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