Introduction
“The Older I Get” marks a poignant moment in Alan Jackson’s celebrated career. Released on October 20, 2017—just after his 59th birthday and mere days before his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame—the song unfolds as an intimate reflection on the passage of time and the richness life brings with age.
Penned by Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, and Sarah Allison Turner, Jackson took the song to heart, gently revising its tone to underscore themes of gratitude, maturity, and contentment. He shaped the lyrics into a heartening reminder that time is fleeting, and that true wealth lies not in money but in love and meaningful connections.
From its opening lyrics about seizing the moment to its embrace of aging with optimism—“I’m just getting to my best years yet”—the song exudes a quiet wisdom rooted in lived experience. Critics lauded it as a lyrical masterpiece: Country Universe called it “graceful, smartly-observed,” while Kyle’s Korner praised its tasteful musical arrangement and heartfelt authenticity. Taste of Country labeled it a “bittersweet ballad” and highlighted Jackson’s personal touch in molding its verses.
As the first single from his eventual 2021 album Where Have You Gone, “The Older I Get” showcases a veteran artist at ease with his legacy and unafraid to reflect. In a genre that often clings to youth, the song stands out as a mature, uplifting anthem—a soulful testament to the art of growing older, wiser, and still at one’s best