget about that little man
He hung on there for a few more years
But he couldn’t sell slurpees
And he wouldn’t sell beer
Now the bank rents the station
To a man down the road
And they sell velvet Elvis and
Second-hand clothes
There goes little man
There goes another little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
Now the stores are lined up in a concrete strip
You can buy the whole world in just one trip
And save a penny cause it’s jumbo size
They don’t even realize
They’er killin’ the little man
Oh the little man
Now the court square’s just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
It wasn’t long ago when I was a child
An old black man came with his mule and his plow
He broke the ground where we grew our garden
Back before we’d all forgoten
about the little man
The little man
Long live the little man
God bless the little man