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 on
You might hear a sad, sad song About someone who lost everything they had It may sound like me But I’m a little bluer than thatWhen you look out in the morning, you might see
Clouds rollin’ by like memories And a big old sky above you lookin’ back You may think of me But I’m a little bluer than thatWhere did we go wrong?
I wish I knew It haunts me all the time Now wherever I go and whatever I do You’re always on my mindI can picture you in his arms tonight
As for me, it don’t feel right To let us fade like some old photograph It may work for you But I’m a little bluer than thatWhere did we go wrong?
I wish I knew It haunts me all the time Now wherever I go and whatever I do You’re always on my mindSo tonight if you turn your radio on
You might hear a sad, sad song About someone who lost everything they had It may sound like me But I’m a little bluer than thatYou may think of me
But I’m a little bluer than that