Abilene

George Hamilton IV

About Abilene

Abilene is a song written by Bob Gibson, Albert Stanton, Lester Brown and John D. Loudermilk, and recorded by American country music artist George Hamilton IV. The song reached number one on the U. S. country music chart for four weeks, and peaked at number 15 on the pop music charts. George Hamilton IV performed "Abilene" in the 1963 movie Hootenanny Hoot.


Year:
2004
2:18
86 
#1

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Abilene, Abilene
Prettiest town I ever seen
Folks down there don't treat you mean
In Abilene, my Abilene

I sit alone most every night
Watch them trains roll out of sight
Wish that they were carryin' me
To Abilene, my Abilene

Crowded city, ain't nothin' free
Nothin' in this town for me
Wish to God that I could be
In Abilene, my Abilene

How I wish that train would come
Take me back where I come from
Take me where I want to be
In Abilene, my Abilene

Rotgut whiskey numbs the brain
If I stay here I'll go insane
Think I need a change of scene
To Abilene, my Abilene

Outside my window cold rain falls
Sit here starin' at the walls
If I was home, I'd be serene
In Abilene, my Abilene

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George Hamilton IV

George Hege Hamilton IV (born July 19, 1937) is an American country musician. He began performing in the late 1950s as a teen idol, later switching to country music in the early 1960s. more »

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Written by: Bob Gibson, John D. Loudermilk, Lester L. Brown

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Musical Genre
"Abilene" belongs to the country and western music genre.
Song Release
The track was released back in June 1963.
Origin of the Song
George Hamilton IV's "Abilene" is actually a cover of the folk song by Bob Gibson and John D. Loudermilk that originally appeared on Gibson's 1957 album "Offbeat Folksongs".
Chart Performance
The song topped the Billboard country charts in 1963. It stayed in the top position for four weeks and maintained its position in the chart’s Top 40 for a total of 22 weeks.
Song Recognition
The song was the most successful pop song in George Hamilton IV's career. It also reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Billboard Middle Road Singles chart.
Legacy of the Song
"Abilene" became a standard in the genre and saw multiple cover versions by different artists including Waylon Jennings and Dave Alvin.
Song Theme
The song lyrically expresses longing for a simpler, more peaceful place with the recurring line, "Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town I've ever seen."
Album Information
"Abilene" is also the title of George Hamilton IV's 1963 album, in which the track is included.
Song Popularity
Despite its country roots, "Abilene" garnered broad popularity, becoming a crossover hit on the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts.
Role in Hamilton's Career
This song was crucial in establishing George Hamilton IV's place in the country music world, bridging the gap between folk and country music.
Song Style
The lyrical structure of "Abilene" reflects traditional folk songwriting, with repetition and an easily recognizable chorus.
Entertainment Value
The vibrancy of its tune and the nostalgic feel of its lyrics made "Abilene" a memorable track for many listeners and fans of the musical era.

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    Abilene

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1963

    Billboard #15


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