Introduction
Released in November 1994 as the third single from Alan Jackson’s fourth studio album, Who I Am, “Gone Country” quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking Jackson’s tenth No. 1 hit.
Written by esteemed songwriter Bob McDill, “Gone Country” offers a satirical yet insightful commentary on the 1990s trend of artists from various genres gravitating toward country music. The song narrates the stories of three musicians—a Las Vegas lounge singer from Long Island, a folk rocker from Greenwich Village, and a classically trained composer from Los Angeles—each facing career challenges in their respective fields and turning to country music as a new avenue.
Alan Jackson expressed a deep connection to the song, stating, “When I first heard this song I fell in love with it. I wish that I’d written it cause it says a lot of things that I’d like to say.” He viewed it as a celebration of how country music had become more widespread and accepted by diverse audiences across the nation.
The song’s success was further amplified by its music video, directed by Michael Oblowitz, which featured scenes shot in New York City, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Las Vegas. The concert footage was filmed in Evansville, Indiana, and Knoxville, capturing the widespread appeal of the song.
“Gone Country” not only solidified Jackson’s status in the country music scene but also highlighted the genre’s expanding influence during the 1990s. Its blend of storytelling and commentary resonated with audiences, making it a standout track in Jackson’s discography and a reflection on the evolving landscape of country music.
Video
Lyric
She’s been playin’ in a room on the strip for ten years in Vegas
Every night she looks in the mirror and she only ages
She’s been readin’ about Nashville and all the records that everybody’s buyin’
Says, “I’m a simple girl myself, grew up on Long Island”
So she packs her bags to try her hand
Says this might be my last chance
She’s gone country, look at them boots
She’s gone country, back to her roots
She’s gone country, a new kind of suit
She’s gone country, here she comes
Well, the folk scene’s dead, but he’s holdin’ out in the Village
He’s been writin’ songs, speakin’ out against wealth and privilege
He says, “I don’t believe in money, but a man could make him a killin’
‘Cause some of that stuff don’t sound much different than Dylan”
I hear down there it’s changed, you see
Well, they’re not as backward as they used to be
He’s gone country, look at them boots
He’s gone country, back to his roots
He’s gone country, a new kind of suit
He’s gone country, here he comes
He commutes to L.A., but he’s got a house in the Valley
But the bills are pilin’ up and the pop scene just ain’t on the rally
And he says, honey, I’m a serious composer, schooled in voice and composition
But with the crime and the smog these days, this ain’t no place for children
Lord, it sounds so easy, it shouldn’t take long
Be back in the money in no time at all
He’s gone country, look at them boots
He’s gone country, back to his roots
He’s gone country, a new kind of suit
He’s gone country, here he comes
Yeah, he’s gone country, a new kind of walk
He’s gone country, a new kind of talk
He’s gone country, look at them boots
He’s gone country, oh, back to his roots
He’s gone country
He’s gone country
Everybody’s gone country
Yeah, we’ve gone county
The whole world’s gone country