Alan Jackson’s “Here in the Real World”: A Grounded Ballad
Alan Jackson emerged in the late 1980s as a breath of fresh air in the often overproduced landscape of country music. His voice, a rich baritone with a distinctive twang, carried an authenticity that resonated deeply with audiences.
Background
Released in 1990 as the title track of his debut album, “Here in the Real World” quickly established Jackson as a force to be reckoned with.
The song’s impact lies not in its complexity but in its simplicity.
It’s a testament to the power of understatement, a quality often overlooked in an industry that frequently prioritizes flash over substance.
Jackson’s songwriting, in collaboration with Mark Irwin, is remarkable for its clarity and emotional depth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love lost and the harsh realities of life. There’s no sugarcoating here, no easy answers.
Instead, the song offers a sobering reflection on the complexities of human relationships. The contrast between the idealized world of romance and the often-painful truths of reality is a theme that has resonated with countless listeners over the years.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Cowboys don’t cry, and heroes don’t dieGood always wins, again and againAnd love is a sweet dream that always comes trueOh, if life were like the movies, I’d never be blueBut here in the real worldIt’s not that easy at all‘Cause when hearts get brokenIt’s real tears that fallAnd darlin’ it’s sad but trueBut the one thing I’ve learned from youIs how the boy don’t always get the girlHere in the real worldI gave you my love, but that wasn’t enoughTo hold your heart, when times got roughAnd tonight on that silver screenIt’ll end like it shouldTwo lovers will make it throughLike I hoped we wouldBut here in the real worldIt’s not that easy at all‘Cause when hearts get brokenIt’s real tears that fallAnd darlin’ it’s sad but trueBut the one thing I’ve learned from youIs how the boy don’t always get the girlHere in the real worldNo, the boy don’t always get the girlHere in the real world