Greatest country song
October 4th, 2014 at 11:33:08 AM
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I am by no means a country music aficionado but, this song has always been in my Top 10 of any modern music.
Of course, we all have our favorites - what is your favorite country song?
Of course, we all have our favorites - what is your favorite country song?
October 4th, 2014 at 12:48:34 PM
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For decades. This one. I used to perform it, and it was always a big hit.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
October 4th, 2014 at 12:49:14 PM
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Anything by Willie Nelson. Crazy, Always On My Mind, Whiskey
River, On The Road Again, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
Willie wrote OTRA on an airplane flight in about
half an hour. He wrote Crazy in 1961 and it
helped launch his singing career. He was a
song writer and didn't think he had a good
enough voice to sing in public. Can you imagine?
River, On The Road Again, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
Willie wrote OTRA on an airplane flight in about
half an hour. He wrote Crazy in 1961 and it
helped launch his singing career. He was a
song writer and didn't think he had a good
enough voice to sing in public. Can you imagine?
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 4th, 2014 at 12:54:13 PM
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comes to mind, anyway
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
October 4th, 2014 at 2:57:35 PM
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Finally a thread that I'm a wizard at =)
It's still young, but thanks to all for the choices so far. If someone came in filling the place with Luke Bryant and Taylor Swift, I'd have had to shut it down. They're talented, yes, and they put out a good product for many. But that crap ain't country.
For something recorded in my lifetime, Hank III is the king. Sure, most of his songs are unplayable on the radio due to content, and some songs are more thrash rock than anything. But when dude sits down to do REAL country (which is often), you can tell the spirit of Hank Sr. flows through his veins. I don't care where I am; when Hank III comes on, I'm singing it out loud.
Drive By Truckers is more southern rock than country, but whatever. I dig their sound for most songs, and one of them totally stole my heart and entered my eternal playlist. Classic father/son relationship stuff here, and the subject is my first love.
And there's good ol' classic country. They just don't make it like this anymore, which is a shame and quite confusing. Simple melodies, tell a melancholy story, add a fiddle and/or steel guitar... how hard is that? Maybe when I finally put myself in a wheelchair for good, I'll work on resurrecting classic country. It's as good a goal as any =)
Shame this thread won't last long. I could easily provide a song per day until well past Memorial Day.
It's still young, but thanks to all for the choices so far. If someone came in filling the place with Luke Bryant and Taylor Swift, I'd have had to shut it down. They're talented, yes, and they put out a good product for many. But that crap ain't country.
For something recorded in my lifetime, Hank III is the king. Sure, most of his songs are unplayable on the radio due to content, and some songs are more thrash rock than anything. But when dude sits down to do REAL country (which is often), you can tell the spirit of Hank Sr. flows through his veins. I don't care where I am; when Hank III comes on, I'm singing it out loud.
Drive By Truckers is more southern rock than country, but whatever. I dig their sound for most songs, and one of them totally stole my heart and entered my eternal playlist. Classic father/son relationship stuff here, and the subject is my first love.
And there's good ol' classic country. They just don't make it like this anymore, which is a shame and quite confusing. Simple melodies, tell a melancholy story, add a fiddle and/or steel guitar... how hard is that? Maybe when I finally put myself in a wheelchair for good, I'll work on resurrecting classic country. It's as good a goal as any =)
Shame this thread won't last long. I could easily provide a song per day until well past Memorial Day.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
October 4th, 2014 at 3:49:44 PM
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Quote: faceI could easily provide a song per day until well past Memorial Day.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 4th, 2014 at 4:04:06 PM
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What say you Face the gauntlet has been thrown :-)
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
October 4th, 2014 at 4:18:20 PM
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Quote: rdw4potus
I am honor bound to pick it up, but I can't keep a niche OT thread up for 250 days. I have a compromise, please stand by.
(this might take awhile)
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
October 4th, 2014 at 4:18:43 PM
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Stand by Your Man.
I know women buy a lot of books about love and relationships, but I think everything they need to know about men is in that song. Meanwhile, I've yet to meet the first woman who didn't hate it.
I know women buy a lot of books about love and relationships, but I think everything they need to know about men is in that song. Meanwhile, I've yet to meet the first woman who didn't hate it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 4th, 2014 at 4:26:34 PM
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October 4th, 2014 at 4:35:54 PM
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"Crazy" Patsy Kline
Patsy Kline has to be the close to the best country song writer ever. I love Willie Nelson and would accept him as well. Country is not my first love but I have always appreciated a good country song. The concert I probably had the most fun at ever was a Highwaymen concert in Vegas even though the only one of the four that still had his voice was Willie.
Patsy Kline has to be the close to the best country song writer ever. I love Willie Nelson and would accept him as well. Country is not my first love but I have always appreciated a good country song. The concert I probably had the most fun at ever was a Highwaymen concert in Vegas even though the only one of the four that still had his voice was Willie.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
October 4th, 2014 at 4:59:44 PM
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You never even called me by my name by David Allen Coe is the definition of the perfect country western song.
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 4th, 2014 at 5:05:46 PM
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HAve you ever checked out how many songs Kris Kristofferson was involved in writing? He has A LOT of hits over the years.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
October 4th, 2014 at 5:15:10 PM
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I was excited, then I realized you're all into old people stuff. Le sigh.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
October 4th, 2014 at 5:19:51 PM
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Quote: WizardStand by Your Man.
Meanwhile, I've yet to meet the first woman who didn't hate it.
Hillary Clinton?
October 4th, 2014 at 5:26:25 PM
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Quote: ahiromuI was excited, then I realized you're all into old people stuff. Le sigh.
It's hard to accept something new as "best". Not to say you shouldn't try to change some minds.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 4th, 2014 at 5:33:20 PM
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Quote: ahiromuI was excited, then I realized you're all into old people stuff. Le sigh.
That is because most of what is called Country now would have been Rock'N'Roll in the early years
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
October 4th, 2014 at 5:37:48 PM
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Quote: kenarman"Crazy" Patsy Kline
Patsy Kline has to be the close to the best country song writer ever. I love Willie Nelson and would accept him as well. Country is not my first love but I have always appreciated a good country song. The concert I probably had the most fun at ever was a Highwaymen concert in Vegas even though the only one of the four that still had his voice was Willie.
Actually, I'm pretty sure Willie Nelson wrote that for Patsy. And it was the other song that came to mind when the OP asked. Truly great stuff.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
October 4th, 2014 at 5:54:43 PM
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You are right BBB I new that but it slipped my mind. Her version is better than Willies.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
October 4th, 2014 at 6:07:30 PM
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I like Johnny Cash. Walk the line, Folsom prison, ring of fire. Also Willie Nelson
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
October 4th, 2014 at 6:26:48 PM
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This song is great because it illustrates the
beauty of Willies voice. He didn't write it,
but he's the best that ever sang it.
Remember when they played this a few
years ago on an ASPCA commercial, while
they showed abandoned animals in shelters?
One of the most effective commercials
I've ever seen. Heartbreaking.
beauty of Willies voice. He didn't write it,
but he's the best that ever sang it.
Remember when they played this a few
years ago on an ASPCA commercial, while
they showed abandoned animals in shelters?
One of the most effective commercials
I've ever seen. Heartbreaking.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 4th, 2014 at 6:30:44 PM
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Reba and Garth have nice voices, a lot of people like them.
October 4th, 2014 at 7:44:07 PM
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There are so many great country songs, I couldn't name just one. For now I'm going to give it to "Pancho & Lefty", but tomorrow I'm sure it will be something else. "Now you wear your skin like iron, and your breath's as hard as kerosene...." Wow.
A falling knife has no handle.
October 4th, 2014 at 8:02:20 PM
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When I think of country I think of sadness - the music, lyrics and voice.
There are many great upbeat, fun country songs but they just don't hit my heart like the vocals from The Possum on "He Stopped Loving Her Today"
There are many great upbeat, fun country songs but they just don't hit my heart like the vocals from The Possum on "He Stopped Loving Her Today"
October 4th, 2014 at 8:08:54 PM
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Quote: aceofspadesWhen I think of country I think of sadness - the music, lyrics and voice.
You broke my truck, then you broke my heart.
But just my luck, that was just the start.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
October 5th, 2014 at 6:54:05 AM
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Is country music supposed to be serious? Is it supposed to be frivolous? Both?
Here is the seminal Jimmie Rodgers.
With two smiling old ladies watching and listening to him sing a song about murdering his girlfriend and her lover.
Here is the seminal Jimmie Rodgers.
With two smiling old ladies watching and listening to him sing a song about murdering his girlfriend and her lover.
A falling knife has no handle.
October 5th, 2014 at 7:02:28 AM
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I never knew there were two singers named Jimmie Rodgers.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
October 5th, 2014 at 2:57:05 PM
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If'n I'd a knowed you wanted to have went with me - I'd a seen that you got to get to go.
October 5th, 2014 at 3:29:03 PM
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It sure isn't anything sung by Taylor Swift!!
October 5th, 2014 at 3:30:50 PM
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David Allan Coe summed up the genre in his song, but there are many, many songs that we can agree or disagree about being the best.
I'm partial to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"...
...but there are great songs by so many artists...
I'm partial to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"...
...but there are great songs by so many artists...
October 5th, 2014 at 3:33:10 PM
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Quote: RonCDavid Allan Coe summed up the genre in his song, but there are many, many songs that we can agree or disagree about being the best.
I'm partial to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"...
...but there are great songs by so many artists...
+1
October 5th, 2014 at 3:37:47 PM
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Quote: BozHillary Clinton?
She hated it most of all.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 5th, 2014 at 3:46:20 PM
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Quote: WizardShe hated it most of all.
Exactly. You think she stood by him in private,
which is what the song means? Hell no. Insiders
say she was tearing him a new one by screaming
non stop since he was governor. She continued
it unabated in the WH. Stand by your man means
when it counts, when you're alone together.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 7th, 2014 at 9:02:44 AM
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Quote: WizardStand by Your Man.
I know women buy a lot of books about love and relationships, but I think everything they need to know about men is in that song. Meanwhile, I've yet to meet the first woman who didn't hate it.
Hehe... I can only hear the Blues Brothers version in my head when someone mentions that song. It is always followed closely by the theme from, "Rawhide".
What about Arlo Guthrie's "City of New Orleans"? I enjoy that one everytime I hear it on the radio (which is not too often in this age of "custom playlists")
Is there a difference between, "Folk" and "Country"? And if so, who decides?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 7th, 2014 at 9:12:57 AM
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Quote: AyecarumbaI can only hear the Blues Brothers version in my head when someone mentions that song.
Lucky you. I get Minnie Driver strangling a cat.
Has anyone mentioned "King of the Road" yet?
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 7th, 2014 at 9:43:14 AM
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Quote: Ayecarumba
Is there a difference between, "Folk" and "Country"? And if so, who decides?
There is... sort of.
My opinion is that country is a subset of folk. Folk is kind of broad in any definition that I'm aware of. It used to mean "the music people sing", that is, the random underclass of olden times. It wasn't a composer or someone famous, it was just songs sung by the people on the street. Often times the songs are related to the culture or geographical area of the composer.
Country is similar, but more specific. Like folk, the music reflects the culture and area of the composer. Country and Western, for example, will contain many songs reminiscent of the old west. Cowboys, deserts, wild horses, neon signs. Bluegrass, on the other hand, contains the style and scenes from Appalachia. It was "mountaineer" or "hillbilly" music. Then you got guys like Denver who mixed country with a sort of folk rock, or Charles who mixed country with a heavy dose of blues and gospel.
Of course, simply, country needs to have some fiddle, banjo, or slide steel guitar.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
October 7th, 2014 at 9:47:47 AM
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Quote: RonCDavid Allan Coe summed up the genre in his song, but there are many, many songs that we can agree or disagree about being the best.
I'm partial to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"...
...but there are great songs by so many artists...
It's a strong contender. But I stand by "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" If the reader has not heard the song, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAOVRkSCWmg&feature=player_detailpage#t=136
It is cued up to the third verse of the song that makes it truly the best country western song. The first two stanzas are spoken and the last is sung:
"Well a friend of mine named Steve Goodman wrote that song
And he told me it was the perfect country and western song
I wrote him back a letter and I told him it was not the
Perfect country and western song because he hadn't said
Anything at all about momma or trains or trucks or prison or gettin' drunk
Well he sat down and wrote another verse to this song
And he sent it to me and
After reading it I realized that my friend had written the
Perfect country and western song
And I felt obliged to include it on this album
The last verse goes like this here
Well I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in the pick-up truck
She got runned over by a damned old train"
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 7th, 2014 at 11:44:34 AM
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I think an old black man described country music to a tee. "Country is just white folks blues."
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
October 7th, 2014 at 11:56:21 AM
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I've always liked tough country lyrics like Johnny Cash "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die." The only problem I have with the song is........how did he wind up in a California pen for shooting a man in Reno, Nevada?
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
October 7th, 2014 at 12:18:39 PM
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Zac Brown Band - Knee Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n5G0qFBsHM
Kid Rock - All Summer Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n5G0qFBsHM
Kid Rock - All Summer Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
October 7th, 2014 at 12:58:10 PM
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Quote: rudeboyoiZac Brown Band - Knee Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n5G0qFBsHM
Kid Rock - All Summer Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
Zac Brown is great but I don't think of that as great country song...I like some of his other stuff better...his duet with James Taylor on "Colder Weather" is great...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VePusXJrudk
Kid Rock...well, it is an anthem using licks from another anthem...fun, but not great...
October 7th, 2014 at 1:35:02 PM
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I'm not a fan of country music, per se, but "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell has to be one the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. The melody, his voice and the meaning within the lyrics make it my favorite. It's really sad that he's suffering from Alzheimer's and can no longer perform.
October 7th, 2014 at 1:55:06 PM
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Quote: bigfoot66It's a strong contender. But I stand by "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" If the reader has not heard the song, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAOVRkSCWmg&feature=player_detailpage#t=136
It is cued up to the third verse of the song that makes it truly the best country western song. The first two stanzas are spoken and the last is sung:
"Well a friend of mine named Steve Goodman wrote that song
And he told me it was the perfect country and western song
I wrote him back a letter and I told him it was not the
Perfect country and western song because he hadn't said
Anything at all about momma or trains or trucks or prison or gettin' drunk
Well he sat down and wrote another verse to this song
And he sent it to me and
After reading it I realized that my friend had written the
Perfect country and western song
And I felt obliged to include it on this album
The last verse goes like this here
Well I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in the pick-up truck
She got runned over by a damned old train"
Steve Goodman was an inspiration to me; he died too young. Somewhere around the ether, there's an Austin City Limits that was Steve Goodman, Hoyt Axton, and Arlo Guthrie. "Bony Fingers", "City of New Orleans", "Traffic Jam", all kinds of great stuff on that live performance.
Really nice to see someone else remembers him. :)
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
October 7th, 2014 at 1:59:41 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI've always liked tough country lyrics like Johnny Cash "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die." The only problem I have with the song is........how did he wind up in a California pen for shooting a man in Reno, Nevada?
Johnny's song Johnny's rules. Couldn't resist. :-)
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
October 7th, 2014 at 2:41:51 PM
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Amarillo By Morning - George Strait
October 7th, 2014 at 3:24:52 PM
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Big fan of the one that had a lyric where one line ends in purple and next line rhymes with purple.
Almost suspended at AT&T by female supervisor years ago. She switched radio from rock and toll to CW. So everyday when a certain song came on, I sang it outloud. One day got whole office to sing it. She had guests in office and came storming out. Blowing smoke from her ears. But we finished that song. She thought for sure 2nd level would allow her to suspend me. WRONG
Stevie hated CW too
The songs. Why that CW classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3SSgWK-oE
And I do have a good singing voice, just ask BABS
Almost suspended at AT&T by female supervisor years ago. She switched radio from rock and toll to CW. So everyday when a certain song came on, I sang it outloud. One day got whole office to sing it. She had guests in office and came storming out. Blowing smoke from her ears. But we finished that song. She thought for sure 2nd level would allow her to suspend me. WRONG
Stevie hated CW too
The songs. Why that CW classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3SSgWK-oE
And I do have a good singing voice, just ask BABS
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
October 7th, 2014 at 4:11:52 PM
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Quote: HeadlockAmarillo By Morning - George Strait
One of my two favorite George Strait live concert songs...the other is "Cheyenne"..both feature haunting fiddle lines which are awesome in a live setting...
October 7th, 2014 at 6:14:07 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI've always liked tough country lyrics like Johnny Cash "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die." The only problem I have with the song is........how did he wind up in a California pen for shooting a man in Reno, Nevada?
It's hard to work "successfully fought extradition" into the lyrics?
Also, it might be possible to shoot a man in Reno from California. It would have to be a very lucky shot with a powerful gun, I think. Where would they try you for the crime?
I'm already thought about this too much.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
October 7th, 2014 at 6:28:15 PM
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Mickey : Skip the first 3:05 of this song. But from then on, it is the greatest perfect country song ever written !
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
October 7th, 2014 at 7:23:57 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimm
I've always liked tough country lyrics like Johnny Cash "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die." The only problem I have with the song is........how did he wind up in a California pen for shooting a man in Reno, Nevada?
Quote: rxwineIt's hard to work "successfully fought extradition" into the lyrics?
Also, it might be possible to shoot a man in Reno from California. It would have to be a very lucky shot with a powerful gun, I think. Where would they try you for the crime?
I'm already thought about this too much.
(I'm) sittin on a hard and crusty dirty concrete floor
Starin through an old and rusty thin barred iron door
Waitin for the blessed word
Everything that has occurred
Will not be hauntin me forevermore.
(My) lawyer's on a hopeless crazy kamikaze mission
No one's ever been successful fighting extradition.
Court of Reno's from my past
California's holding fast
I should stop killin guys without permission.
(I) learned to be a sniper shootin guys for Uncle Sam
Calculatin windage from deepest Afghanistan.
Finding work as a new vet
Pretty tough with this skill set
Gotta keep my hand in where I can.
A start at a country song, anyway.....
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
