About the Song

Alabama’s “Mountain Music”

“Mountain Music” is a song by the American country music band Alabama. It was released in 1982 as the second single from their album of the same name. The song was written by Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.

The song is a celebration of the traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains. It features a driving fiddle and banjo melody, and Owen’s vocals are passionate and full of conviction. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is drawn to the mountains and the music that is made there. He sings about the beauty of the mountains, the hardiness of the people, and the joy of playing mountain music.

“Mountain Music” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1983.

The song has become a classic of country music. It is a staple of country radio playlists and is often performed at live concerts. “Mountain Music” is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Appalachian Mountains and the music that is made there.

Background

Alabama is an American country music band that was formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1972. The band consists of Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, vocals), Jeff Cook (lead guitar, vocals), and Mark Herndon (keyboards, vocals). Alabama has released 21 studio albums, 10 live albums, and 37 compilation albums. They have won 83 awards, including 7 Grammy Awards, 23 Country Music Association Awards, and 4 American Music Awards.

Critical reception

“Mountain Music” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1983.

Legacy

“Mountain Music” has become a classic of country music. It is a staple of country radio playlists and is often performed at live concerts. “Mountain Music” is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Appalachian Mountains and the music that is made there.

Other notable covers

“Mountain Music” has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, and Alison Krauss.

Impact

“Mountain Music” had a significant impact on country music. It helped to popularize the traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains and inspired a new generation of country music artists.

Video

Lyrics

Oh, play me some mountain musicLike grandma and grandpa used to playThen I’ll float on down the riverTo a Cajun hideaway
Drift away like Tom SawyerRide a raft with ol’ Huck FinnTake a nap like Rip Van WinkleDaze dreamin’ again
Oh, play me some mountain musicLike grandma and grandpa used to playThen I’ll float on down the riverTo a Cajun hideaway
Swim across the riverJust to prove that I’m a manSpend the day bein’ lazyJust bein’ nature’s friend
Climb a long tall hick’ryBend it over, skinnin’ catsPlayin’ baseball with chert rocksUsin’ sawmill slabs for bats
Play some back-home, come-on musicThat comes from the heartPlay somethin’ with lots of feelin’‘Cause that’s where music has to start
Oh, play me some mountain musicLike grandma and grandpa used to playThen I’ll float on down the riverTo a Cajun hideaway, hey, hey!
Oh, play me mountain musicOh, play me mountain musicOh, play me mountain musicOh, play (yee-haw!)