Tar Top

Alabama

About Tar Top

"Tar Top" is a song written by Randy Owen, and recorded by American country music group Alabama. It was released in August 1987 as the first single from their album Just Us. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in October 1987, making it their first commercial single not to reach number 1 since 1980's "My Home's in Alabama".


Year:
1987
4:55
822 
#4

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

It was July hot 'cross Georgia on my way to myrtle beach
I just got my diploma so I set out in search of me
The honeymoon was over and Alabama was far away
From being little more than just a southern state

I got a gig down at the Bowery
I played for tip and watered drinks
Just a novice in a business
That's seldom what it seems

And where are you goin' tar top
Where's J.C. and the chosen few?
I saw the flash without T.Gentry
And B.V. left for Malibu

I was July, hot and thirty, some years down the line
When the boys touched the nation, unaware at the time
I got to go to Texas, California, New York too
A farm boy who is thankful to be standin' in his shoes

But in the Bowery hangs the memories
Of dreams that still come true
Every time I see the spotlights
I'm one of the chosen few

And where are you going tar top
J.C. and the chosen few
There's no flash without T.Gentry
B.V. where are you?

Where are you goin' tar top
Which direction will you take
What's this contraband clamor
About the music that you make?

And where are you goin' tar top
Is it country enough?
Is it contemporary glamor?
No it's us, just us

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Alabama

Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen (lead vocals, Rhythm Guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, background vocals), soon joined by Jeff Cook (Lead Guitar, fiddle, keyboards). In 1973, after Owen's graduation from Jacksonville State University, they gave up their day jobs and weekend gigs. The group, formerly known as "Wildcountry", left Fort Payne and Lookout Mountain to explore the possibilities of the club scene in surrounding coastal South Carolina. The band is often credited with bringing country music groups (as opposed to solo vocalists) into the mainstream, paving the way for the success of today's top country groups. Since i… more »

10 fans

Written by: OWEN

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Appearance
"Tar Top" is a song by American country band Alabama, featured on their album "Just Us", which was released in 1987.
Songwriters
The song "Tar Top" was penned by Randy Owen, the lead vocalist of Alabama. This highlights the band's capability to not only perform but also to create their own music.
Chart Performance
"Tar Top" is not typically listed among Alabama's greatest hits. However, it did reach number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, demonstrating its popularity among country music fans.
Band's History
Alabama has a rich history in the country music industry, with more than 40 number one country hits to their name. Although "Tar Top" isn't one of their most famous songs, it is still a crucial part of their extensive discography.
Musical Style
In "Tar Top", Alabama beautifully fuses traditional country melodies with pop music elements, making the song a fantastic representation of their unique style.
Live Performance
Alabama debuted "Tar Top" at the Fan Fair in 1984. However, the studio version of the song didn't make its way to the public until three years later.
Lyrics Significance
The lyrics of "Tar Top" paint a nostalgic picture of rural Southern life, which plays a significant role in the identity of the band Alabama.
Recognition
Alabama won the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award in 1982, the year before they first performed "Tar Top". Although the song wasn't directly responsible for this honor, it represents the quality of work that led to the band's recognition.
Band Members
The band Alabama consisted of Randy Owen (lead vocals), Jeff Cook (Guitar and vocals), Teddy Gentry (Bass and vocals), and Mark Herndon (Drummer). All of them contributed to creating the signature Alabama sound we hear in "Tar Top".
Video Release
The music video for "Tar Top" captures the country roots and genuine southern charm that Alabama maintains in their music, adding a visual dimension to the song.

Discuss the Tar Top Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Tar Top Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2662302/Alabama/Tar+Top>.

    Missing lyrics by Alabama?

    Know any other songs by Alabama? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Tar Top

    236.1K
    1,534     72

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which artist sang "California Gurls"?
    A Lizzo
    B Katy Perry
    C Ariana Grande
    D Rihanna

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Alabama tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!