Introduction
Alan Jackson’s “Just Forget It, Son” is a lesser-known track from his early days. Released in 1986 on the album “New Traditional,” it offers a glimpse into Jackson’s artistic beginnings before he became the country music superstar we know today.
Details surrounding the song’s creation are scarce. There’s no information available on songwriting credits or who produced it, though some sources point to Stan Cornelius, who worked on “New Traditional.”
The song itself is a conversation between a father and son. The lyrics hint at the son’s aspirations, perhaps related to music (“Merle and George,” possibly referencing country legends Merle Haggard and George Jones), but the father seems skeptical. Lines like “Ain’t your memory got no pride at all” suggest the son might be repeating past mistakes.
“Just Forget It, Son” is a time capsule of a young Alan Jackson, both vocally and thematically. While his signature baritone voice wasn’t fully developed yet, the song showcases his storytelling ability. Thematically, it explores a classic country trope: the tension between dreams and the realities of life, often filtered through the lens of a father-son relationship.
Despite its obscurity, “Just Forget It, Son” holds value for fans who want to delve deeper into Jackson’s artistic journey. It’s a reminder of his roots and the building blocks that led him to become a country music icon.