About the song
Released in 1993, “Chattahoochee” is a country music classic by Alan Jackson that has become an anthem for summer days, youthful memories, and the simple joys of life. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with listeners for decades, making it one of Jackson’s most popular and enduring hits.
“Chattahoochee” was co-written by Jackson and Jim McBride, and it tells the story of a young man reminiscing about his carefree days spent by the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. The song captures the nostalgia of summer vacations, the thrill of first loves, and the bittersweet realization that childhood doesn’t last forever.
The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of sun-drenched days spent swimming, fishing, and talking about dreams with friends. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its repeated refrain of “Chattahoochee, where I come from.”
“Chattahoochee” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also won the Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year in 1994.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, and Luke Bryan. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Sandlot” and “Friday Night Lights.”
“Chattahoochee” is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless classic that captures the essence of summer, friendship, and the bittersweet passage of time. It’s a song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
Album: A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)
Release date: May 1993
Genre: Country
Length: 2:27 (album version)
Record label: Arista Nashville
Songwriters: Alan Jackson, Jim McBride
Video
Lyrics
Well, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
We got a little crazy but we never got caught
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a litttle ’bout love
Ah ha
Well, we fogged up the windows in my old Chevy
I was willing but she wasn’t ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn’t go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
Well, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
We got a little crazy but we never got caught
Well, we fogged up the windows in my old Chevy
I was willing but she wasn’t ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn’t go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking ’bout cars and dreaming ’bout women
Never had a plan just a livin’ for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love
Yeah, that’s right