The Top 10 Country Music Lyrics of All Time

From “I Will Always Love You” to “Friends in Low Places,” these are the top 10 country music lyrics of all time.

Introduction

There are few things more intrinsically linked to the American experience than country music. The genre has been around for centuries, and it has always had a special place in the hearts of Americans.

There are many reasons why country music is so beloved. The simple melodies and lyrics usually tell a story that many people can relate to. The songs often deal with topics like love, loss, heartache, and happiness. They also usually have a good dose of humor.

Whatever the reason, there is no denying that country music is one of America’s favorite genres. And within that genre, there are many iconic lyrics that have become part of the fabric of American culture.

Here are ten of the most memorable and influential country music lyrics of all time:

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

“I Will Always Love You” is a song written and originally performed by American country music artist Dolly Parton. The song was first released as a single in 1974 (see 1974 in music), becoming a huge hit for Parton and later also becoming a crossover hit for Whitney Houston in 1992. The song has been recorded by other artists including Linda Ronstadt and John Doe.

The song is included on Parton’s album Jolene (1974) as well asWhitney Houston’s album The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992). “I Will Always Love You” is one of the best-selling singles of all time, with sales of over 20 million copies worldwide.

Parton wrote the song in 1973, intending to record it herself, but after hearing Whitney Houston’s rendition, she gave it to her instead. Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack of The Bodyguard (1992), her film debut. The track became one of the best-selling singles of all time, topping the charts globally.

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Keith Whitley. It was released in February 1988 as the second single from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes. The song was written by Whitley, Earl Thomas Conley and Hughie Thomasson.

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was Keith Whitley’s second number one on the country chart. The single went to number one for one week and spent a total of fourteen weeks on the country chart.

The song is about a man begging his lover not to close her eyes during sex, as he wants to see her face.

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” is a song written by Vince Gill and recorded by American country music artist George Jones. It was released in August 1995 as the lead single from his album of the same name. It won Gill the Grammy Award for Best Country Song at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. The song also won Gill the Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 1995.

The song is a ballad in which the narrator reflects on the death of a loved one, looking forward to the day when they will meet again in Heaven. The lyrics are simple and direct, with Gill’s trademark country twang giving them an added poignancy.

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” quickly became one of Jones’ most popular songs, and has been covered by numerous other artists including Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, and Alan Jackson.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones

Perhaps the greatest country song of all time, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones topped both the country and pop charts when it was released in 1980. The song tells the story of a man who continued to love a woman even after she was gone, and it resonates with listeners who have experienced the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and they helped to make “He Stopped Loving Her Today” one of the most iconic country songs of all time.

“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

This song was released in 2000 and quickly became a hit, spending six weeks at the top of the Billboard Country charts. The lyrics are inspirational and encouraging, urging the listener to seize the day and make the most of life.

“I Hope You Dance”

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance…

“In the Garden” by Randy Travis

In the Garden is a gospel song written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. The song was first recorded by Travis in 1983 and became a hit in 1984. The lyrics tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection from the perspective of one of his disciples.

The song is simple but powerful, and it has become one of the most popular country gospel songs of all time. It is often played at funerals and other solemn occasions.

“The Dance” by Garth Brooks

“The Dance” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released in April 1990 as the fifth single from his album No Fences. The song reached number two on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and the Radio & Records country chart in August 1990.

In the song, the narrator talks about how looking back, he would not have changed anything about his life, even if given the chance to do so. He reflects on all of the major moments in his life – both the good and the bad – and how they have all led him to where he is today. The song is seen as a tribute to those who have died, with the narrator saying that he would not change anything about his life because it has all led him to “the dance.”

The dance refers to “the big dance” or “the final show” – meaning death. The song is about how life is a journey, full of highs and lows, but ultimately leading us to our final destination. It is a reminder to live each day to the fullest and not take anything for granted.

“Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks

Sometimes, we take a look back at the things we thought we wanted, and realize that what we have is exactly what we need. That’s the sentiment behind Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers,” which topped the country charts in 1991.

The lyrics tell the story of a man who runs into an old high school flame, and is surprised to find that she’s not the beauty queen he remembered. He thanks God for unanswered prayers, because if his prayers had been answered, he might not have ended up with the woman he loves today.

This song speaks to the idea that sometimes, what we think we want isn’t really what’s best for us. And while it may be painful in the moment, everything happens for a reason.

“I Cross My Heart” by George Strait

The love song “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait was released in 1992 as part of the soundtrack to the film “Pure Country.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and has become one of Strait’s most popular songs. The lyrics of “I Cross My Heart” express a deep and lasting love between a man and a woman.

“I Cross My Heart”

Every time I see you in a room
You take my breath away
I don’t know how you do what you do
But I want to spend my life with you

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I’ve got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world, you’re the only one that I want to be with
I cross my heart