Are You A Small Town Southern Man?

Today I was thinking about a song that was popular 10 years ago.  The life of the man that Alan Jackson sings about in his song, "Small Town Southern Man" just makes me want to be a better man.  Alan Jackson wrote this song about his father, which makes it even more touching.  An unwavering faith in God, good old fashioned character, humility, and work ethic in working the land is what made this country great and this song is a tribute to those out there in America that are raising families and crops and working hard.  Alan Jackson is one of those singer/song writers whose songs tell stories that will send you down a rabbit hole of memories back to the "good ol days."  Also, if you ever get a chance, listen to him sing "Sweet Hour of Prayer." 

I've linked the official video to Small Town Southern Man below.  Push the button, sit back and enjoy!  I've posted the lyrics below as well.

Born the middle son of a farmer

And a small town Southern man

Like his daddy's daddy before him

Brought up workin' on the land

Fell in love with a small town woman

And they married up and settled down

Natural way of life if you're lucky

For a small town Southern man

First there came four pretty daughters

For this small town Southern man

Then a few years later came another

A boy, he wasn't planned

Seven people livin' all together

In a house built with his own hands

Little words with love and understandin'

From a small town Southern man

Chorus:

And he bowed his head to Jesus

And he stood for Uncle Sam

And he only loved one woman

(He) was always proud of what he had

He said his greatest contribution

Is the ones you leave behind

Raised on the ways and gentle kindness

Of a small town Southern man

Callous hands told the story

For this small town Southern man

He gave it all to keep it all together

And keep his family on his land

Like his daddy, years wore out his body

Made it hard just to walk and stand

You can break the back

But you can't break the spirit

Of a small town Southern man

(Repeat Chorus)

Finally death came callin'

For this small town Southern man

He said it's alright 'cause I see angels

And they got me by the hand

Don't you cry, and don't you worry

I'm blessed, and I know I am

'Cause God has a place in Heaven

For a small town Southern man

(Repeat Chorus)

I love the story and the chorus just ties it all together beautifully!  He bows his head to Jesus!  He knows who his Lord is and he serves Him.  He stands for Uncle Sam.  He is patriotic and respectful of our country and thankful to have been blessed to be an American.  He only loved one woman.  Just like the Bible teaches, he is a one-woman man, faithful to his wife and honoring his vows of marriage.  He was proud of what he had.  Even if it wasn't much, it was his and he was proud of it, not coveting what his neighbor had.  He felt that the greatest contribution is the one he leaves behind.  This man left a legacy - a family with great memories of time spent and a life lived well.  He was raised on the ways and kindness of a small town southern man.  I'm not sure there's a better way to live...