Singer-songwriter Greg Trooper often introduces this song by saying, “This is my thank you note to Muhammad Ali for being the greatest.” The song originally appeared on Trooper’s 2003 release Floating.
That album featured liner notes by Trooper fan Steve Earle, who wrote, “I taped a TV show with Troop and some other songwriters sitting around in a circle singing songs and Troop played Muhammed Ali… and I immediately went home and learned it.”
His hands were shaking, his knees were weak;
But listen when this old warrior speaks;
“I am the greatest,” he said with a grin;
But he was talking about you, not about him;
And was teaching me the meaning of Christmas.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.