[2] Bill Hance of Gannett News Service described it as a "bluesy ballad" that would appeal to older, more middle-of-the-road listeners than some of Daniels' earlier material.

[9] Cash Box said that "lush strings and piano, and soft, meandering vocals highlight this song that flows as smooth as the Mississippi.

[14] On April 25, 1979 – before it was released as a single – Daniels presented a special pressing of the song to Mississippi governor Cliff Finch.

[16] Cash Box called it a "kind of redneck blues-rock number" with "a witty lyric hook" and "strong instrumentation.

"[17] Record World called it a "tale spun over a blockbuster rhythm with nifty basslead duets.