“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“The Cheap Seats” is one of those songs that instantly takes you back to simpler times. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or someone who enjoys the thrill of cheering for the underdog, this tune brings a smile to your face. It’s a song that reminds us all of the joys of rooting for a local team from the stands, no matter where we’re sitting. Alabama, with their knack for storytelling and relatable lyrics, hit a home run with this one. The song paints a vivid picture of small-town life and the simple pleasures found in America’s favorite pastime.
About The Composition
- Title: The Cheap Seats
- Composer: Randy Albright, Mark Narmore
- Premiere Date: April 1994
- Album/Opus/Collection: Cheap Seats (1993)
- Genre: Country
Background
Released as a single in 1994 from Alabama’s album Cheap Seats, this song encapsulates the spirit of small-town America and its passion for baseball. Written by Randy Albright and Mark Narmore, it humorously highlights the charm of supporting minor league teams, where the tickets are affordable, and the fans are fiercely loyal. The song stands as an anthem for the everyday sports lover who doesn’t mind sitting in the cheap seats because, after all, it’s the love of the game that matters. Upon release, The Cheap Seats climbed the charts, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The lighthearted nature and down-to-earth vibe of the song resonated with Alabama’s fan base, continuing the band’s long streak of relatable hits.
Musical Style
Musically, The Cheap Seats reflects Alabama’s signature country style, blending traditional instruments like the fiddle and guitar with a soft rock influence. The track has a mid-tempo, laid-back feel, which mirrors the casual, carefree subject matter of enjoying baseball from the cheapest seats in the stadium. The instrumentation is simple but effective, allowing the vocals to shine. Randy Owen’s voice carries the playful lyrics effortlessly, bringing the listener into the experience of a baseball game as if they’re right there in the stands. The song’s structure is straightforward, with verses leading into a catchy chorus that’s easy to sing along with, making it a fan favorite at concerts.
Lyrics
The lyrics of The Cheap Seats are lighthearted and fun, focusing on the joys of watching minor league baseball with a cold beer and a hot dog in hand. It’s a celebration of the ordinary, embracing the imperfect parts of the game—the missed plays, the small-town setting, and the camaraderie of the fans. Lines like “We like our beer flat as can be, we like our dogs with mustard and relish” showcase the song’s humorous and relatable nature. The theme revolves around the sense of community found in local sports, where the game is less about winning and more about being part of something bigger.
Performance History
Over the years, The Cheap Seats has become a staple in Alabama’s performances, especially in outdoor venues and summer concerts where the connection to the song’s baseball theme feels even stronger. The song has been well-received by fans of all ages, who connect with its nostalgic portrayal of small-town life. Alabama, known for their tight harmonies and crowd-pleasing anthems, has often used this song to get audiences on their feet, singing along to the chorus.
Cultural Impact
While The Cheap Seats didn’t reach the top of the charts, its cultural impact lies in its ability to capture a slice of Americana. The song represents not just a love for baseball, but a love for the simple things in life—small towns, local teams, and affordable fun. It’s been used in various sports-related media and has found a place in the hearts of fans who cherish the idea that you don’t need to sit in the expensive seats to enjoy the game.
Legacy
Decades after its release, The Cheap Seats remains a beloved track for fans of Alabama and country music alike. It continues to resonate with those who appreciate the song’s celebration of community, sports, and life’s simpler pleasures. The song has aged well, still finding its place in modern playlists and at ballparks across the country. Alabama’s ability to tell relatable stories through their music ensures that The Cheap Seats will always be a crowd favorite.
Conclusion
In the end, The Cheap Seats is more than just a song about baseball; it’s a love letter to small-town life and the simple joys that make it so rich. Alabama’s easygoing style and witty lyrics invite us all to sit back, relax, and enjoy the game—no matter where our seats are. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of hearing this gem, take a moment to listen, and let it transport you to a summer day at the ballpark. For a truly authentic experience, check out a live version of the song and sing along to the chorus that makes you feel like you’re right there in the stands.
Video
Lyrics
This town ain’t big, this town ain’t small
It’s a little of both they say
Our ball club may be minor league but at least it’s triple A
We sit below the Marlboro man, above the right field wall
We do the wave all by ourself
Hey ump, a blind man could’ve made that call
We like our beer flat as can be
We like our dogs with mustard and relish
We got a great pitcher what’s his name
Well we can’t even spell it
We don’t worry about the pennant much
We just like to see the boys hit it deep
There’s nothing like the view from the cheap seats
The game was close, we’ll call it a win
Go off to toast the boys again
That local band is back in town
They got a kinda minor league sound
They’re not that bad, they’re not that good
But all in all it’s understood
We wanna dance, they wanna play
We wouldn’t have it any other way
We like our beer flat as can be
We like our dogs with mustard and relish
We got a great pitcher what’s his name
Well we can’t even spell it
We don’t worry about the pennant much
We just like to see the boys hit it deep
There’s nothing like the view from the cheap seats
Cheap seats
Now the majors called up ol’ what’s his name
And one more buildin’ rises tall
And suddenly we’re all grown up
And this old town not quite so small
But I’ll always miss the middle size town
In the middle of the middle-west
With no name pitchers and local bands
And mustard and relish and all the rest
We like our beer flat as can be
We like our dogs with mustard and relish
We got a great pitcher what’s his name
Well we can’t even spell it
We don’t worry about the pennant much
We just like to see the boys hit it deep
There’s nothing like the view from the cheap seats