Meaning of "Little Man" by Alan Jackson

"Little Man" reflects on the decline of a small town caused by the dominance of big businesses. The songwriter reminisces about a time when the court square sidewalks were bustling with small shops and local vendors like Johnson's Hardware and Morgan's Jewelry. These businesses were the essence of the community and were run by hardworking and dedicated individuals known as the "little man." However, as time passes, these mom-and-pop stores have vanished, either closing down or being transformed into historic districts without any trace of their former glory.

The song criticizes the current state of affairs, where people walk around the court square without acknowledging the contribution of the little man who built the town. The rise of big money and corporate chains has replaced the personal touch and service that the little man offered. Customers now visit new stores where they do things themselves, like buying lotto tickets and packaged food. The song encourages listeners not to forget about the little man and the impact he had on the community.

The lyrics also depict the struggles faced by the little man to adapt to changing times. Despite his efforts to hang on and survive, he couldn't keep up with the trends. The court square, once the heart of the town, has now become a mere set of streets. The song mourns the loss of the little man and his simple offerings, emphasizing that even though they may seem insignificant, they were the foundation of the community.

The final verses take a broader perspective, pointing out the prevalence of concrete strip malls where people can buy everything in one place. Consumers flock to these mega-stores for the convenience and savings, unaware that they are inadvertently contributing to the demise of the little man. The song ends with a poignant reminder of the past, when a black man with his mule and plow tilled the fields, symbolizing the hard work and self-sufficiency of a community that has been forgotten.

Overall, "Little Man" serves as a lament for the loss of small-town values, community connection, and the struggles faced by individuals who were once the backbone of local economies. It criticizes the impersonal and profit-driven nature of big businesses that have replaced the individuals who genuinely cared about their customers' needs.