3 Country Songs From the 60s That Make You Feel Nostalgic

Country music has a way of taking you from wherever you are and putting you in a brand new place. Maybe it transports you to a family living room you miss. Or maybe it reminds you of a place you traveled or a love you lost. Or maybe the music takes you away to a different time as you think wistfully about what could have been.

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It’s that feeling we wanted to investigate below. Indeed, we wanted to dive into three country songs from the 1960s that have a way of making you consider those lovely times from the past. A trio of tunes that might even have your mind turning over, thinking about those good ol’ days. Yes, these are three country songs from the 60s that can make you feel nostalgic.

“Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash from ‘Ring Of Fire: The Best Of Johnny Cash’ (1963)

Not only does this song title take you back, but so does Johnny Cash’s literal singing voice. The depth and the timbre of his vocal instrument are enough to take you back to the first time you heard it. Maybe it was in your father’s giant blue car from some other era, as he blasted “Ring of Fire” as he drove down the highway. Or maybe it was in the garage at home as you watched the ball game on mute. Either way, Cash (voice and all) and his fiery tune are like time machines.

“Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette from ‘Stand By Your Man’ (1968)

Country music espouses simple but often core values. And one of those, country star Tammy Wynette tells us, is to honor your partner. A woman, Wynette, calls for other wives to stand by their partners in moments of weakness and mistake. Whether or not you agree word for word with her implore, the song is transportive and reminds us of a time when tunes were written about family and the precarious nature of love within them. Wynette’s voice is incredible, and the music matches, too.

“Crazy” by Patsy Cline from ‘Showcase’ (1961)

What do you get when you combine early Willie Nelson with a young Patsy Cline? Well, you get something truly crazy in the best sense of the word. Indeed, the Nelson-penned and Cline-sung tune “Crazy” is an astonishing work. It’s one of those songs that seems gifted from on high. Sent down to use from another place. Yet, it actually is a human creation. It’s also one that takes you back and makes you think of a different time. A better time, a crazy time.

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