Benjamin Spider
The video below is a time capsule that takes us back to a golden era of country music, where the twang of steel guitars and the heart-wrenching lyrics of a good old-fashioned love song reigned supreme. Set in the early 1990s, it’s a time when cowboy hats were a fashion statement, and line dancing was all the rage. Against this backdrop, Alan Jackson’s “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” video shows us a simpler, more innocent time.
The early ’90s were a time of transition in American music, with grunge and hip-hop beginning to make inroads on the pop charts. But in the world of country, it was still business as usual. Jackson was one of the hottest stars on the scene, and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” was one of his biggest hits. The song, which tells the story of a young man chasing his dreams of stardom in Nashville, struck a chord with fans who shared the same aspirations.
The video captures the spirit of the song perfectly, with shots of Jackson driving his pickup truck down country roads, playing guitar on the front porch, and performing on stage in front of adoring crowds. It’s a simple and straightforward concept, but it works because it feels authentic. There’s no glitz or glamour here, just a hard-working musician doing what he loves.
As a fan of Americana and nostalgia, I can’t help but be drawn to this video. It’s a reminder of a time when country music was less about image and more about substance. When a song like “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” could become a hit because it spoke to people’s hearts, not because it had a catchy hook or a slick music video. And when an artist like Alan Jackson could become a superstar without compromising his integrity.
Of course, the song itself is a classic for a reason. Written by Jackson and Jim McBride, it’s a perfect example of the kind of story-driven songwriting that made country music so beloved. From the opening lines (“Daddy won a radio, tuned it to a country show”) to the bittersweet chorus (“Chasin’ that neon rainbow, livin’ that honky-tonk dream”), it paints a vivid picture of a young man with big dreams and a lot of heart.
But here’s something that most fans might not know: “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” wasn’t originally intended to be a single. It was just a track on Jackson’s debut album, “Here in the Real World.” But when it was released as a single in 1990, it became an instant hit, reaching #2 on the country charts and cementing Jackson’s status as a rising star.
So, why should you share this video with your friends? Because it’s a reminder of a time when music was simpler when songs were written from the heart, and when artists could become stars without sacrificing their authenticity. Because it’s a chance to relive a moment in time when country music was king. And because, well, it’s just a damn good song.
Share with your friends because sharing is caring.
