Song Of The South by Alabama | Lyrics and Guitar Chords

For those traversing the roots of country and Southern rock, Alabama’s “Song of the South” is an indispensable stop. This track, originally not their own but made famous by their distinctive rendition, is a rich tapestry of storytelling and classic country sounds — a delightful endeavor for any guitar learner. Its narrative about life in the South during the Great Depression offers depth, providing an engaging backdrop as you strum along.

The song’s structure is accessible for guitar players at various levels, allowing for both practice and exploration. As you delve into its chords, pay attention to how they contribute to the storytelling element of the song, with each strum enhancing the narrative unfolding in the lyrics. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, “Song of the South” provides a rewarding experience that combines history, storytelling, and the timeless appeal of country music. So, grab your guitar and immerse yourself in the story, the sound, and the soul of the American South with Alabama’s classic #1 hit. Happy playing!

Key of the Song:

The original key of Song Of The South by Alabama is in G major.

Guitar Chords for Song Of The South by Alabama

This is a great song to use your G, C, and D chords against as this is all you need for the entire song. The most difficult chord change will be G to C though as none of your fingers will be in the same place when changing. The best way to prepare is to have your 1st finger ready to go from the 2nd fret of the G chord to the 1st fret of the C chord, and then having your 3rd finger go from the 3rd fret of the B string to the 3rd fret of the A string. 

Video Lesson

Song Of The South by Alabama – Lyrics with Chords

[Chorus]
G     D
Song, song of the South,
C
Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth.
G     D
Gone, gone with the wind,
C
Ain't nobody lookin' back again.
 
[Verse 1]
G                       D
Cotton on the roadside, cotton in the ditch,
   C
we all picked cotton but we never got rich.
G                      D
Daddy was a veteran, a southern democrat,
C
they oughta get a rich man to vote like that...... (singin')
 
[Chorus]
G     D
Song, song of the South,
C
Sweet potato pie and shut my mouth.
G     D
Gone, gone with the wind,
C
Ain't nobody lookin' back again.
 
[Bridge]
G                      D
Well, somebody told us that Wall Street fell,
    C
but we were so poor that we couldn't tell.
G                        D
Cotton was short and the weeds were tall,
        C
but Mr. Roosevelt was gonna save us all.
 
[Verse 3]
      G                  D
Well, momma got sick and daddy got down,
    C
the county got the farm and we moved to town.
G                       D
Papa got a job with the TVA,
            C
he bought a washing machine and then a Chevrolet.
 
[Chorus]
G     D
Song, song of the South,
C
Sweet potato pie and shut my mouth.
G     D
Gone, gone with the wind,
C
Ain't nobody lookin' back again.