Story Behind The Song

This song is about a woman's memories of a wonderful old gentleman from her childhood. Set in the South where manners are key....this is about a gentleman who never lost sight of that.

Song Description

female vocal of a country/contemporary ballad.

Lyrics

(ONE OF THE) LAST TRUE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN
© 2010 Janice Hopkins BMI/Carolyn Taylor White - BMI

I remember helpin' momma deliver door to door
Meals to the old folks who couldn't get out anymore
We always knew exactly where he'd be
Waitin' for us on his front porch swing

Ole' man Hardin' slowly tipped his hat
Blue eyes twinklin' as he struggled to stand
He'd pull a couple chairs our way, then Momma'd always say
You're one of the last true southern gentlemen

Chorus
She told me back then he was one of a dying breed
I'd tell her I don't know for sure what all that means
Tears in her eyes, she tried hard to explain
How he'd treat a lady right, an' respect a man's good name
I remembered most what she said then
He's one of the last true southern gentlemen

He'd say ladies you're lovely an' twice as kind
But what momma'd said stirred in my mind
I said, are ya' dying, momma's face turned red
Grinning, in a gentle drawl he said

Ma'am the world, it's surely changing fast
But I don't worry, I'm grounded in the past
When my time starts comin' to it's end
Hope I'm not the last true southern gentleman

Bridge
Years later on a summer day
Goin' to momma's, passed the Hardin' place
An empty swing rustin' on a rundown porch
Beckoned me to sit, think of him once more

Chorus
She told me back then he was one of a dying breed
I'd tell her I don't know for sure what all that means
Tears in her eyes, she tried hard to explain
How he'd treat a lady right, an' respect a man's good name
But I remember most what she said then
He's one of the last true southern gentlemen

Tag: Tears in my eyes, now I understand
It was just like Momma told me way back then
He was one of the last true southern gentlemen