Song: Here In The Real World Singer: Alan Jackson Composer/Lyrics: Alan Jackson, Mike Irwin Key Musicians: Eddie Bayers – drums Harold Bradley – six-string bass guitar Jimmy Capps – acoustic guitar Paul Franklin – steel guitar Steve Gibson – electric guitar Rob Hajacos – fiddle Dennis Henson – background vocals Roy Huskey, Jr. – upright bass Alan Jackson – lead vocals, background vocals Brent Mason – electric guitar Weldon Myrick – steel guitar Larry Paxton – bass guitar Dave Pomeroy – bass guitar Hargus "Pig" Robbins – piano Keith Stegall – background vocals Bruce Watkins – acoustic guitar Personal Notation: I like Alan Jackson's simple real country music. He has always stayed true to his country roots and this comes across in his music. I like this song, Here In The Real World, because it points out how life and perceived life are two very different things. The song starts out assuming that cowboys are always strong, heroes never die, good always wins, and love is always sweet and true. Alas, this is just in the movies. Maybe that's why we like the movies so much because we can dream all this is true for just a little while. The song continues that the real world is much harder and it hurts when hearts get broken. Sometimes good doesn't always win, heroes do die and love just isn't always enough. I don't look at this song as a negative voice but more a reality check. Background: Alan Jackson was born October 17, 1958 in rural Newnan, George. The home was built around his grandfather's tool shed (this prompted another one of Jackson's songs). Jackson had 4 older sisters. He married his high school sweetheart, Denise, in 1978 and moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. In 1998, Alan and Denise separated but reconciled later that year and renewed their vows on their 19th anniversary. They have 3 daughters: Mattie, Alexandria and Dani. Among all the accolades he’s earned, Jackson admits that being recognized for his songwriting means the most to him. “If I had to pick something, I’d rather them remember me for songwriting,” he says of his legacy. “I’ve always been proud of that and I feel that’s the most important part of the business. I’d like to think that my songwriting made a difference. I’ve had so many people tell me that my songs are the reason they moved to Nashville. I’ve heard that so many times and it makes me feel good that I’ve inspired somebody.” Here In The Real World was released February 27, 1990 and earned #1 on the Top 40 Country List, #3 on Billboard Hot Country, and #1 in the Canadian RPM Top Country Tracks. The song went double platinum. The video had a snippet of Gene Autry singing Back In The Saddle Again. Glen Campbell and George Jones also recorded the song. So far in his career, Jackson has earned 150 awards including 18 Academy of Country Music, 16 CMA, 2 grammys and ASCAPS Founder and Golden Note Award. He is a member of Nashville's Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Grand Ole Opry. https://youtu.be/3mKkTm38w3E?list=RD3mKkTm38w3E&t=5 Here In The Real World Cowboys don't cry, and heroes don't die Good always wins, again and again And love is a sweet dream that always comes true Oh, if life were like the movies, I'd never be blue But here in the real world It's not that easy at all 'Cause when hearts get broken It's real tears that fall And darlin' it's sad but true But the one thing I've learned from you Is how the boy don't always get the girl Here in the real world I gave you my love, but that wasn't enough To hold your heart, when times got rough And tonight on that silver screen It'll end like it should Two lovers will make it through Like I hoped we would But here in the real world It's not that easy at all 'Cause when hearts get broken It's real tears that fall And darlin' it's sad but true But the one thing I've learned from you Is how the boy don't always get the girl Here in the real world No, the boy don't always get the girl Here in the real world Espero http://www.alanjackson.com/about.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_in_the_Real_World |