Top 10 Best Country Songs of All Time

Out of every country song of all time, what do you think is the greatest?
The Top Ten
1 He Stopped Loving Her Today - George Jones

I don't know if I'd put this as my #1 choice for the best country song ever. It's top ten for sure. George Jones was the greatest country vocalist of all time, hands down. There are a lot of artists that don't belong on here. Taylor Swift is not country music, nor is most of the crap pumped out of the Nashville country-pop machine. It's utter crap. Whoever compiled this list needs an education in real country music. You listed "Pancho and Lefty" for Willie Nelson, but Townes Van Zandt wrote that song (who should be on this list, by the way). "Crazy" was written by Willie Nelson.

It is rather simple: which of the songs on this list is about the only thing that ultimately matters (love), and which of these songs deeply touches your heart and forces you to fight back tears? Only one song listed here has this power. "He Stopped Loving Her Today," with its simple, true lyrics, and George's perfect phrasing and beautiful, deep, emotional voice, is the best of all time.

2 Song of the South - Alabama

Ah yes, my favorite band of all time. Roll On (18 Wheeler) is my favorite, but it's hard to find. But Song of the South is one of my favorites. Like every other comment, why is Taylor Swift on this list? She's a fake country singer. Well, Alabama is a lot better, and it's the most true and American Country!

Alabama was the first band I ever listened to, and I was 3. I'm now 16, and that says a lot. And one more thing, those of you who think Alabama is racist just because of some of their songs, you are a bunch of posers because you think the South is bad.

Taylor Swift? Really? Anyone who actually likes country music can't honestly like her. She doesn't sing about the true country values like the other artists on the list. Alabama as number one is most certainly a great choice.

3 Hurt - Johnny Cash

I play guitar at a restaurant near where I live every Friday night. Thankfully, I know how to play this song because it's requested nearly every night.

Even though it's a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song, I still really love it. It is a masterpiece of country music. Definitely a landmark in music.

An unbelievably touching song, especially for a country song. This is sad, and that is what makes it great!

4 Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

I grew up on Johnny Cash. I'm from southeastern Oklahoma. I remember being really young, sitting on my front porch, and hearing Ring of Fire and repeating it daily. Great artist, and will never be forgotten!

This is an awesome song. One of Johnny Cash's best songs and one of the best country songs in general. I'm not a big fan of country, but I still love this song.

This is a REAL country song, unlike those people who just sing about trucks and beer. How is this behind Taylor Swift!?

5 A Country Boy Can Survive - Hank Williams, Jr.

Just because Hank doesn't fit the modern standard of a 'panzified', hold-your-tongue, say-nothing, watered-down, have-no-opinion modern country star doesn't mean you can hold this song down. It says what the world needs to know now more than ever!

Even people who don't listen to country music have heard this song. Though all these are good songs, I've heard them all. Country Boy Can Survive is definitely number one. Heck, it is even quoted in other songs.

I live back in the woods, you see, with my woman, the kids, the dogs, and me. I've got a shotgun, a rifle, and a four-wheel drive, and a country boy can survive.

6 Love Story - Taylor Swift

So young and so talented. Taylor Swift is able to surprise us with her voice and her expressions. She is a truly inspiring person, being able to sing, play instruments, and lead her own band. This song shows that Taylor Swift has talent, blending country and pop to create country pop, which is just phenomenal.

It's rather annoying when people say 'Taylor Swift isn't country' just because they think of her as pop. But if you listen to her first album, yes, it's country. And so are most of her songs. Love Story is amazing, and so is Taylor!

Taylor is so amazing and such an inspiration to everyone who listens to her. She puts on a show at every concert and always leaves us waiting for the next. Taylor writes all her songs, plays them, and even has the most amazing band! I love her.

7 I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash

It has a very catchy melody. Johnny Cash's vocals, when he was in his prime as he was in this song, were excellent. The lyrics are also very powerful.

The context of country and the song that sums up what country is, is Statue of a Fool by Jack Greene. It should be in the top ten!

Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr. are the best country singers! Country today is a cross between Pop, Rap, and Country. (Not a good mix)

8 I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton

This song is easily better than every song in the top five, except for He Stopped Loving Her Today. He Stopped Loving Her, The Dance, and this should be ranked one, two, and three.

I never get tired of this song. The whole story of how she ended up writing the songs just makes me fall deeply in love with the song more. Dolly is a remarkable woman. Her legacy will live forever.

Dolly Parton is honestly the Queen of Country, aside from Patsy, of course! But not many people realize that Dolly is true country, and at heart, she's never left home.

9 Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash

This song is so catchy, like you couldn't move unless it's over, especially if you were to hear it playing in a shop while walking down! Amazing guitar and Cash rocks. Enough said!

I am in love with Johnny Cash, and I know that he is dead now, but he was this lovely man who had so many great hits and albums. The Ring of Fire is the best one. Enough said!

"I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die."

- That must have been crazy to say on the radio back in '55!

10 Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver

I really love this song from John Denver, and I used to sing it with my father all the time. This song brings back memories of my childhood. Sometimes, when my dad and I would sing this song together, we would change the lyric to take me home to the place where I belong, Granger Hollow, country roads. This song is a wonderful favorite of mine, and I love John Denver.

This is my favourite country song. I have loved it since the first time I heard it. I think John Denver's music is the best ever.

This song must be at least top ten. I think John Denver is one of the great country singers, and this song is totally good!

The Contenders
11 Amarillo by Morning - George Strait

Can someone tell me why mediocre artists like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift have beaten this? Country music was doomed a long time ago.

Country music isn't like the country I like to listen to. They say it's country, but it's not. George Strait is one of the greats! Love him.

It is a beautiful song about love, loss, life, and bull riding. Come on, guys.

12 Coat of Many Colors - Dolly Parton

This song is very underrated because it is full of emotions and many nostalgic references to the simple, innocent, and optimistic past that people had years ago.

This song should be higher up the list, and more of Dolly's songs should be on this site, e.g., Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again, etc.

Probably the best song ever, irrespective of country or otherwise.

13 Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks

I had a friend of mine tape this song over and over on the same tape for my daughter who was 4 at the time. We have videos of her dancing to it. That's why the tape was a helpful tool to keep her busy while I got things done around the house.

I thought for sure the top ten would be dominated by Garth Brooks. Surprised to see this one wasn't at the very least in the top five, let alone entirely absent from the top ten!

Hands down, one of the best country songs of all time. Can't believe that it made only ten!

14 Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood

Amazing for any girl who has ever been cheated on. I know I have, and hearing this made things somewhat better. Carrie Underwood has a great voice. You will love this song from the start if you have never heard it before.

The best vocalist in country music history completely delivers with this bluesy song about revenge.

This is a wonderful song from my favorite country singer. I really love this upbeat song so much. I have been cheated on before, three times by a certain boy that I thought I trusted back in school. This song is my all-time favorite.

15 Blown Away - Carrie Underwood

I really love this upbeat song from Carrie Underwood. This song is really amazing, with Carrie Underwood's amazing singing vocals. I love Carrie Underwood so much, and I am blown away in love with this song.

I believe Carrie is the most decent entertainer there is. She is absolutely the best.

Carrie really rocks that song! I've always known she is an amazing vocalist.

16 Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn

A true story, with such pride and love.

17 Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett

I can't believe Jimmy Buffett wasn't on here yet. If you don't like this song, you're not a true country music fan.

18 Fancy - Reba McEntire

The story is haunting, and she sings with the perfect amount of emotion. The lyrics, and the way she sings them, can bring tears.

Fancy is Reba's most famous song. It is a true country song that was created by country music's queen.

It really shows you how to keep moving with your head held high.

19 Where I Come From - Alan Jackson

When Alan sang He Stopped Loving Her Today at George Jones' funeral, it was amazing. I have to personally wish he would sing it at some of his concerts. In my opinion, he sings it better than the late Jones.

Where I Come From is my number one favorite song from Alan Jackson! For me, Where I Come From is Granger Hollow in Shaftsbury. I am a big, huge Alan Jackson fan. I even have the sweatshirt from my aunt.

I really love this song from my all-time favorite country star, Alan Jackson! This song is my all-time favorite.

20 Crazy - Patsy Cline

Yes, it's in the top ten, but what about "Good Old Boys Like Me"? What happened to Hank? Conway Twitty had ten or more songs better than most on this list. There's no use skirting the issue. It's your list.

Such a beautiful voice and such a classy lady. I miss and love Patsy Cline to death. No other artist today possesses her class. She will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Patsy Cline.

So this is still the most played single in jukebox history, and it's not in the top 10 on this list? Nonsense. This song is absolutely worthy of a higher number on this list.

21 Cruise - Florida Georgia Line

I love this song. The music is terrific. Though, I'm disappointed Florida Georgia Line's song Hell Raisin' Heat of the Summer isn't on here. That's a really good song.

22 The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

Best country singer of the last 50 years! His style tells a beginning, middle, and ending. His voice is instantly recognizable, and his style and professionalism have given so many great artists an entrance into the tough music business. No one can come close to courting the popularity he has maintained for the last 50 years.

This song is one of the best country songs I've ever heard. Kenny sounds very quiet, and the song sounds great, especially the guitar.

Undoubtedly a music legend and icon! One of the most recognizable songs in country music history for both young and old!

23 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams, Sr

This song has to be number one. Hank Williams made the listener feel the way he felt when he sang. Bob Dylan said it best when he said, "I've never seen a robin weep, but Hank made me picture it in my mind." His conviction and emotion make this the greatest country song of all time.

They gave Hank Williams a Pulitzer Prize because his songs were poetry. With imagery like, "The moon just went behind a cloud to hide his face and cry," there's lots more in that one song. "Silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky," and trains whining, and more. And the voice carries the loneliness and pain. Not for history's sake, but for its own merits. Should be number 1.

Hank Williams, the godfather of country music. Modern artists should listen to more of him.

By the way, why is Taylor Swift ranked higher than Hank, Willie, Johnny, Loretta, Dolly, and Waylon?

24 The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band

This is the song my husband and I request at every wedding reception we go to. It is great and fun to dance to.

It's a classic, deal-with-the-devil style song, definitely deserving a place in the top ten.

That was one of my favorite country songs I listened to back when I was little.

25 Red Dirt Road - Brooks & Dunn

This is real country music. Taylor Swift shouldn't even be in the top 100. Where is Neon Moon? Where is 5 O'Clock Somewhere? Where are the good, iconic country songs?

Love Brooks and Dunn. Saw them perform many times and they really put on a show. Wish they still toured.

Should be on the top. Way better than Song of the South. If you're looking to download some country music, it's this one.

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