While ARS would never reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Marshall Tucker Band, the group had a strong following in the south and charted a number of hits such as "Imaginary Lover," "I'm Not Going to Let it Bother Me Tonight," "Champagne Jam," "So Into You," and a remake of a Classics IV hit, "Spooky."
The band also influenced a number of rock and country artists, notably Travis Tritt, who recorded a cover of the ARS songs, "Back Up Against the Wall" and "Homesick." The group Shudder to Think covered "So Into You."
Dreamy Alabama
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the Chattahoochee River
Flow'n to the Gulf of Mexico
From your fall all the way
To the apple that you call the bay
Sound of children's laughter
Float'n cross the water
Takes me back to summer times with you
On a dreamy Alabama day
Why did I ever leave you
Why do the four winds blow
How could I live a lifetime
And still not know
Dreamy Alabama
Does my memory betray me
Are you still as sweet as I recall
Does the moon still shine as bright
On a dreamy Alabama night
Why Did I ever leave you
Why do the four winds blow
How could I live a lifetime
And still not know
Alabama mansions
Crumbling traditions
Sunday school with dinner on the grounds
When the next chance comes around
I'll be dreamy Alabama bound
When the next chance comes around
I'll be dreamy Alabama bound
Atlanta Rhythm Section's song Dreamy Alabama paints a picture of nostalgia and longing for a place and time that is long gone. The lyrics begin by describing the Chattahoochee river, which flows from the state of Georgia and into the Gulf of Mexico. The songwriter reminisces about the days when they were younger, and children's laughter could be heard floating across the water during the summer months. The nostalgia continues with the refrain "Dreamy Alabama Does my memory betray me", as the songwriter questions if their memories of the place are still as sweet as they recall. They wonder if the moon still shines as bright, and if Alabama is still the same place they remember.
The song then delves into the crumbling traditions of Alabama mansions and Sunday schools with dinner on the grounds, highlighting the passing of time and how things have changed. Despite this, the songwriter longs to return to Alabama and promises that when the next chance comes around, they'll be "dreamy Alabama bound". The final line of the song is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and how we must take advantage of the opportunities we have.
Overall, Dreamy Alabama is a wistful tribute to the past and a desire to return to a simpler time. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and regret for what has been lost, while also acknowledging the impermanence of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Dreamy Alabama
An idealized and nostalgic representation of the state of Alabama.
On the Chattahoochee River
Referring to the river that flows through Georgia and Alabama and symbolizes the connection between the two states.
Flow'n to the Gulf of Mexico
Describing the path of the river, which flows to the ocean through the Gulf of Mexico.
From your fall all the way
Indicating that the river flows from its highest point to its lowest point.
To the apple that you call the bay
Referring to Mobile Bay, which is shaped like an apple and is located at the mouth of the river.
Sound of children's laughter
A joyful and carefree sound that brings back happy memories.
Float'n cross the water
Describing the sound as it travels across the river.
Takes me back to summer times with you
The sound of children's laughter reminds the artist of happy times spent in Alabama.
Long ago 'n' far away
Referring to distant memories of the past.
On a dreamy Alabama day
Describing a perfect and idealized day in Alabama.
Why did I ever leave you
Expressing regret for leaving Alabama.
Why do the four winds blow
A rhetorical question about the mysteries of life.
How could I live a lifetime
Wondering how it is possible to live a whole life without truly understanding or appreciating something.
And still not know
Emphasizing the singer's lack of understanding or knowledge of something important.
Alabama mansions
Referring to grand and impressive old houses in Alabama.
Crumbling traditions
Suggesting that the customs and culture of the state are fading away.
Sunday school with dinner on the grounds
A nostalgic reference to a traditional social event that was held after church services in the South.
When the next chance comes around
When the opportunity arises again.
I'll be dreamy Alabama bound
Expressing the singer's desire and intention to return to Alabama and relive those happy memories.
Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bama Keyman
Alabama should use this song in every tourism campaign they have. Listening to this absolutely puts me in an Alabama summertime mood.
Dick Jolt
Band was absolutely amazing! Miss them!!!
Harry Sinnett
Lived in Georgia for many years. As a musician I've played a lot in Alabama: Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, Tuscaloosa (U of A frat parties), Auburn (frat parties & clubs), Opelika, Eufuala, Dothan, Phenix City, Cullman-St. Bernard, Demopolis, Alex(ander) City, and many more towns that I can't recall all these years later. Also had several friends who lived in Alabama, so Alabama was like my home away from home. This song has a special place in my heart, and Ronnie Hammond, R.I.P., is singing it. Who else would you want to sing it?
Merritt Falkner
Hello, from Dothan.
Some Dude
The Atlanta Rhythm Section was a crucial part of my upbringing. This album brings me to tears. Bill Snead, Runt, Red Goff..Eufaula..
PLAY THE HIGH NOTE
Wish Spotify would add this back
MCSMeister
It's on there now!
Wolbai - Music
What a Band - what an album - what a song - and nobody cares ... Honestly speaking: It's a real shame how little attention and recognition this final album with Ronnie Hammond (R.I.P.) has ever received.
Will Ludlam
Eufaula is my hometown.
T-BONE SMITH
Yeah man just go right through they're going to the Tuscaloosa Alabama taking the back way listen to good jams or my brother PEACE. OUT✌😎