Song written by Dwight Yoakam, and recorded by the same for the label Reprise, in Capitol Studios, “A”, “B”, and “C”, Hollywood, CA, was released in October 1988. On February 25, 1989, the song reached number # 1 of the lists in US Hot Country Songs, remained on lists for 21 weeks. On February 20, it would also reach number # 1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks lists. It is his second number # 1, and for the moment the last one.
The song was included in Dwight’s third studio album, Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room (Reprise Records 1988), it was released on August 2, 1988, it reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums. It was certified platinum record.
Story behind the song:
Although he is a proud cowpunk from the West Coast, Dwight Yoakam remains a boy from the South Country (Pikeville, Kentucky). With his violin and his true southern sound, “I Sang Dixie” expresses a sad message as a lament of the Civil War. While, it relates the desolate death of a stray settler in an old street of Los Angeles. The theme of the song revolves around a man who witnessed the discouraged death of a man from the south while singing “Dixie” to comfort him. Then he tells how other people just pass and walk ignoring the suffering of man. “I Sang Dixie” would definitely be one of several nostalgic and nostalgic songs Yoakam wrote inspired by his personal visits to his home, to his roots.
Versions:
The Dixies 1989 (Jude records) Italy
CMT’s 1994 (Mackie’s Pizza Records) Denmark
Rhonda Vincent 1998 (Little Dog records)