Alan Jackson – She’s Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)

Released in 1992, this song marked the opening act for Jackson’s album, “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)”. It quickly became a chart-topper, showcasing Jackson’s signature storytelling style and his ability to capture the complexities of love and loss within the relatable realm of country music.

Background

Jackson, known for his distinctive baritone and down-to-earth persona, wasn’t always a solo artist. Before gracing the stage with his own band, he spent years honing his songwriting skills alongside another country music legend, Randy Travis.

Interestingly, “She’s Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)” is a product of this collaborative period. Both Jackson and Travis share songwriting credits, demonstrating a perfect blend of their signature styles.

The song itself is a masterclass in weaving a relatable narrative through a deceptively simple melody. The opening lines paint a picture of a lonely barstool, a place of solace for the heartbroken narrator. The music itself, a two-step shuffle with a touch of melancholy in the instrumentation, perfectly complements the lyrics.

As the narrator observes his former love on the dance floor, the emotional weight of the song begins to unfold.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

… This old bar stool’s feelin’ higher
‘Cause I’ve started sinkin’ lower
The minute that she waltzed right through that door
Not long ago I held her, like a fool I went and left her
Now she’s with somebody new out on that floor

… And she’s got the rhythm and I got the blues
And she’s showin’ me how much I had to lose
With her every little move she’s tellin’ me I’m over you
She’s got the rhythm, and I got the blues
Yee-haw

… Well, that music’s gettin’ louder
As my heart keeps beatin’ faster
She spells out regret in perfect time
Well, I thought I wanted freedom but that ball and chain, I need ’em
But when you choose, sometimes you lose the prize

… ‘Cause she’s got the rhythm and I got the blues
And she’s showin’ me how much I had to lose
With her every little move she’s tellin’ me I’m over you
She’s got the rhythm, and I got the blues

… Yeah, with her every little move she’s tellin’ me I’m over you
She’s got the rhythm, and I got the blues