3 Country Songs You’ve Never Heard That Tell Gripping Stories

Some of the best short stories you’ll ever hear are in the lyrics of country songs. Not all of those great stories are about heartache or loss or murder that’s fueled by jealousy. No matter what the subject matter or medium is, the best stories stick with you. The songs below tell stories that will be on your mind long after the final note plays. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that most country music fans haven’t heard these songs.

“Bible on the Dash” – Corb Lund & Hayes Carll

There are easily a dozen story songs from Canadian country great Corb Lund. He’s a top-tier songwriter with a knack for witty lyrics and strong narratives. “Bible on the Dash” just happens to be my favorite. It’s about a group of touring musicians who trust a Bible on the dash of their van to keep them out of legal trouble. It’s not a story of faith, though. It’s a comedy with some killer guitar work and a toe-tapping beat.

This song has tens of millions of streams on Spotify, and the video is slowly catching up on YouTube. So, there’s a chance that you’ve heard this one if you’re a fan of Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, or great Western music from north of the border.

“The Bird Hunters” – Turnpike Troubadours

If you’re not a fan of Turnpike Troubadours or Red Dirt country, you probably haven’t heard this one. If you are, this is probably on at least one of your playlists. This is an example of why I think Evan Felker is one of the best living songwriters in country music. “The Bird Hunters” is from the perspective of a man who returns to his hometown after going through a breakup. Felker’s attention to detail paints a vivid picture of two friends reconnecting during a quail hunt.

There’s a connected universe of stories and recurring characters in Turnpike Troubadours’ discography. This is a decent entry point to that universe.

“Me and Marryanne” – Jason Scott & the High Heat

This is a standout track from Jason Scott & the High Heat’s debut album, Castle Rock. It doesn’t just stand out because it’s clever, expertly-written, and cinematic. It’s also the only song on the LP that sounds like this. This song could be adapted into a spaghetti western for the ages. I don’t want to say too much about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything. That’s how good this story is.

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