The Alabama Tennessee River song was released in 1980 as a track on their “My Home’s in Alabama” album. True to their name, the Alabama Band formed in Fort Payne, Alabama in 1969. Originally operating under the name “Wildcountry,” the band changed their name to Alabama in 1977, and soon saw commercial success.
“Tennessee River” was the band’s first official single, released by RCA Nashville in 1980. The song has a nostalgic feel to it, as the band members home in Fort Payne was seated close to where the river flows. The sentiment of southern pride and regional loyalty is a common sentiment in Alabama’s music. The song has strong imagery that celebrates the lush beauty of nature in the south. “Tennessee River” peaked at No. 1 on both the U.S. and Canadian country charts starting August 16, 1980. This became Alabama’s very first #1 Hit on the Country Music charts. The tune started a very successful streak of #1 hits for the band in the 1980’s.
Enjoy a vintage live performance of Alabama performing “Tennessee River” in 1986 and check out the lyrics below!
Alabama Tennessee River Video
Alabama Tennessee River Lyrics
I was born across the river
In the mountains where I call home.
Lord, times were good there.
Don’t know why I ever roamed.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We get together anytime we can.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We play together in Mother Nature’s band.
This mountain King done left his throne
On the Tennessee River and His mountain home
But I’m going back, Leaving today
For my homeland so far away
Driving to Dixie, wasting no time
Back to the good life I left behind
Going down to the river with my fishing line
Climb back up the mountain by supper time
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We get together anytime we can.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We play together in Mother Nature’s band.
Me and my woman’s done made our plans
On the Tennessee River, walkin’ hand in hand
Gonna raise a family, Lord, settle down
Where peace and love can still be found.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We get together anytime we can.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We play together in Mother Nature’s band.
Oh, Tennessee River…
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We get together anytime we can.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We play together in Mother Nature’s band.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We get together anytime we can.
Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man,
We play together in Mother Nature’s band.
Oh, Tennessee River…
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