Closing track from Bruce Hornsby’s Levitate (album) release from 2009.
In the Low Country features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, dulcimer, vocals, keyboards); Bobby Read (reeds); J.V. Collier (bass); Sonny Emory (drums); J.T. Thomas (organ, keyboards); Doug Derryberry (guitar); Blake Mills (guitar).
In the Low Country meaning
“In the Low Country” by Bruce Hornsby is a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek portrayal of life in the American South, specifically focusing on the coastal plains and swampy regions often referred to as the “low country.” The song paints a vivid picture of southern traditions, lifestyle, and some of the humorous or exaggerated quirks of rural living. Bruce uses the song to reflect on local culture, while playfully mocking both the environment and the way of life in a region characterised by extreme weather, hunting, and a love of certain sports and public figures.
The song captures an exaggerated version of life in this area, from pest-ridden summers to cultural activities like hunting, NASCAR, and admiration for celebrities, both religious and political. Despite the challenges that might come with living in the low country, the tone of the song suggests a sense of pride and amusement about the eccentricities of the region.
Seasonal and environmental references
The song kicks off with descriptions of the natural elements that define the low country:
– “Mayflies in May, June bugs in June / Mosquitoes all summer long” sets the stage with an image of the region’s notoriously unpleasant insect-filled summers. These bugs are common in swampy or wetland areas, and they often define the discomfort of the hot summer months in the South.
– “August is beautiful for copperheads and their friends / And ticks will embrace you all until September’s end” introduces copperhead snakes and ticks, common pests in the southern United States. The idea of being “embraced” by ticks adds to the song’s humorous tone, where the discomforts of rural life are exaggerated for effect.
These lines paint a picture of a place where wildlife and the natural environment are unavoidable, and residents must learn to live with them. The exaggerated joy in these descriptions suggests that even though these elements are unpleasant, they are simply part of life in the low country.
Cultural references to southern traditions
Bruce also highlights cultural activities that are particularly common in the low country:
– “We hunt our beautiful wildlife in our blaze orange hats” refers to hunting, a popular pastime in the South. Blaze orange is required by law in many areas to make hunters more visible and prevent accidents, but Bruce pokes fun at how it makes people “look real funny.”
– “October, November sets us up for Christmas time in the flats / More time to watch our furry friends, hunt ’em, kill ’em, put ’em on a mat” continues this theme, with hunting as a major activity leading up to the holiday season. The mention of “put ’em on a mat” references the tradition of taxidermy, where hunted animals are often displayed as trophies.
These references are part of the larger depiction of a southern, rural way of life, where hunting is not just a hobby but a part of the culture.
Pop culture and celebrity references
The song also includes references to popular figures and forms of entertainment, particularly those that are beloved in the South:
– “We love our Bobby Labonte and the WWF” refers to Bobby Labonte, a popular NASCAR driver, and WWF (now WWE), the World Wrestling Federation. Both NASCAR and wrestling are hugely popular in southern states, where these sports often serve as a source of pride and community entertainment.
– “We love our Swaggart and Haggard and we love the W, the president” points to Jimmy Swaggart and Merle Haggard, both iconic figures in the South. Swaggart is a famous televangelist, and Merle Haggard was a country music legend. “W, the president” refers to George W. Bush, whose presidency was supported by many southern voters at the time of the song’s release.
This mixture of religious, musical, and political references reflects the diverse sources of influence in southern culture. Bruce’s lighthearted references to these figures suggest a sense of camaraderie and community within the region, despite the many quirks.
Religious undertones and social commentary
The song’s mention of religion and social attitudes also reflects key elements of southern life:
– “There’s love all around us, our church friends are doing well” refers to the importance of church and community in the South. Faith and church activities often serve as the social glue in rural areas, and the line acknowledges the role of religion in the daily lives of many people.
– “And the little mongoloid children we’ll keep ’em all from hell” touches on the social attitudes of the time, mocking the way people sometimes frame their charitable or religious efforts in condescending ways. The implication here is that, even in their good deeds, people may be unaware of their own prejudices or insensitivities.
A humorous, pointed slice of southern life
“In the Low Country” by Bruce Hornsby offers a humorous, satirical, and at times critical view of southern rural life. Through vivid descriptions of the environment, cultural practices, and pop culture references, Bruce paints a picture of a place full of contradictions and quirks. The song celebrates the strong sense of community and tradition while also poking fun at some of the more absurd or outdated aspects of southern life.
The tone of the song suggests that Bruce is both amused by and affectionate toward the culture he describes, making it a loving critique of his own southern roots. While the song addresses uncomfortable topics, like the use of derogatory language and social prejudices, it does so in a way that invites reflection on how deeply ingrained certain attitudes can be in any community. Through humour, Bruce encourages listeners to take a closer look at the world around them, while also enjoying the ride through the low country.