17 Best Country Songs With a Story: Country’s Best Tales

Hey there, fellow beat enthusiasts and turntable maestros!

Get ready to tap into the soulful world of country music.

We’ve curated a list of 17 country gems that are sure to enthrall you with their enchanting narratives.

From love sagas to haunting ballads, this compilation has it all.

Keep those cowboy boots handy, y’all!

Here are the best Country songs with a story that you can check out:

List Of Best Country Songs With a Story

Best Country songs with a story in a list format:

1. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

From the album Jolene released in 1974 under RCA Records, “Jolene” tells the tale of a woman pleading with another to not take her man. Dolly Parton’s heartfelt vocals have made this a timeless classic, capturing the raw emotions of desperation and longing.

2. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” by Vicki Lawrence

Released in 1972 under Bell Records, this song comes from Vicki Lawrence’s album of the same name. It’s a chilling Southern Gothic tale of murder and injustice, with a shocking twist. Vicki’s emotive storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat!

3. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

This high-energy song from the 1979 album Million Mile Reflections (Epic Records), features a fiddle duel between the devil and a young man named Johnny. The Charlie Daniels Band mixes story and music in a way that’s both thrilling and musically impeccable.

4. “Fancy” by Reba McEntire

A rendition of Bobbie Gentry’s original, Reba McEntire’s “Fancy” is from her 1990 album Rumor Has It (MCA Records). It narrates the rags-to-riches story of a young woman whose mother encourages her to use her looks to escape poverty.

5. “Pancho and Lefty” by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard

This haunting ballad is from the 1983 album Pancho & Lefty under Epic Records. Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard portray the story of two outlaws, where friendship and betrayal intertwine, leaving listeners captivated by the enigmatic characters.

6. “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks

From Garth Brooks’ 1990 album No Fences (Capitol Records), “The Thunder Rolls” is a dark and stormy tale of infidelity and betrayal, where the thunder serves as an allegory for tumultuous emotions in a relationship.

7. “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry

Released in 1967 under Capitol Records, this mysterious song from Bobbie Gentry’s album Ode to Billie Joe, centers on a family dinner conversation about the suicide of a local boy, Billie Joe. The subtle details make this story hauntingly intriguing.

8. “El Paso” by Marty Robbins

From Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959, Columbia Records), “El Paso” by Marty Robbins is an epic Wild West ballad. It’s about love, jealousy, and sacrifice, as the protagonist falls for a Mexican girl and gets involved in a deadly gunfight.

9. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron

Off the 2015 album Strange Trails (IAMSOUND Records), Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” is a melancholic tune recounting a love that slipped away, evoking nostalgia and yearning through its haunting lyrics and melody.

10. “Jukebox and a Country Song” by Doug Stone

From Doug Stone’s 1992 album From the Heart (Epic Records), this tune is about a man nursing a broken heart with the help of a jukebox full of country songs. It’s relatable and heartfelt with a classic country vibe.

11. “Travelin’ Soldier” by Dixie Chicks

This poignant song from the Dixie Chicks’ 2002 album Home (Columbia Records) tells a wartime love story between a soldier and a young girl. Its heartbreaking narrative and soulful vocals encapsulate the pain of love and war.

12. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones

From George Jones’ 1980 album I Am What I Am (Epic Records), this song is often considered the greatest country song ever. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of a man’s undying love for a woman, even beyond the grave.

13. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood

From her 2005 album Some Hearts (Arista Records), Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” is a fiery revenge anthem where a scorned woman takes matters into her own hands to make her cheating lover regret his actions.

14. “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

Another gem from Dolly Parton, this song is from her 1971 album Coat of Many Colors (RCA Records). It’s a touching tribute to her mother, and a tale of love and acceptance, regardless of material wealth.

15. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley ft. Alison Krauss

This gut-wrenching ballad from Brad Paisley’s album Mud on the Tires (2003, Arista Nashville) features Alison Krauss. It tells the tale of a couple torn apart by alcohol and regret, and the heartbreak that follows.

16. “Harper Valley PTA” by Jeannie C. Riley

From the 1968 album of the same name (Plantation Records), “Harper Valley PTA” by Jeannie C. Riley is a feisty tune about a single mom standing up against small-town gossip and hypocrisy.

17. “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” by Marianne Faithfull

Although not strictly country, Marianne Faithfull’s rendition of “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” (1979, Island Records) deserves a spot. From the album Broken English, it chronicles the quiet desperation of a housewife reassessing her life.

Fun Facts: Top Country Tunes With a Story

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton

• The Inspiration: Dolly Parton was inspired to write “Jolene” by a red-headed bank teller who had a crush on her husband. The name Jolene came from a little girl she met at one of her concerts.
• The Tempo: Dolly Parton performed “Jolene” at a slightly slower tempo during live performances. This slower version became a hit again when it was released on the album “Jolene” in 2015.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

• Fiddler’s Feat: Charlie Daniels said that the fiddle part for the devil’s performance was the hardest to play, but was meant to sound “inferior” compared to Johnny’s part, showing the good triumphing over evil.
• A Tribute: The song was written as a tribute to legendary fiddler Vassar Clements and his technique of “down bow” fiddling.

“Fancy” by Reba McEntire

• Movie Dreams: Reba McEntire once mentioned that she wanted “Fancy” to be turned into a movie. The song’s music video itself plays like a short film, narrating the entire story in cinematic fashion.

“The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks

• Video Controversy: The music video for “The Thunder Rolls” was one of the most controversial of its time, depicting a story of domestic violence. Some networks initially refused to air it due to its intense content.

“Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry

• Enduring Mystery: “Ode to Billie Joe” has captivated audiences for decades with its cryptic storyline. Speculations and interpretations regarding why Billie Joe jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge continue to this day.
• Film Adaptation: The song was so compelling that it inspired a 1976 movie, “Ode to Billy Joe,” based on the events described in the song.

“El Paso” by Marty Robbins

• Writing Speed: Marty Robbins claimed that it took him less time to write “El Paso” than it does to sing it. He said it was written in approximately five minutes.

“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood

• A Smash Hit: Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” was so popular that it became the first-ever country song to sell over two million ringtones.

“Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley ft. Alison Krauss

• Change of Hands: “Whiskey Lullaby” was originally intended for other artists. Bill Anderson, one of the songwriters, initially pitched the song to several other artists before it reached Brad Paisley.

That’s a wrap on our musical journey through story-rich country songs and intriguing trivia.

May these soulful tales strike a chord in your heart.

Happy listening, y’all!

Thanks for reading.

TBone