About the song
“Midnight in Montgomery” is a hauntingly beautiful song that pays tribute to the legendary country music icon, Hank Williams. Written by Alan Jackson and Don Sampson, the song was released in April 1992 as the fourth single from Jackson’s second album, Don’t Rock the Jukebox. The song’s narrative is a poignant and imaginative tale of a singer who visits Hank Williams’ grave in Montgomery, Alabama, on New Year’s Eve, only to encounter the ghost of the country music legend himself.
The song’s lyrics are a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together themes of nostalgia, tribute, and the enduring power of music. The song’s mid-tempo, largely acoustic arrangement, set in the key of D minor, adds to its haunting quality, creating a sense of intimacy and reverence. The song’s references to Williams’ own hits, including “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” serve as a nod to the country music icon’s enduring influence on the genre.
The song’s critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with Leeann Ward of Country Universe giving it an A grade, praising the song’s “fascinating” story, “ominous” production, and Jackson’s “haunting” performance. The song’s music video, directed by Jim Shea, was also a critical and commercial success, winning the Country Music Association’s award for Music Video of the Year in 1992. The video’s black-and-white, moonlit setting, filmed amidst the headstones of an empty cemetery, adds to the song’s sense of atmosphere and foreboding.
“Midnight in Montgomery” peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, cementing its place as one of Alan Jackson’s most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s legacy has also been continued by other artists, including Josh Turner, who recorded a cover version of the song on his album Country State of Mind in 2020.
Video
Lyrics
Midnight in Montgomery
Silver eagle, lonely Road
Was on my way to Mobile
For a big New Year’s Eve show
And stopped for just a minute
To see a friend outside of town
With my collar up, I found his name
And felt the wind die down
And a drunk man in a cowboy hat
Took me by surprise
Wearin’ shiny boots, a nudie suit, and haunted, haunted eyes
He said, “Friend, it’s good to see you
It’s nice to know you care”
Then the wind picked up, he was gone
Was he ever really there?
‘Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right
You’ll hear his song
Smell whisky in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singin’ there
Well, I climbed back on that eagle
Took one last look around
Red tail lights, shadow moves slow across the ground
And off somewhere a midnight train is slowly passin’ by
I can hear that wistle moan’
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
‘Cause it’s midnight in Montgomery
Just hear that whip-poor-will
See the stars light up the purple sky
Feel that lonesome chill
‘Cause when the wind is right
You’ll hear his song
Smell whisky in the air
Midnight in Montgomery
He’s always singin’ there
He’s always singin’ there
Well, Hank’s always singin’ there