Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe

The Music Playlist

I am continuously inspired by the creativity and talent of Mississippi musicians. I created this playlist of songs to pair with particular chapters of Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe. All songs (except for one) have a connection to Mississippi with at least one of the performers and/or songwriters from Mississippi. I made an exception for Johnny and June Carter Cash, who performed a song about Jackson that stands the test of time.

My hope is that this playlist sparks a conversation and I will appreciate your nominations for additional Mississippi musicians who should be included for particular chapters.

Chapters 1-2

“Everything is Broken” – R.L. Burnside

“Goin’ Down South” – North Mississippi Allstars

“Take Another Road” – Jimmy Buffet

Chapters 3-5

“You Got to Walk that Lonesome Valley” – Mississippi John Hurt

“I Shall Not Be Moved” – Mississippi John Hurt

Chapters 6-12

“Hard Times” – John Lee Hooker

Chapters 13-16

“Rolling and Tumbling” – North Mississippi Allstars

Chapters 17-18

“Thinkin’” – Steve Forbert

Chapter 19

“Jackson” – Johnny and June Carter Cash

Chapter 20

“We’re Gonna Hold On”- Tammy Wynette and George Jones

“Change”- Blind Melon

Chapter 21

“In My Time of Dying” – performed by Led Zeppelin based on traditional gospel song recorded by Charley Patton

Chapter 22-23

“That’s Life” – Paul Thorn

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” – Elvis Presley

Chapters 24-30

“Tough it Out” – Webb Wilder

“Push and Pull” – Rufus Thomas

“Wish I was in Heaven Sitting Down” – R.L. Burnside

Chapters 31

“Madame Butterfly” – Leontine Price

“Rough News” – Charlie Musselwhite

Chapters 32-42

“It Isn’t Gonna Be That Way” – Steve Forbert

Chapter 43

“He Went to Paris” – Jimmy Buffet

Chapter 44

“I feel like Going Home” – Muddy Waters

“Love in Vain” – performed by The Rolling Stones (a cover of the Robert Johnson song)

Chapter 45

“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” – Paul Thorn

Chapter 46

“People Grinnin’ in Your Face” – Son House

“Rock My Soul” – Duff Dorrough

Chapters 47-48

“I have Found Me a Home” – Jimmy Buffet

“Sitting on the Top of the World” – Howlin’ Wolf

“This Little Light of Mine” by Mississippi artists and produced by the Mississippi Arts Commission

Bonus Tracks:

These are songs that didn’t fit a particular chapter but are by Mississippi artists whose work I especially admire. I’d love to hear from readers about other Mississippi artists that you would like to nominate for inclusion in this list.

“Tones of Home” – Blind Melon

“Come Monday” – Jimmy Buffett

“Grits Ain’t Groceries” – Little Milton

“Dixie Diner”- Greg “Fingers” Taylor with Anson Funderburgh and the The Rockets

“Daddy and Home”- Jimmy Rodgers

“Can’t Let You Go” – R. L. Burnside

“You Gotta Move” – R. L. Burnside

“Away Out on the Mountain” – Jimmy Rodgers