About the song
Few songs manage to capture the feeling of heartache with such levity and honky-tonk charm as “Pop a Top” by Alan Jackson. This 1999 single, off his album Under the Influence, is a classic country cover of Jim Ed Brown’s 1967 hit — but in true Alan Jackson fashion, it’s reborn with a fresh layer of emotional depth, tight musicianship, and that unmistakable smooth drawl that only he can deliver.
At first listen, “Pop a Top” might sound like a simple barroom anthem — a man ordering another round, trying to drink away his pain. But dig deeper and you’ll find a rich vein of classic country storytelling. The song opens with the sharp hiss of a beer can opening, setting the tone for what follows: a tale of a man drowning heartbreak one drink at a time. Jackson’s delivery is not overly dramatic — instead, it’s restrained and worn, like someone who’s lived the lyrics too many times.
What makes Alan Jackson’s rendition stand out is his ability to balance humor and sorrow. He leans into the honky-tonk arrangement, complete with steel guitar flourishes and an uptempo rhythm, but never lets the beat obscure the emotion. It’s that country paradox — lively music about lonely themes — that has long defined Jackson’s sound and the genre as a whole.
“Pop a Top” also holds a unique place in Jackson’s catalog. Though it’s a cover, it became one of his most recognized late-’90s hits, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His version pays tribute to the golden age of country without sounding dated. It’s a toast to nostalgia, pain, and perseverance, all wrapped in a three-minute jukebox gem.
So next time you hear that fizz and crackle of a cold one opening, you might just find yourself humming, “Pop a top again…” and thinking of the barroom philosopher that Alan Jackson embodies so well in this timeless track.