Introduction:
A Little Bluer Than That, a melancholic country ballad released in 2002, showcases the enduring appeal of singer-songwriter Alan Jackson. The song, featured on Jackson’s album Drive, found a home on country radio stations across the United States thanks to its relatable themes of heartbreak and loss.
Written by Mark Irwin and Irene Rebecca Kelley, A Little Bluer Than That isn’t credited to Jackson himself. However, the song perfectly fits within the realm of traditional country music that Jackson built his career on. The poignant lyrics paint a picture of a recent break-up, with the narrator grappling with the emotional fallout. The imagery is simple yet evocative, comparing the narrator’s sorrow to the vastness of a blue sky. Jackson’s signature baritone vocals deliver the lyrics with a heartfelt sincerity, further amplifying the song’s emotional resonance.
A Little Bluer Than That was produced by Keith Stegall, a longtime collaborator of Jackson’s. Stegall’s production choices for the song are subtle, opting to focus on Jackson’s vocals and the poignant lyricism. Acoustic guitar and piano form the core of the instrumentation, with subtle pedal steel guitar textures adding a layer of melancholic atmosphere.
While not achieving the same level of chart success as some of Jackson’s other singles, A Little Bluer Than That resonated with fans and critics alike. The song reached a peak position of 27 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a testament to its connection with country music listeners. A Little Bluer Than That stands as a prime example of Alan Jackson’s ability to deliver relatable and emotionally resonant country music, solidifying his place as a giant of the genre.
Video:
Lyrics:
Well, tonight if you turn your radio onYou might hear a sad, sad songAbout someone who lost everything they hadIt may sound like meBut I’m a little bluer than that
When you look out in the morning, you might seeClouds rollin’ by like memoriesAnd a big old sky above you lookin’ backYou may think of meBut I’m a little bluer than that
Where did we go wrong?I wish I knewIt haunts me all the timeNow wherever I go and whatever I doYou’re always on my mind
I can picture you in his arms tonightAs for me, it don’t feel rightTo let us fade like some old photographIt may work for youBut I’m a little bluer than that
Where did we go wrong?I wish I knewIt haunts me all the timeNow wherever I go and whatever I doYou’re always on my mind
So tonight if you turn your radio onYou might hear a sad, sad songAbout someone who lost everything they hadIt may sound like meBut I’m a little bluer than that
You may think of meBut I’m a little bluer than that