“Sweetwater Jones” is an upbeat, country-influenced number recorded and released by American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow in 1980. The song appeared on his album “Barry”.

The song was written and composed by Manilow, along with his frequent collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman.

“Sweetwater Jones” features a lively, twangy country-rock arrangement, with prominent guitars, honky-tonk piano, and a driving rhythm section.

The track showcases Manilow’s more playful, good-humored vocal style as he adopts a Southern-inflected delivery to embody the character of “Sweetwater Jones”.

Lyrically, the song tells a humorous, story-like narrative about a local character named Sweetwater Jones and his escapades around a small-town community.

Manilow’s spirited performance and the track’s upbeat, rollicking energy create a sense of fun and nostalgia for rural Americana.

The song’s catchy, singalong-ready chorus and the use of country-music tropes help to establish a lighthearted, down-home tone.

“Sweetwater Jones” was released as a single from the “Barry” album, though it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Manilow’s more mainstream pop hits.

However, the track has become a fan favorite and a highlight of Manilow’s live shows, where he often engages the audience with the character’s humorous antics.

“Sweetwater Jones” showcases Manilow’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to step outside of his usual adult contemporary pop sound and embrace a more country-influenced, story-telling style.

The song has been praised by critics for its infectious energy, Manilow’s charming vocal performance, and its ability to transport the listener to a small-town setting.