Introduction
Alan Jackson’s “There’s A New Kid In Town” might surprise you. While the title evokes the classic Eagles song about fame and competition, this heartwarming duet with the late Keith Whitley takes a completely different approach. Released in 1993 on Jackson’s “Honky Tonk Christmas” album, the song reimagines the Christmas story through the eyes of ordinary folks in Bethlehem.
The song wasn’t written by Jackson himself, but by three notable country music figures: Don Cook, Curly Putnam, and Keith Whitley (who would also become Jackson’s duet partner). Written some time before the 1990s, it captured the essence of a simpler time, with a country music flair.
“There’s A New Kid In Town” doesn’t shy away from the humble beginnings of the nativity. The lyrics paint a picture of weary travelers seeking the newborn king, encountering a skeptical onlooker who simply sees “just another baby.” The song’s strength lies in this contrast between the grand, cosmic significance of the birth and the seemingly ordinary setting.
Despite its folksy charm, “There’s A New Kid In Town” has the potential to become a Christmas standard. Jackson’s smooth vocals blend beautifully with Whitley’s, and the simple yet evocative lyrics remind us of the wonder hidden in everyday experiences. So, this holiday season, as you hear the familiar carols, take a moment to appreciate this unique country take on the nativity story, where the “New Kid In Town” arrives not with fanfare, but in a humble manger.