Released in October of 1998, it was the second single off Jackson’s critically acclaimed album, High Mileage. Interestingly, though the song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, it was written by a duo outside of Jackson’s usual circle:
Phil Vassar and Charlie Black. Vassar, of course, would go on to have a successful solo career himself, but back in ’98, he was still establishing himself as a songwriter.
Background
Right on the Money is a prime example of what made Alan Jackson such an enduring talent. It’s a simple song, built on a foundation of clean country instrumentation – a chugging acoustic guitar, a steady drumbeat, and perhaps a touch of pedal steel for that signature twang.
But within that simplicity lies a kind of magic. Jackson’s voice, as always, is the star of the show. Warm, conversational, and utterly genuine, he delivers the lyrics with a charming ease.
Those lyrics themselves are pure country comfort food. They paint a picture of a man completely smitten with a woman who, as the title suggests, is just Right on the Money.
Vassar and Black don’t resort to flowery metaphors or complex rhymes. Instead, they rely on a series of everyday similes – “Like my favorite song on a new set of speakers,” “A home run pitch floatin’ right down the middle” – that perfectly capture the joy and wonder of newfound love.
Right on the Money wasn’t exactly breaking new ground thematically. Country music has a long history of celebrating the transformative power of love. But what makes the song so effective is its utter sincerity.
There’s a sense that Jackson truly believes every word he’s singing, and that earnestness is infectious. It’s a song that makes you smile, that makes you tap your foot, and that reminds you of the simple pleasures in life – good music, good company, and the feeling of being completely head over heels.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Got a little story for you(bet it’s about a woman)Listen upLet’s begin with the day I met herAnd how fast this good ol’ boy’s world got betterThe sky got bluer the grass got greenerIn just the first few seconds after I first seen herLike my favorite song on a new set of speakersMy best old jeans and broke-in sneakersA home run pitch floatin’ right down the middleThe sweet music made when the bow hits the fiddleShe’s right on the moneyShe goes direct to my heartWhen it comes to lovin’ meShe’s everything I need, bulls eye-perfectShe’s right on the moneyShe’s no red lights when I’ve oversleptShe’s a three point jump-shot that’s nothin’ but netShe’s a handful of aces when the dealer’s done dealin’And I’m forever on a roll, that’s how she’s got me feelin’She’s right on the moneyShe goes direct to my heartWhen it comes to lovin’ meShe’s everything I need, bulls eye-perfectShe’s right on the money
Harley