The Best Classic Country Songs

Ranker Music

Updated April 1, 2024 366.9K views 195 items

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73.7K votes

7.6K voters

16 reranks

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Good old classic country - as opposed to the more pop/rock "contemporary country" sound that dominates the airwaves today.

Country music is one of the most popular genres of music in the United States, and old country songs are appreciated by fans of all ages. No list of the top country songs of all time would be complete without the classic country music of legendary artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

Sometimes called country western, or country and western music, classic country songs are steeped in Americana and tell the story of ordinary, loving, hard working, often hard drinking, and sometimes long-suffering people, just like many of us. Sometimes the best country songs are deceptively simple sounding in their portraits of American life, but that's what makes classic country so endearing - and so relatable.

Out of all the classic country western singers, Johnny Cash had some of the biggest crossover success. The singer/songwriter eventually tapped into rock, gospel, folk, and other genres, but is best remembered for classic country songs like "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "I Walk the Line." He and wife June Carter Cash - classic country music royalty in her own right - were together best known for their duet of "Jackson," a No. 2 hit on the Country Music charts in 1967.

Patsy Cline may now be remembered as one of the women in classic country, but she fought her for it, particularly in era that didn't accord female country western singers the same advantages of their male counterparts. Though she didn't live to fully appreciate her legacy (Cline was killed in a plane crash at age 30), her old country songs like "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" are counted along with the best country songs of all time.

Hank Williams, considered by some to be the godfather of 20th century country music, performed popular country songs of his era that still influence musicians to this day. "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Hey, Good Lookin'" are but two examples. Those old radio hits are as ingrained into American culture as apple pie.

What are your favorite country music songs that are considered classics? Vote up good country songs from the best of old country music, or add one that makes you cherish the best classic country songs. If you like both older and newer country music, vote on the best country artists of all time.

Most divisive: Faded Love

Over 7.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Classic Country Songs

1
1,375 votes
Mama Tried
Merle Haggard
As Merle Haggard says, "mamma tried" to raise her boy right, but it just didn't work out that way.
2
1,396 votes
Your Cheatin' Heart
Hank Williams
This sad Hank Williams song is one to which your can drown your sorrows in a tall glass of wine or beer.
3
1,301 votes
Amarillo by Morning
George Strait
George Straight sings about the understated woes of a rodeo cowboy.
4
2,351 votes
He Stopped Loving Her Today
George Jones
Classic and heartbreaking song by George Jones
5
1,266 votes
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Hank Williams
This sad sack Hank Williams song was made even more famous when Elvis re-recorded it.
6
1,039 votes
Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash's signature song with the famous line, "I shot a ran in Reno, just to watch him die."
7
1,226 votes
Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys
Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
The name is pretty self-explanatory on this one.
8
1,496 votes
Crazy
Patsy Cline
This heart-breaking and flagellating song by Patsy Cline has always been a country classic.
9
1,045 votes
I Fall to Pieces
Patsy Cline
Nobody quite does self pity like Cline, another classic and cry-worthy tune from her makes the list.
10
1,230 votes
Jolene
Dolly Parton
Another Dolly Parton hit to make the list, this song is about the pleas on one woman to Jolene to stop cheating with her husband.

11
927 votes
Hey Good Lookin
Hank Williams
This Hank Williams tune was inducted tot he Grammy Hall of Fame
12
1,117 votes
Always on My Mind
Willie Nelson
This WIllie Nelson song about eternal love is so classic its practically been covered to death.
13
928 votes
Good-Hearted Woman
Waylon Jennings
A 1969 Waylon Jennings hit that was reportedly inspired by Ike and Tina Turner
14
1,193 votes
Take Me Home Country Roads
John Denver
John Denver's ode to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River.
15
631 votes
Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)
Waylon Jennings
16
1,017 votes
El Paso
Marty Robbins
Beuatiful song that's an ode to the city which includes a the wonderful music of a Spanish guitar. Song won a grammy in 1961
17
1,056 votes
I Will Always Love You (Original)
Dolly Parton
This Dolly Parton love song is a country classic that was made a mainstream hit when it was re-recorded by Whitney Houston
18
1,048 votes
Coal Miner's Daughter
Loretta Lynn
Another ode to the occupations of the south and the lives lived by the hard-driving coal workers and their family. This Loretta Lynn song is a classic.
19
681 votes
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Willie Nelson
20
779 votes
On the Road Again
Willie Nelson

21
1,089 votes
Hello Darlin
Conway Twitty
An ode to a lost love that Conway Twitty done wrong.
22
702 votes
Kiss an Angel Good Mornin
Charley Pride
23
655 votes
King of the Road
Roger Miller
24
533 votes
Forever and Ever, Amen
Randy Travis
25
995 votes
The Devil Went Down to Georgia
The Charlie Daniels Band
26
1,099 votes
Stand By Your Man
Tammy Wynette
This wailing tune from Tammy Wynette is an ode to being faithful that is quintessentially country.
27
1,005 votes
The Gambler
Kenny Rogers
A veteran gambler teaches a young man when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.
28
590 votes
Hey Good Lookin
29
510 votes
I Saw the Light
Hank Williams
30
828 votes
A Country Boy Can Survive
Hank Williams, Jr.