Alan Jackson is blessed with a voice that exudes sincerity. It’s a rare gift in country music, but one that many of country’s greats have shared. Jackson utilizes this gift most effectively on songs like “Remember When,” and his latest single, “Sissy’s Song.” In the hands of a lesser artist, “Sissy’s Song,” which deals with the grieving process after losing a loved one, would be a piece of relatively insubstantial fluff. In Jackson’s hands, however, it’s a reflective and moving experience.
Although “Sissy’s Song” came out on Good Time, it would undoubtedly be more at home on Precious Memories, Jackson’s successful gospel album. On Precious Memories, Jackson quietly but confidently navigated his way through classic hymns, bringing a sense of gravitas to the songs, yet at the same time engendering a feeling of calm reverence and hope. All of those emotions shine through on “Sissy’s Song,” which is not traditional radio fare.
Jackson reinforces the Precious Memories influence with the video for “Sissy’s Song.” It’s a simple video, befitting a simple song. Set in black and white, Jackson, with guitar in hand walks into a beautiful old church in the depths of winter, and sings the song on a simple wood floor with the sun filtering through tall glass windows. The video shines because it doesn’t try to outdo the song. It simply reinforces its message, which ultimately, is a tribute, using broad universal themes, to a friend.
Songwriter: Alan Jackson
Grade: B+
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I think you’re absolutely right. I love this song, but there’s a good chance that a lesser artist wouldn’t have been able to pull it off as well as Jackson has. It’s his emotion and sincerity that make it work so well.
A coworker of mine lost her 15 yr old daughter in a tragic car accident less than a year ago and when this song came out all I could think about was her daughter. I got up the nerve one day to ask her if she had heard the song and she smiled and said, yes I have, and me and my husband and son call it Jessi’s Song! Jessi was her beautiful, young daughter. It makes me tear up just writing this! Yeah only Alan could do this song justice! Just wanted to share!
I LOVE this song…it hit me the first time I listened to the CD and its still one of my favorite (if not my favorite) cuts off of Good Time.
This is a great song. Alan Jaclson does a great job of singing it and if that wasn’t enough the fact that it’s written after someone he knew just adds more of an impact to it.
I’m going to be the devil’s advocate. It seems Nashville has found the formula that they’ve been looking for for so long: a boring, monotonous song that begs you to turn your radio off.
I won’t comment on the lyrics because I haven’t managed to pay enough attention to this song to listen to them. And if I can’t even pay attention to a song because it is so boring, that’s not a good sign.
However, I am not part of this song’s target audience. I am part of Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts’ target audience. I usually prefer pop country and rock country, so this song does nothing for me.
I agree with Lynn that Alan’s voice exudes sincerity. There is something in the tone and the delivery of words that I just love about him. “Remember When” is probably my favorite country ballad.
To me Alan is probably the best male artist out there although he has some misses as all artists do but he is so enjoyable, and the voice is unforgettable..
It’s beautiful song. You’re right that a lesser artist wouldn’t convey the emotions as well as Alan. But I also believe he does such a great job with it because it is a very personal song. I was actually surprised that it was released as a single since it is such a personal song for Alan.
I completely agree with the review. Jackson’s performance is what makes this song; I love how his voice seems to reflect both faith and doubt at the same time.
Kent, you don’t like this song because it’s boring, but yet you listen to Rascal Flatts same old,same old junk they sing!! Sorry, but I’d rather hear a dog howl than a RF song!
I just don’t feel the same emotion or interesting melody of a song like “Stay” by Sugarland. “Stay” draws me in and gets me every time, whereas this song does not.
I find this song so beautiful. Maybe he should just stick to singing about dead relatives, as it seems like all of my favorite songs by him revolve around that lately. (“Monday Morning Church”, “Small Town Southern Man”, “Drive”, etc.)
Interesting observation, Kevin.:)
If this song doesn’t captivate your heart, then it means you haven’t lost someone yet.
Lucky you….but time will catch you at some unexpected point and you should remember this song so you can use it for healing like the rest of us are. It’s a sweet, sweet song!
This latest single really hit home to me and my family you see because I have a daughter nicknamed Sissy. She passed away 8 yrs ago fron cancer at 32yrs old. To me this is a tribute to her. Thanks so so much I just love this song
when Alan writes a good one, he writes a good one…
I think this is the most beautiful song i have ever heard,and if you don’t like this song you just don’t have any emotion what so ever. Just think about your loved ones and you just might hear it differently.
After pouring my heart out in my Trisha Yearwood feature most of you know my grandma passed away this year and this song really hit the nail on the head for me, especially the ending “Its hard to say goodbye/Her picture in my mind/ will always be of times i’ll cherish/ and I wont cry…
I recently lost my sister in law at the age of 44. She was found at home dead by her boys when they came home from school. The boys are quads and are 13 while also having a 16 year old brother. This has been devestating for our entire family. She and her husband has just celebrated 25 years of marriage together. If you have ever lost someone that you loved and was a large part of your life this song will leave a lasting impression on you. It is exactly what Angela Lineberger would say to us. Don’t worry about me…… the memory and pain never goes away but Alan did a marvelous song that I know will touch thousands of lives. Thanks for sharing it with your fans.
Hi, this song really hit home . I lost a daughter in law at the age of 26. Had only been married 2 years and had a baby that just turned 1 year old 2 days before she passed. It was the worst day of my life. While driving home yesterday I heard the song for the first time and I call it Lizzie`s Song. Very very touching song, Alan
I lost my mom on March 18th 2009. She was only 56 years old and my wife and I were going to give her a grandbaby this October. I have always been a huge fan of Alan and Sissy’s Song is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Thank you for this Song Mr. Jackson. My mom’s name is Joy and she was the most loving mother anyone could ask for…
momma passed 1 yr ago feb 23rd she use to love to here you sing.my friend is gone but my momma is with me ever minute of the day.my request is that my sons play this when i pass.you are a blessing keep it up.
sincerely ann from georgia
I know exactly how you felt when you wrote sissy’s song just as that song came out my friend whom i grew up with took her own life and we were all shocked and your song was the last song we played at her funeral you did such a good job we played your recording of it. This song is now on all her friends my space accounts and everytime we hear this song it will remind us of our dear friend
This song is very inspirational. Thank you so much Alan Jackson for this beautiful meaningful song!!
Jackie
Amarillo,TX