Tennessee is known for its rich musical heritage. Several well-known musicians have called this state home. That’s why Nashville, the state capital, is known as the “Country Music Capital of the World.” The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll was here in the Volunteer State. Incredible, huh?
So, whether you are from Tennessee or you’re just a music enthusiast from out of state, you’re about to hear some of the best songs about Tennessee, and you will surely start to appreciate the adoration with which its residents speak of it.
Table of Contents
- 21. Back to Tennessee — Billy Ray Cyrus
- 20. Tennessee River — Alabama
- 19. Back Where I Come From — Kenny Chesney
- 18. This Ain’t Tennessee — Garth Brooks
- 17. Dixieland Delight — Alabama
- 16. Girl Named Tennessee — NEEDTOBREATHE
- 15. Tennessee Homesick Blues — Dolly Parton
- 14. Tennessee Rose — Emmylou Harris
- 13. Tennessee Stud — Johnny Cash
- 12. Crazy Town — Jason Aldean
- 11. Talkin’ Tennessee — Morgan Wallen
- 10. Tennessee Christmas — Danny Gokey
- 9. Copperhead Road — Steve Earle
- 8. Tennessee — The Wreckers
- 7. Maybe It Was Memphis — Pam Tillis
- 6. Tennessee Waltz — Connie Francis
- 5. Sundown In Nashville — Marty Stuart
- 4. Tennessee River Run — Darryl Worley
- 3. Me and Tennessee — Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw
- 2. Visit Me in Music City — Bobby Bare Jr.
- 1. Country Again — Thomas Rhett
21. Back to Tennessee — Billy Ray Cyrus
The song “Back to Tennessee” will sound familiar to anyone who has seen Hannah Montana: The Movie, starring Miley Cyrus. Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, composed and recorded the soundtrack for this film. After a while of reveling in the excitement of urban living, you’ll start to miss the familiar sights and sounds of home. Such is the storyline of this tune.
20. Tennessee River — Alabama
The song “Tennessee River” is considered to be one of Alabama’s all-time greatest hits. This song was included on their album that was titled #3 and was released in 1979. This song was a huge hit back in the day, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day, most likely because it allows listeners to feel at ease and evokes happy memories from their past.
19. Back Where I Come From — Kenny Chesney
Listening to Kenny Chesney sing “Back Where I Come From” is like taking a deep breath of fresh air. His album Me and You features this soothing country song. This song is about love and the author’s pride in his hometown. Tears will flow as you remember happy times spent in your own hometown.
18. This Ain’t Tennessee — Garth Brooks
They say that you will know if you deeply love someone if they feel like “home.” In the song, “This Ain’t Tennessee” from Garth Brooks’ The Limited Series, he uses Tennesse to refer to the woman he loves, and compares another woman to a flashy metropolis. It is a mellow country song recorded in 1998 that can lull you to sleep.
17. Dixieland Delight — Alabama
Alabama has rejoined our list. Their “Dixieland Delight” is a popular but divisive piece of music. It comes from the album, “The Closer You Get…” and was played at several Alabama football games, causing some to question which state it is actually about. The following lines, however, seem to indicate that it is indeed about Tennessee:
Rolling down a backwoods Tennessee byway
One arm on the wheel
Holding my lover with the other
Nevertheless, “Dixieland Delight” is an enjoyable tune to play, and it also won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Video.
16. Girl Named Tennessee — NEEDTOBREATHE
NEEDTOBREATHE started their upbeat track called “Girl Named Tennessee” with hooking piano chords. NEEDTOBREATHE is a rock band that produces Christian songs and secular ones as well. The latter category includes this rock tune, which can be found on their album, The Outsiders. The upbeat melody is guaranteed to put anyone in a better mood.
15. Tennessee Homesick Blues — Dolly Parton
“Queen of Nashville,” “Queen of Country,” and “The Smoking Mountain Songbird” are just some of the titles Dolly Parton has earned over the years of her journey as a musician. The classic country song “Tennessee Homesick Blues” showcases her range and versatility as a performer. You will be pulled back to your childhood memories by this cheerful song from Dolly’s Rhinestone album.
14. Tennessee Rose — Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is here with her song “Tennessee Rose,” which will send shivers down your spine. This classic country tune, composed by Karen Brooks and Hank DeVito, was first released for her Cimarron album in 1981 and quickly established itself as a fan favorite. Her distinct vocals and nostalgic instruments can drown your worries away.
13. Tennessee Stud — Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is among the faces that represent the Volunteer State. His album, titled Back In Black, features his ninth track, “Tennessee Stud.” The lyrics center on his journey with his horse, which he names “Tennessee Stud” and describes as “long and lean, the color of the sun, and his eyes were green.” It creatively pictures a country life you will definitely love.
12. Crazy Town — Jason Aldean
The lineup now includes yet another fantastic performer. Here we have Jason Aldean performing “Crazy Town” from his album, Wide Open. Released in 2009, this upbeat song celebrates all the crazy, wonderful things that make Nashville such a special place to live. The upbeat instrumental and Jason’s slightly twangy vocals make for a fun drive-time tune.
11. Talkin’ Tennessee — Morgan Wallen
One of the most recently released songs in this collection is the country song by Morgan Wallen.“Talkin’ Tennessee” from his album, If I Know Me, has the soothing quality of country music, comparable to a gust of fresh air. Because it has such incredible lyrics and an attractive tune, you will never get tired of listening to this song on repeat.
10. Tennessee Christmas — Danny Gokey
Good music is a must-have on holidays! So, we have Danny Gokey’s “Tennessee Christmas.” It is the title track of his album, released in 2010. The melody of this holiday track is more on the mellow side than a joyous, upbeat one. Even so, the combination of Danny’s singing, the lyrics, and the instruments successfully evokes the holiday spirit.
9. Copperhead Road — Steve Earle
The 1980s were a golden era for Steve Earle fans when he released his third studio album, “Copperhead Road.” In 1988, Steve Earle wrote and recorded a single with the same name. “Copperhead Road” is classified as rock and takes its name from a real road not far from Mountain City, Tennessee. This country-rock song is expertly balanced and will appeal to a wide variety of listeners.
8. Tennessee — The Wreckers
The song “Tennessee” can be found on the album titled Stand Still, Look Pretty, which was released by the musical duo The Wreckers, which consists of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp. The combination of their warm, raw voices and the alleviating melody of “Tennessee” can give the listener the sensation of lazing around in the shade of a tree while listening to this song.
7. Maybe It Was Memphis — Pam Tillis
Isn’t it marvelous how music can evoke feelings and memories from long ago? The country song “Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis also possesses this enchantment. This track hails from her 1991 album, Put Yourself in My Place. She tells the story of her first love, whom she met in Memphis, in this ballad. Its ability to move listeners earned it a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
6. Tennessee Waltz — Connie Francis
Here is yet another timeless work of art from the year 1959. This is a tune by Connie Francis called “Tennessee Waltz.” It’s a heartbreaking ballad about the time her friend stole her significant other from a waltz party. This song from Country & Western: Golden Hits is a masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the feelings of a lullaby and is just beautiful to listen to.
5. Sundown In Nashville — Marty Stuart
The next item on our list of the best songs about Tennessee is Marty Stuart’s song from the album, Country Music. it is titled “Sundown in Nashville” and is a country song about the less glamorous side of the spotlight. The upbeat, memorable melody stands in stark contrast to the song’s lyrics. But for sure, its skilled composition makes it an affecting ballad that will stay with you forever.
4. Tennessee River Run — Darryl Worley
If you are looking for a summer song about Tennessee, you have to play “Tennessee River Run” recorded by Darryl Worley in 2002. The words perfectly entail an amazing summer getaway. This country song is on Worley’s I Miss My Friend album. You will absolutely miss every summertime you spent with your friends and family while listening to this sunny track!
3. Me and Tennessee — Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw
“Me and Tennessee” is a stunning collaboration of two great country artists, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tim McGraw, and is among the soundtracks of the movie Country Strong. The song’s lyrics are written from both lovers’ perspectives: one yearns to remember the good times they shared, while the other laments the hurt she experienced. Your feelings will be intensely stirred by this song.
2. Visit Me in Music City — Bobby Bare Jr.
1. Country Again — Thomas Rhett
We are down to our last and top pick: “Country Again” by Thomas Rhett. The promising guitar riffs of this title track will welcome you and set the mood right for listening to a good country track. “Country Again” has lyrics that will speak to your heart about treasuring each moment with your loved ones. This song will drive you to tears for how beautiful its lyricism and instrumentals are and how amazing Thomas is as a musician.