Saving Country Music’s Greatest Songs Of All Time
So here they are, a list of what Saving Country Music considers to be the “Greatest Country Music Songs of All Time.” Please understand numerous factors went into this list, but the most important determining factor was influence. This isn’t our “favorite” songs, but appeal factored into the decisions as well. Please note that unlike our “Greatest Albums” list, with so many country songs to choose from, this will not include many alt-country or Americana selections, with only a few exceptions. These are songs that shaped country music and inspired countless other songs that borrowed from their original theme.
Saving Country Music’s Greatest Albums of All Time
The aim of this exercise is sharing, and so if you see a glaring omission or would change the placement of certain titles, please offer your insight in the comments section below. But please understand this is not a list of artists, it is a list of songs. Just because an artist is good, doesn’t mean they have a specific song worthy of this list. And since this list is already so long, we will likely only add new songs to it that are clear oversights.
SCM’s Greatest Songs of All Time on Spotify
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Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues - Patsy Cline/Willie Nelson – Crazy
- Hank Williams – I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
- Merle Haggard – Mama Tried
- The Carter Family/Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Will The Circle Be Unbroken
- Traditional – The Wayfaring Stranger
- Hank Williams – Cold, Cold Heart
- George Jones – He Stopped Loving Her Today
- Tammy Wynette – Stand By Your Man
- Patti Page – Tennessee Waltz
- Lefty Frizell (& others) – Long Black Veil
- Vernon Dalhart – Wreck of the Old ’97
- Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
- Loretta Lynn – Coal Miner’s Daughter
Kitty Wells – It Wasn’t God That Made Honky Tonk Angels- Hank Williams – Long Gone Lonesome Blues
- Roger Miller – King of the Road
- Hank Williams – Your Cheatin’ Heart
- Patsy Cline – Walking After Midnight
- Hank Williams – Lovesick Blues
- Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson – Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies
- Merle Haggard – Okie From Muskogee
- Willie Nelson – Whiskey River
- Hank Williams – Hey Good Lookin’
- Jimmie Rodgers – Blue Yodel/Mule Skinner Blues
- Charlie Daniels – Devil Went Down to Georgia
- Bill Monroe – Uncle Pen
- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys – San Antonio Rose
- Osborne Brothers (& Others) – Rocky Top
- Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
- Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line
Willie Nelson – Night Life- Traditional – Cotton-Eyed Joe
- Kris Kristofferson – Sunday Morning Coming Down
- Willie Nelson – On The Road Again
- Jimmy Martin – Freeborn Man
- Jerry Reed – East Bound & Down
- Faron Young/Willie Nelson – Hello Walls
- Bill Monroe – Blue Moon of Kentucky
- Waylon Jennings – Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
- Dolly Parton – Coat of Many Colors
- Kristofferson/Sammi Smith – Help Me Make It Through The Night
- Ernest Tubb – Walkin The Floor Over You
- Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)
- Hank Williams – Move It On Over
- Townes Van Zandt/Willie Nelson – Pancho & Lefty
- Roy Acuff – Wabash Cannonball
Carter Family/Bill Monroe/Others – Working On A Building- Willie Nelson – My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
- Johnny Paycheck (David Allan Coe) – Take This Job & Shove It
- Tennessee Ernie Ford – Sixteen Tons
- Sons of the Pioneers – Tumbling Tumbleweeds
- Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings – Good Hearted Woman
- Dolly Parton – Jolene
- Ernest Tubb – Waltz Across Texas
- Dolly Parton – I Will Always Love You
- Johnny Chash & June Carter – Jackson
- David Allan Coe – The Ride
- Dallas Frazier – California Cottonfields
- David Allan Coe – Longhaired Redneck
- Patsy Cline – Sweet Dreams
- Waylon Jennings – Luckenbach, TX
- Bobby Bare – Streets of Baltimore
- Marty Robbins – El Paso
- Hank Williams – Kaw Liga
- George Jones- She Thinks I Still Care
- Tammy Wynette – Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad
- Merle Haggard – Today I Started Loving You Again
- Waylon Jennings – Amanda
- Kenny Rogers – The Gambler
- The Carter Family – Wildwood Flower
- Conway Twitty – Hello Darlin’
- Jimmy Dean/Roy Acuff – Big Bad John
- Buck Owens – Act Naturally
- The Highwaymen – The Highwaymen
- Hank Williams Jr. – Family Tradition
- Garth Brooks – Friends In Low Places
- Hank Williams Jr. – Country Boy Can Survive
- The Oak Ridge Boys – Elvira
The Louvin Brothers – Satan Is Real- Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance
- Barbara Mandrell – If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right
- George Strait – All My Ex’s Live in Texas
- Johnny Horton – The Battle of New Orleans
- David Allan Coe – You Never Even Called Me By My Name
- Charlie Rich – Behind Closed Doors
- Conway Twitty – It’s Only Make Believe
- Hank Williams Jr. – Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound
- Buck Owens – Streets of Bakersfield
- Ray Price – For The Good Times
- Hank Snow – I’m Movin’ On
- LeAnn Rimes – Blue
- Gram Parsons/The Byrds – Hickory Wind
- Guy Clark – Desperados Waiting For A Train
- John Denver – Country Roads
- Jeannie C. Riley / Tom T. Hall – Harper Valley PTA
- Charley Pride – Kiss An Angel Good Morning
Emmylou Harris & Gram Parsons – Love Hurts- Garth Brooks – The Dance
- Vern Gosdin – Chiseled In Stone
- Townes Van Zandt – Waiting Around To Die
- Tim McGraw – Don’t Take The Girl
- Eddy Arnold – Make The World Go Away
- Roger Miller – Dang Me
- Buck Owens – Together Again
- Waylon Jennings – Dreaming My Dreams
- Buck Owens – Tiger By the Tail
- Hank Williams Jr. – All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)
- Randy Travis – Forever & Ever Amen
- Travis Tritt – Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)
- Dwight Yoakam – 1000 Miles From Nowhere
- Alan Jackson – Don’t Rock the Jukebox
- The Grateful Dead – Friend Of The Devil
Ray Wylie Hubbard – Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother- Emmylou Harris – If Only I Could Win Your Love
- Dwight Yoakam – Fast As You
- Mel McDaniel – Louisiana Saturday Night
- Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden
- Reba McEntire – Fancy
- Don Gibson – Oh Lonesome Me
- Bobby Bare – Detroit City
- Billy Joe Shaver – Georgia On A Fast Train
- George Strait – Amarillo By Morning
- Clint Black – Put Yourself In My Shoes
- Brooks & Dunn – My Maria
- Tim McGraw – Live Like You Were Dying
- The Judds – Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)
- The Dixie Chicks – Wide Open Spaces
- Clint Black – A Better Man
- Trisha Yearwood – She’s In Love With The Boy
- Alabama – Song of the South
Wayne Hancock – Thunderstorms & Neon Signs- Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel
- Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go ‘Round
- John Hartford – Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie
- Gram Parsons – Luxury Liner
- Billy Don Burns – Stranger
- James Hand – Shadows Where The Magic Was
- Juice Newton – Queen of Hearts
- Brooks & Dunn – Neon Moon
- The Louvin Brothers – Cash on the Barrelhead
- Waylon Jennings- Good Ol’ Boys
- Freddy Fender – Before The Next Teardrop Falls
- Willy “Tea” Taylor – Life Is Beautiful
- Sturgill Simpson – Life Ain’t Fair & The World Is Mean
- Lucinda Williams – Drunken Angel
- Left Arm Tan – Wish
- Alan Jackson – Chattahoochee
- The Boomswagglers – Run You Down
- Kenny Rogers – Love Will Turn You Around
© 2025 Saving Country Music
April 13, 2013 @ 4:17 pm
I think one the best song to come out was Josh Turner’s “Long Black Train”
April 13, 2013 @ 7:46 pm
thought copperhead road would be on here
April 14, 2013 @ 3:05 pm
How about The Green Green Grass of Home.
May 2, 2013 @ 8:56 pm
Hey, Trigger. I know it’s been a while since anyone commented on this article but I’d like to put in my two cents (and hopefully get your thoughts in return).
Here are some songs that I think should be added:
“God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood
Firstly, the influence of “God Bless the USA” is immeasurable. While not exactly a huge hit when first released, Lee Greenwood’s opus has certainly enjoyed a revival in recent years, such as right after 9/11. In fact, it has become a bonafide classic and is probably the most successful revival of a musical work in history. Almost anyone can recognize the song if played today. It represents national pride in musical form and is more important than half of the songs on this list.
“Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band
“Can’t You See” is extremely important as well. While the Marshall Tucker Band is arguably not Country, they have a similar enough sound that I consider them as such. Plus, they dabbled in all genres of music so attempting to classify their entire discography is a bit fruitless. Certainly, the band leaned toward a Country aesthetic with many songs, “Can’t You See” being one of them. The song was influential enough for both Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. to cover it (among others). I’ve also heard the chorus quoted in many other Country songs and the band has been cited as influencing several Pop Country acts. Does that not make it important?
“Amos Moses” by Jerry Reed
It amazes me that you have “Eastbound & Down,” which is more famous than influential, but not “Amos Moses.” Really? I know METALHEADS that recognize “Amos Moses” when played, but couldn’t tell “Eastbound & Down” from “Country Roads.” “Amos Moses” set the stage for all backwoods/hillbilly-related songs to follow and is only eclipsed by “Eastbound” because the latter was featured in “Smokey and the Bandit.”
“Highwayman” by The Highwaymen
Willie Nelson. Kris Kristofferson. Waylon Jennings. Johnny Cash. Need I say more? You have the “Highwayman” album listed in your “Greatest Albums” article, so I don’t think I need to explain the significance of this collaboration to you. But it makes little sense to have an album listed without a song to accompany it. If none of the individual songs deserve to be listed, why does the entire album hold a spot on the other list? After all, aren’t albums composed of songs?
“Choices” by George Jones
This song is moving and true to life for its singer. It fostered a short-lived renaissance of George Jones’ career in the late 90s and garnered him a Grammy nomination. In the age of Pop Country, it also managed to rise to number 31 on the charts. It was important enough to the Country music community that after it was snubbed from a full CMA performance, Alan Jackson broke into “Choices” in the middle of his performance of his own “Pop a Top” and received nothing but applause from the audience. George even called it “the greatest honor ever bestowed” on him.
“Ramblin’ Man” by Waylon Jennings
I have little to say about this selection when compared with the others, save for the fact that it was one of Waylon’s most popular concert songs. It has also been covered by many artist, such as Montgomery Gentry, who cite it as a major influence on their music. It is also one of those songs that almost everyone has heard at least one and recognizes, similar to “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies.”
May 2, 2013 @ 10:03 pm
First off, at this point I’ve kind of cut off the point of dickering with this list. I still encourage people to leave their feedback and thoughts, but at some point you have to just say enough is enough. I’m not saying I won’t change things in the future, but maybe it will be on an annual basis or something. To the specific songs:
“God Bless The USA” — This song could definitely be on this list, but my first big question is if it is known more as an American anthem instead of a country song? I understand it is an important song to the American culture, but is it really a good song?
“Can’t You See” — Not on her mostly has to do with it being considered more Southern rock than country.
I don’t think I ever considered “Amos Moses” for this list. I would disagree it is even close to as well known as “Eastbound & Down.” Good song though.
“Highwayman” — Would probably be on here if the list was expanded. Can’t argue too much with someone who thinks it should be included. It is sort of a gimmick song though.
“Choices” – Out of all the songs you suggested, this one is probably the one with the best chance of being added. And yes, recent events have made a good case for the song.
“Ramblin’ Man” — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htTLWC1unMc
May 2, 2013 @ 11:54 pm
Thanks for the reply. As for you not editing the list any more, this article hasn’t had any comments for about a month, so I don’t think that changing it just a bit would be too troublesome. Oh, and just to be clear: I’m fully aware that this is your site and that it’s not at all subject to my wishes. I don’t want to come across as snarky or forceful or anything, but I also want to defend my assertions, rather than just giving you a list (as the majority of the commenters seemed to do). So, if my comments annoy you in any way, I assure you that it’s not intentional. On to the music.
“God Bless the USA” – I would say that yes, it does deserve to be included. Just because a lot of its audience might think of it more as a American anthem than a Country song is immaterial. The fact that it has transcended its genre in the first place speaks for its influence, does it not? That’s a distinction that the majority of the songs on your list can’t lay a claim to. Snubbing it because the public MIGHT not perceive it purely as a Country song is a bit silly (and it also doesn’t change the reality of the song’s classification).
“Can’t You See” – I figured that you might reference the fact that it is “technically” Southern Rock, hence why I included the bit about the band tinkering with different genres. I also meant to mention that you included “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” by the Charlie Daniels Band, ahead of quite a few more traditional Country songs. “Technically,” THEY are Southern Rock as well, no matter how much someone might want to label them otherwise. They just happened to have a big influence on Country music. It’s not quite fair to include one and not the other, wouldn’t you say? Plus, one could make the case that Waylon’s/Hank Jr.’s versions are almost as prominent, and they’re Country (which is more than any cover version of “Devil” can say). Waylon, as I’m sure you know, even played the song live at many of his concerts.
“Amos Moses” – Technically, I never claimed that it was more popular than “Eastbound & Down.” In fact, I claimed just the opposite when I said that “Eastbound” was more popular due to its inclusion in “Smokey and the Bandit.” Either way, the issue is a moot point if you remember your claim at the top of the article (that the songs are ranked on influence, not popularity). I mentioned the metalheads in an attempt to defend my stance of “Amos Moses” as being more influential, not more popular, than “Eastbound.” Just what songs/artists has “Eastbound” influenced that “Amos Moses” could not also lay a claim to? “Eastbound” simply had a more mainstream outlet to the public by being featured in the second most popular movie of 1977. Again, more FAMOUS than influential, and as a result I think that “Amos Moses” is more deserving of a slot than “Eastbound & Down.”
“Highwayman” – You’re right, it reeks of gimmick and that’s probably the only reason it reached number 1 in 1985. But the same could be said of the entire album that it represents, which you included on your other list. With that in mind, I don’t think that it’s out of the question to add “Highwayman,” even if you put it at the bottom (or top, depending on how you look at it). Plus, the song is quite unique when compared with other songs of the genre in that it really has no chorus. It’s also a great representation of one of the things that Country does best: telling stories. As for influence, I’m less sure about this one than the others. These people sure don’t think it’s a gimmick, though (and take note of the amount of views): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw1bHaUk1CM
“Choices” – I agree, but shouldn’t the song’s merits matter more than the performer’s? After all, it was you that constantly made references to this list not being of names but songs (in response to other comments). I based my entire appeal around the song’s legacy, not George’s. It seems unfair to include it only because he died a few days ago (even if he was a legend).
“Ramblin’ Man” – 🙂 funny. I’ll take that thinly veiled commentary as a “no,” even if I disagree. How about “Trouble Man,” then?
May 3, 2013 @ 12:05 am
Oh, and I forgot to mention:
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash. I read above that your primary reason for excluding it was that it was so “obviously” a cover. Should that really make a difference? “Whiskey River” is a cover (and not the first one at that) and Willie Nelson considers it his signature song. Like “Choices” for George Jones, “Hurt” really seems to be introspective of Johnny Cash, even though he didn’t write the song. His version, with 40,000,000 views on just one of its many posts on YouTube, has supplanted the original version by Nine Inch Nails to the point that many people do not even realize that it’s a cover. If we’re indeed ranking influence, it rides high along with the other songs on this list (especially with a song as recent as “Merry Go Round” having been included). I remember watching a countdown of the “Top 100 Music Videos” on CMT about seven years ago. “Hurt” was number 1.
May 3, 2013 @ 12:09 am
Whoops. 53 million: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=SmVAWKfJ4Go
May 3, 2013 @ 12:38 am
(Sorry, I was born with the infallible need to talk, or in this case, type).
Though it doesn’t have a chance, I also would like to close out my recommendations (for now, anyway) with “This is Country Music” by Brad Paisley. Sure, Brad isn’t a favorite around here and the song could be considered part of the “Laundry List” camp in certain parts, but I disagree. If anything, Brad is celebrating the genre and what makes it great through the lyrics and the music. I understand (or feel, rather) what Brad is saying with this song so well that it brings tears to my eyes.
If you only watch one of the videos I’ve posted, look at this one (it’s a great performance): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_KxM4rU38Q
May 21, 2013 @ 11:18 pm
Sorry if I missed any of these, but:
Don Williams- Tulsa Time or Lord I Hope This Day Is Good
Doug Stone- Somewhere I Dont Belong, Pine Box, Warning Labels
Johnny Paycheck- Take this Job And Shove It.
Gene Watson- Farewell Party
John Conlee-Rose Colored Glasses, Lady Lay Down
Mark Chestnutt-Too Cold At Home
Marty Robbns- El Paso
Roger Miller-King Of The Road
just A few I glanced @ in my Library.
June 25, 2013 @ 1:29 pm
I’m glad you posted this because it gives me a sense of what your actual taste in country music was, I like how you did throw some contemporaries on here, but Luckenbach TX deserves to be in the top 25 and Amarillo by morning and all my exes should switch places, also a little disappointed not to see George Jones Tennessee Whiskey and an honorable mention of Prine and Steve Goodmans you never even called me by my name which I think was much better than Coe’s cover.
July 22, 2013 @ 12:00 pm
I would consider putting “The Chair” on the list. I believe this was the first song by Dean Dillon that George Strait took to #1. I’m sure alot of people are aware of the integral part Dean played throughout George’s career. Along with “Amarillo by Morning”, it really helped solidify his place in country music during a time when country music started to lean to a more progressive/crossover sound.
September 13, 2013 @ 9:41 pm
Time marches on – Tracy Lawrence
September 19, 2013 @ 12:23 pm
I think Freddie Hart’s “Easy Lovin’,” Jack Greene’s “There Goes My Everything,” David Wills’ “There’s a Song on the Jukebox,” Lacy J. Dalton’s “16th Avenue,” George and Tammy’s, “Golden Ring,” Barbara Mandrell’s, “The Midnight Oil,” Tammy Wynette’s, “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” and Bobbie Gentry’s (not Reba’s) version of “Fancy” would be part of my list.
October 22, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
Where the hell is Tom T. Hall
November 29, 2013 @ 2:12 pm
Can anyone tell me why it took so long for Charlie Daniels to receive his Grand Old Opry invitation? Why did it take 50 years?
I see folks receive theirs within a year or two of being known…why did Charlie have to wait so long…..
I hope Charlie can keep going for a long, long time. He’s sweet. 🙂
December 4, 2013 @ 9:35 am
Hank Snow…..
“I’ve Been Everywhere”
“I’m Moving On”
Hank Snow….my pawpaw’s favorite artist.
December 23, 2013 @ 8:13 am
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January 24, 2014 @ 8:43 am
When I”™m looking for the latest country music, I always end up in one spot ”“ 103.1 WIRK. I was even lucky enough to catch up with Keith Van Allen in the streets and got free ”˜Rib Round Up”™ tickets. Just one of the many events that keep me tuned into http://www.wirk.com
April 24, 2014 @ 8:50 am
Jamey Johnson-“High Cost of Living” anyone?
July 5, 2014 @ 8:20 pm
I know this is an old article and you probably won’t make any changes, but from reading the list and most of the comments here are my thoughts on omissions. First and foremost though, thank you for putting the list together:
Seminole Wind – several have brought this one up and I would have to agree
When You Say Nothing At All (Keith Whitley) – another one mentioned a couple times in the comments that I wish was on the list, although I admit it probably would be near the bottom and thus a borderline entry.
Six Days On The Road – A few good versions of this song are out there, and I agree with the others that this should be up on the list as a nod to the truckers’ songs. Other options include Convoy and I’ve Been Everywhere.
I could list a few more, but those stood out among previous comments. Also, the one song I am absolutely shocked hasn’t been mentioned even once is Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Fishin’ In The Dark. This to me is not only deserving of being on this list, but should be a lock for a top 50 spot and very likely a top 25 or better spot. I wasn’t even born when the song came out, yet it continued to be played on Country Radio throughout all of my childhood up until recent years. Another song I am surprised to see no mention of is Jimmy Buffet – Margaritaville. Maybe it isn’t country enough to quality but to me it is the birth of a tropical country sub-genre (for better or worse) that should be recognized.
Finally, I must say I am disappointed with the lack of newer (last 20-25 years) songs in the top 75. The first one I see is Friends in Low Places, which is a song I would easily have in the top 25 if not the top 10 to 15. I understand to be influential a song must be around for a while, but I really feel like some of the songs of the last 20-25 years are undervalued on here.
August 16, 2014 @ 9:57 am
I got a few: Pine box by Doug Stone. Mental Revenge by Waylon…unless I looked over it. Lowdown or Crazed Country Rebel or Dick in Dixie by III. Was Fancy by Reba on this list?
April 24, 2015 @ 10:25 pm
I agree with farewell party. A damn fine song.
May 4, 2015 @ 4:06 pm
Lucky you have country radio…we might be lucky to get couple hours through the week…I luv the old stuff ..but never hear it ..no Marty Robbins..or hank snow..now he could sing ..there should have been at least one….luv reading this stuff..keep on keeping on
June 2, 2015 @ 4:52 pm
G’day,
Here we go again with Folsom Prison Blues. From a man who never served time, and a rip off of Crescent City Blues, it’s a bit fake. The true country outlaw is Merle Haggard, who’s lyrics of prison ring true. Don’t get me wrong I have great respect for Cash, but he has better songs eg. I walk the line, what is truth etc.
Also I agree with others on where’s Tom T Hall and Hank Snow.
September 21, 2015 @ 1:59 pm
Great list of real good country songs!
June 9, 2018 @ 12:26 pm
You know what I love about this list?
As someone who grew up hating country music and didn’t come around to enjoying it until the early 90’s, I’m happy to see that I own many of these and know most all of them. I feel like I’m doing something right!
May 14, 2020 @ 11:00 am
Kinky Friedman And The Texas Jewboys “They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore”
Otherwise the list is great!
August 30, 2023 @ 8:39 am
I love the song, “My Girl’s American Made”, (or is it, “My Girl’s an American Girl?” Don’t know the exact name) by Daily and Vincent. Can’t find it anywhere. How can I get it?
April 21, 2024 @ 6:10 pm
What happened to Help me Make it through the Night by Sammi Smith