About the song
Country music has always been a genre rooted in storytelling—tales of love, heartbreak, struggle, and tradition. But every now and then, a song comes along that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes a statement. **George Strait & Alan Jackson ~ “Murder on Music Row”** is one such song. Released in 2000 as a duet between two of country music’s most respected voices, this track serves as both a lament and a warning about the changing landscape of country music.
The song, originally written and recorded by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell in 1999, paints a vivid picture of what many traditionalists feared at the time—that the classic sounds of steel guitars, fiddles, and heartfelt storytelling were being pushed aside in favor of a more commercial, pop-oriented sound. When **George Strait & Alan Jackson**, two of the biggest champions of traditional country, came together to record it, the message hit even harder.
With its haunting lyrics and stripped-down instrumentation, “Murder on Music Row” doesn’t hold back in its critique of the industry’s shift away from its roots. Lines like *“Someone killed country music / Cut out its heart and soul”* strike a chord with fans who grew up listening to legends like Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and George Jones. The song isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a rallying cry for those who believe in preserving the authenticity of the genre.
Despite never being officially released as a single, the song resonated deeply with audiences. It won the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in both 2000 and 2001, a testament to how strongly its message connected with country fans. Even today, **”Murder on Music Row”** remains a powerful statement about the evolution of country music, sparking debate among listeners about what the genre should be and where it’s headed.
For those who cherish the soul of classic country, this song serves as both a bittersweet farewell and a passionate plea: remember where we came from, and don’t let the heart of country music fade away.
Video
Lyrics
Nobody saw him running from sixteenth avenue.
They never found the fingerprint or the weapon that was used.
But someone killed country music, cut out its heart and soul.
They got away with murder down on music row.
The almighty dollar and the lust for worldwide fame
Slowly killed tradition and for that someone should hang
(oh, you tell them Alan).
They all say not guilty, but the evidence will show
That murder was committed down on music row.
For the steel guitars no longer cry and fiddles barely play,
But drums and rock ‘n roll guitars are mixed up in your face.
Old Hank wouldn’t have a chance on today’s radio
Since they committed murder down on music row.
They thought no one would miss it, once it was dead and gone
They said no one would buy them old drinking and cheating songs (I’ll still buy’em)
Well there ain’t no justice in it and the hard facts are cold
Murder’s been committed down on music row.
Oh, the steel guitars no longer cry and you can’t hear fiddles play
With drums and rock ‘n roll guitars mixed right up in your face
Why, the Hag, he wouldn’t have a chance on today’s radio
Since they committed murder down on music row
Why, they even tell the Possum to pack up and go back home
There’s been an awful murder down on music row.
