About the song
Alan Jackson’s “Midnight in Montgomery” is a poignant and haunting ballad that pays tribute to the legendary country music singer Hank Williams. Released in 1992, the song quickly became a fan favorite, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Written by Jackson and Don Sampson, “Midnight in Montgomery” tells a captivating story. The singer, while traveling to Mobile for a New Year’s Eve show, decides to make a detour to visit Hank Williams’ grave in Montgomery. As he stands by the gravesite, the ghost of Williams appears, thanking him for paying tribute. The song references several of Williams’ iconic hits, such as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” creating a sense of nostalgia and reverence.
The song’s haunting atmosphere is enhanced by its production. The mid-tempo, largely acoustic arrangement, combined with Jackson’s emotive vocals, creates a chilling and evocative experience. The lyrics, filled with imagery and symbolism, paint a vivid picture of the encounter between the singer and the ghost of Williams.
The music video for “Midnight in Montgomery” further contributes to the song’s impact. Directed by Jim Shea, the video is filmed in black and white and features Jackson standing amidst the headstones of an empty cemetery. The stark visuals and the haunting atmosphere of the video perfectly complement the song’s theme.
“Midnight in Montgomery” is a powerful and evocative tribute to one of country music’s greatest icons. It showcases Jackson’s songwriting skills and his ability to create a truly memorable song. The song’s haunting beauty and its poignant message have ensured its enduring popularity.
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