Southern Accents
Charles Kelley Lyrics


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There's a southern accent, where I come from
The young 'uns call it country
The Yankees call it dumb
I got my own way of talkin'
But everything is done
With a southern accent where I come from

Now that drunk tank in Atlanta
Just a motel room to me
Think I might go work Orlando
If them orange groves don't freeze
I got my own way of workin'
But everything is run with a southern accent
Where I come from

For just a minute there I was dreaming
For just a minute it was all so real
For just a minute she was
Standing there with me

There's a dream I keep having
Where my mama comes to me
And kneels down over by the window
And she says a prayer for me
I got my own way of prayin'
And every one's begun with a southern accent
Where I come from oh, oh

I got my own way of livin'
But everything gets done




With a southern accent where I come from
Where I come from

Overall Meaning

In Charles Kelley's song "Southern Accents," the lyrics explore the pride and uniqueness of the Southern accent and the Southern way of life. The opening lines suggest that in the South, the accent is sometimes seen as country or unintelligent by outsiders, particularly Yankees. However, the singer embraces their own way of talking and emphasizes that everything they do is done with a Southern accent, reflecting a deep connection to their roots and heritage.


The song then shifts to the singer's personal experiences and dreams. They mention a drunk tank in Atlanta, which is just a motel room to them, indicating a familiarity with the local culture and possibly a partying lifestyle. They mention the possibility of working in Orlando and hoping that the orange groves won't freeze, suggesting a connection to agricultural and seasonal work that is typical in the region.


The lyrics take a sentimental turn as the singer shares a dream they recurrently have, where their mother visits them. In the dream, their mother kneels down by the window and says a prayer for them. This illustrates the importance of family and spirituality in their life, highlighting their own unique way of praying that is rooted in their Southern upbringing.


Overall, the song celebrates the distinct Southern way of living, speaking, working, and praying. It emphasizes the pride that comes from being raised in the South and the enduring influence of those roots on the singer's identity.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a southern accent, where I come from
In the place I originate from, people have a distinct way of speaking and expressing themselves, known as the southern accent.


The young 'uns call it country
The younger generation refers to this way of speaking as country, as it is associated with rural areas and a simpler lifestyle.


The Yankees call it dumb
People from the northern states, commonly known as Yankees, tend to dismiss or mock the southern accent, considering it as unintelligent or foolish.


I got my own way of talkin'
Personally, I have my unique manner of communication and expression.


But everything is done
However, every action, task, or accomplishment in my life is influenced by and imbued with the essence of the southern accent.


With a southern accent where I come from
This southern accent is deeply ingrained and defines my identity, originating from my place of upbringing.


Now that drunk tank in Atlanta
Referring to the place where intoxicated individuals are held in Atlanta as a symbolic representation of a challenging or troublesome situation.


Just a motel room to me
To me, it simply feels like any other temporary accommodation, lacking personal attachment or significance.


Think I might go work Orlando
I am considering the possibility of seeking employment in Orlando, a city known for its tourism industry.


If them orange groves don't freeze
Unless the orange groves, which are a prominent feature of Orlando, are affected by freezing temperatures and consequently impact the job prospects.


I got my own way of workin'
When it comes to my approach to work, I have my distinct methods and strategies.


But everything is run with a southern accent
Nevertheless, the influence of the southern accent permeates and guides all the activities and operations I undertake, regardless of location or occupation.


For just a minute there I was dreaming
During a brief moment, I found myself lost in a dream-like state of imagination or hope.


For just a minute it was all so real
During that fleeting moment, everything appeared incredibly genuine and tangible, as if it had come to life.


For just a minute she was standing there with me
During that brief duration, an important person, possibly a loved one or someone significant, was present beside me.


There's a dream I keep having
I consistently experience a recurring dream or vision.


Where my mama comes to me
In this dream, my mother visits me and makes an appearance.


And kneels down over by the window
Within this dream scenario, my mother lowers herself by the window, assuming a humble position, possibly to offer support, guidance, or a heartfelt gesture.


And she says a prayer for me
During this dream encounter, my mother engages in a prayer on my behalf, possibly seeking divine blessings, protection, or well-being for me.


I got my own way of prayin'
In terms of spirituality and connecting with a higher power, I adhere to my personal method or approach to prayer.


And every one's begun with a southern accent
Interestingly, every prayer I initiate or engage in originates and commences with the influence and essence of the southern accent.


I got my own way of livin'
In my day-to-day existence, I have established my unique and individualized manner of living.


But everything gets done
However, despite the distinctiveness of my lifestyle, all tasks, responsibilities, and objectives are diligently completed.


With a southern accent where I come from
The southern accent is an integral part of my origin and upbringing, affecting and leaving its mark on every aspect of my life.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Emma Mc

"Southern Accents"

There's a southern accent, where I come from
The young 'uns call it country, the yankees call it dumb
I got my own way of talking, but everything gets done
With a southern accent, where I come from

Now that drunk tank in Atlanta, is just a motel room to me
Think I might go work Orlando, if them orange groves don't freeze
Got my own way of working, but everything is run
With a southern accent, where I come from

For just a minute there I was dreaming
For just a minute it was all so real
For just a minute she was standing there, with me

There's a dream I keep having, where my momma comes to me
And kneels down over by the window, and says a prayer for me
Got my own way of praying, but everyone's begun
With a southern accent, where I come from

Got my own way of living, but everything gets done
With a southern accent, where I come from



All comments from YouTube:

spacegazer14

Spectacular! This is going to be an awesome album!

Brooke Moss

This is going to be one of my favorite albums😍

Jenny Hammond

I am a southerner myself and there's NOTHING wrong with it. I am not dumb !!! I love the song Charles !!!

David Mcrorie

It’s a Tom Petty song so it’s beautiful! ❤️

Alex Carlsen

We love you southerners! And no, you are not dumb :) Greetings from Europe! Awesome song!

Emma Mc

I adore Charles' voice, and honestly, still love his original music even now that Lady A is back, but after recently being to a Lady Antebellum concert, I realised how much I love his covers too!

Elenice Castro

Charles Kelley eu Adoroooo vê você cantar fico tão feliz .....Parabéns você é demais 🎤🎸🎼♩🎶🎵👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤❤continue🤘🤘🤘🤘

Paula Jane

I love everything about this song forever ❤💯🎸😎

Nahomy Black

ME ENCANTA TU VOZ <3

Elenice Castro

Seus músicos são da hora.....bons de mais eu curto muitooo 💜💜💜💜💜💜

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