At 67, Alan Jackson makes a surprising confession: “I was wrong all these years…” He recently returned to the small Georgia town where he grew up — not for a concert, not for the cameras — but to sit on the same wooden front porch where his father once taught him about life. No music. Just memories. A quiet breeze. And the soft creak of a rocking chair that had seen generations come and go. Alan whispered, “I chased dreams across the world… but everything that mattered was right here.”

Introduction

“Where I Come From” is a spirited, autobiographical snapshot penned and performed by country music legend Alan Jackson. Written by Jackson himself and produced by long‑time collaborator Keith Stegall, the song was released as the third single from his When Somebody Loves You album on July 9, 2001 . It became Jackson’s 18th career No. 1 hit on the Billboard country charts in November of that year, and the sole chart‑topper from its parent album.

Recorded during sessions for the When Somebody Loves You album, which debuted in late 2000, “Where I Come From” exemplifies Jackson’s grounded, traditionalist approach to country music—a style captured on a record that produced several hits yet saw only this track reach the summit . The album itself reflects Jackson’s signature sound: clear storytelling, simple but resonant production, and steel guitar flourishes courtesy of session ace Paul Franklin .

The song’s lyrics follow a truck driver journeying across America—from New Jersey to Michigan’s diners, California’s roadsides to Kentucky’s airwaves—encountering curious locals who ask where he hails from. Each encounter contrasts his Southern roots with the diverse tapestry of people and places he visits, reinforcing the pride he takes in his humble upbringing .

Critically, the track earned praise for its rollicking energy and authentic portrayal of rural American life. AllMusic reviewer Thom Jurek dubbed it a “redneck anthem” with a ZZ Top–style guitar edge . That reception aligned with Jackson’s ethos: keeping country music real, relatable, and rooted in everyday experience.

Released just months prior to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, “Where I Come From” stood out as a celebration of place and identity. Although it preceded Jackson’s more reflective, post‑9/11 song “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”, this track remains a defining example of his mid‑career artistry—an upbeat yet sincere ode to roots, resilience, and the pride of being where you come from.

Video

Lyrics

Well, I was rollin’ wheels and shiftin’ gears ’round that Jersey Turnpike
Barney stopped me with his gun ten minutes after midnight
Said, “Sir you broke the limit in that rusty ol’ truck
I don’t know about that accent son, just where did you come from?”
I said, “Where I come from, it’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from, a lotta front porch sittin’
Where I come from, tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from”
Well, I was south of Detroit City, I pulled in this country kitchen
To try their brand of barbecue, the sign said, “Finger-lickin’”
Well, I paid the tab and the lady asked me, “How’d you like my biscuit?”
“I’ll be honest with you ma’am, it ain’t like mama fixed it”
‘Cause where I come from, it’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from, a lotta front porch pickin’
Where I come from, tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
I was chasin’ sun on 101 somewhere around Ventura
I lost a universal joint, and I had to use my finger
This tall lady stopped and asked if I had plans for dinner
Said, “No, thanks ma’am, back home we like the girls that sing soprano”
‘Cause where I come from, it’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from, a lotta front porch sittin’
Where I come from, tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
Well, I was headed home on 65 somewhere around Kentucky
The CB rang for the bobtail rig that’s rollin’ on like thunder
Well, I answered him, and he asked me, “Aren’t you from out in Tulsa?”
“No, but you might’a seen me there, I just dropped a load of salsa”
Where I come from, it’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from, a lotta front porch pickin’
Where I come from, tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come
Where I come from, yeah, it’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from, a lotta back porch pickin’
Where I come from, tryin’ to make a livin’
Workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from
Where I come from
Yeah, where I come from
A lotta front porch sittin’
Starin’ up at heaven
Where I come from
Where I come from
Tryin’ to make a livin’
Oh, where I come from
Where I come from