About the song
“Mountain Music” is a timeless country classic that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Written by Randy Owen, the lead singer of the iconic country music band Alabama, this song is a masterful blend of Southern rock and bluegrass that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in January 1982 as the lead-off single and title track to Alabama’s album of the same name, “Mountain Music” has been hailed as a modern country classic and a song that practically defined what country groups have strived to accomplish.
The song’s origins are deeply rooted in Randy Owen’s childhood experiences, which he poured into the lyrics over a period of three years. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, with its themes of nostalgia, longing, and the beauty of the natural world. The song’s lyrics are peppered with vivid imagery, from the chert rocks that dot the landscape to the rolling hills and mountains that serve as a backdrop to the story.
Musically, “Mountain Music” is a tour de force, featuring the band’s signature harmonies and instrumentation. The song’s vocals are a highlight, with solo vocals from Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook adding a unique texture to the song. The song’s bridge, which has been incorporated into other songs, including Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama,” is a particular standout, showcasing the band’s ability to craft memorable and catchy melodies.
Over the years, “Mountain Music” has become one of Alabama’s most beloved and enduring songs, with its chart-topping success and enduring popularity cementing its place as a country music classic. In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the song #61 on its 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, a testament to its enduring appeal and influence.
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Lyrics
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I’ll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway
Drift away like Tom Sawyer
Ride a raft with ol’ Huck Finn
Take a nap like Rip Van Winkle
Daze dreamin’ again
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I’ll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway
Swim across the river
Just to prove that I’m a man
Spend the day bein’ lazy
Just bein’ nature’s friend
Climb a long tall hick’ry
Bend it over, skinnin’ cats
Playin’ baseball with chert rocks
Usin’ sawmill slabs for bats
Play some back-home, come-on music
That comes from the heart
Play somethin’ with lots of feelin’
‘Cause that’s where music has to start
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I’ll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway, hey, hey!
Oh, play me mountain music
Oh, play me mountain music
Oh, play me mountain music
Oh, play (yee-haw!)