About the song
“Alan Jackson’s poignant ballad, ‘Little Man’, is a heartfelt tribute to the small businesses that have struggled to survive in a world dominated by big corporations. Released in May 1999 as the fourth and final single from his album High Mileage, this song resonated with country music fans and critics alike, reaching the top three on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles charts and the top four on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. Moreover, ‘Little Man’ marked a significant milestone for Jackson, as it became his first single to crack the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at a respectable #39.
The song’s narrative is a nostalgic reflection on the decline of small-town America, where once-thriving businesses have been forced to close their doors due to the relentless march of progress. Jackson’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of abandoned storefronts, faded signs, and memories of a bygone era. The song’s title, ‘Little Man’, is a poignant metaphor for the small business owner who has fought valiantly against the odds, only to be ultimately overwhelmed by the behemoths of the corporate world.
The music video for ‘Little Man’ is a striking visual representation of Jackson’s inspiration for the song. Shot entirely in black and white, the video takes viewers on a poignant journey through the small towns of Lascassas, Tennessee, Jasper, Florida, White Springs, Florida, and Pavo, Georgia, where Jackson witnessed firsthand the decline of these once-thriving communities. Directed by Steven Goldmann, the video is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
As ‘Little Man’ debuted at number 68 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in Jackson’s career, one that would see him continue to explore themes of nostalgia, community, and the human experience. With its powerful lyrics, soaring melody, and poignant music video, ‘Little Man’ remains a beloved classic in Alan Jackson’s discography, a testament to the enduring power of country music to capture the hearts and imaginations of listeners everywhere.”
Video
Lyrics
I remember walkin’ ’round the court square sidewalk
Lookin’ in windows at things I couldn’t want
There’s Johnson’s Hardware and Morgan’s Jewelry
And the ol’ Lee King’s Apothecary
They were the little man
The little manI 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 manNow 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 manHe pumped your gas and he cleaned your glass
And one cold rainy night he fixed your flat
The new store came where you do it yourself
You buy a lotto ticket and food off the shelf
Forget the little man
Forget about that little manHe 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 manNow 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 manNow 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’re killin’ the little man
Oh the little manNow 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 manIt 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 forgotten
About the little man
The little manLong live the little man
God bless the little man