Dallas (Alan Jackson song) explained

Dallas
Cover:Alan Jackson - Dallas.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Alan Jackson
Album:Don't Rock the Jukebox
B-Side:Just Playin' Possum
Released:December 30, 1991
Recorded:January 4, 1991[1]
Genre:Country
Length:2:43
Label:Arista 12385
Producer:Scott Hendricks
Keith Stegall
Prev Title:Someday
Prev Year:1991
Next Title:Midnight in Montgomery
Next Year:1992

"Dallas" is a song written by American country music artists Alan Jackson and Keith Stegall, and recorded by Jackson. It was released in December 1991 as the third single from Jackson's second album, Don't Rock the Jukebox. The song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, Jackson's fourth consecutive single to top the chart, as well as number 1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, Jackson's fourth single to top that chart also.

Background and writing

According to the liner notes of his 1995 album The Greatest Hits Collection, Jackson was inspired to write the song after having played at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Texas. After playing the show, he commented that he "wished Dallas was in Tennessee" and based the song off that comment.

Content

"Dallas" is a song in which the male narrator tells of a lover named Dallas who has left him for Dallas, Texas. He then goes on to say that he wishes that Dallas were in Tennessee — both the city and his former lover.

Critical reception

Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song a B+ grade," calling it "a simple enough song, yet with some clever lyrics, a generous dose of pedal steel and Jackson's typical smooth, agreeable vocals."[2]

Peak chart positions

"Dallas" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of January 4, 1992.

Year-end charts

Chart (1992)Position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[3] 13
US Country Songs (Billboard)[4] 6

Notes and References

  1. The Greatest Hits Collection . Alan Jackson . 1995 . CD . Arista Records . 07822 18801.
  2. http://www.countryuniverse.net/2011/09/19/retro-single-review-alan-jackson-dallas/ CountryUniverse.net
  3. Web site: RPM Top 100 Country Tracks of 1992. RPM. December 19, 1992. August 15, 2013.
  4. Best of 1992: Country Songs . . . 1992. August 15, 2013.