“High Cotton,” a seminal hit by the American country band Alabama, released in 1989, stands as a poignant reflection of Southern life and nostalgia. This song encapsulates the essence of rural existence in the American South, weaving together themes of memory, simplicity, and the enduring connection to one’s roots. Through its evocative lyrics and melodic structure, “High Cotton” transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a cultural artifact that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.

This song was written by Scott Anders and Roger Murrah. It was released by Alabama in July 1989 as the third single from the album Southern Star. The song was one of four singles on the album to reach number one on the Hot Country Singles chart.

About Alabama

Alabama was the group that made country bands popular again. Emerging in the late ’70s, the band had roots in both country and rock. The band formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969. The band was founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals). They were soon joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). Alabama’s biggest success came in the 1980s, where the band had over 27 number one hits, seven multi-platinum albums and received numerous awards. The band has over 41 number one country records on the Billboard charts to their credit and have sold over 75 million records, making them the most successful band in country music history. Alabama was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019 and was awarded with the first ever Life Time Achievement Award from this institution.

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High Cotton Lyrics

We didn’t know the times were lean,
Round our house the grass was green,
It didn’t seem like things were all that bad,

I bet we walked a thousand miles,
Choppin’ cotton and pusing plows,
And learnin’ how to give it all we had.

As Life went on and years went by,
I saw the light in daddy’s eye,
And felt the love in mamma’s hands,
They kept us warm and kept us fed,
Taught us how to look ahead,
Now lookin’ back I understand.

We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.

When Sunday mornings rolled around,
We dressed up hand-me-downs,
Just in time to gather with the church,
Some times I think how long It’s been,
And how it impressed me then,
It was the only day my daddy wouldn’t work.

We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.

We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.

We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Those fertile fields are never far away,
We were walkin’ in high cotton,
Old time there are not forgotten,
Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.

Walkin’ in High Cotton

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Roger Murrah / Scott Anders

High Cotton lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

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Tags: Alabama, Randy Owen, Alabama Band, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook, Gaither Music, Gaither