Introduction
“Dallas” is a country single co‑written by Alan Jackson and Keith Stegall, released on December 30, 1991 as the third single from Jackson’s second studio album, Don’t Rock the Jukebox . Produced by Jackson, Stegall, and Scott Hendricks, the song was recorded earlier that year, on January 4, 1991 .
Rooted in a real-life moment, Jackson conceived “Dallas” after performing at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. In the liner notes for his Greatest Hits Collection (1995), he recalled joking that he “wished Dallas was in Tennessee,” a phrase that blossomed into the song’s central metaphor . The narrative follows a man whose lover named Dallas leaves him for the city of Dallas, Texas—and he wistfully wishes he could relocate the city into Tennessee so she’d stay with him .
“Dallas” became Jackson’s fourth consecutive No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, topping the chart for one week in March 1992, and it also reached No. 1 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart . Critics praised the song’s clever wordplay, traditional country instrumentation, and Jackson’s smooth vocal delivery. Country Universe gave it a “B+,” noting it may not be Jackson’s most experimental effort but a “pleasant little gem” in his catalog.
Musically, the track leans into classic country with pedal steel, fiddle, acoustic and electric guitar flourishes. Its structure is straightforward, allowing the storytelling to carry the song . Although not considered one of his most iconic tunes, “Dallas” remains beloved by fans for its lyrical wit and emotional honesty—often seen as a highlight in the early 1990s period of Jackson’s career .
In sum, “Dallas” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s ability to turn a casual remark into a heartfelt, chart‑topping country single—with a memorable metaphor that continues to resonate.