3 Perfect Country Songs From the 1980s With Zero Wasted Lyrics

Hit songwriting has a certain economy about it. You have to pack the biggest emotional punch in the shortest amount of time. Not every songwriter is great at that kind of economy. However, when they are, they produce the most satisfying listen. The three country songs from the 1980s below all have no wasted lyrics. If you need a blueprint for how to write songs with great economy, these are great jumping-off points.

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“On The Other Hand” — Randy Travis

Randy Travis’ “On The Other Hand” is heartbreaking and economic songwriting at its best. The verses carry one emotion, while the chorus carries the opposite feeling. The songwriters, Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, used every second of this song to move the plot forward.

“But on the other hand, there’s a golden band / To remind me of someone who would not understand / On one hand, I could stay and be your lovin’ man / But the reason I must go is on the other hand,” the lyrics read. This song is relatively simple, but there isn’t one lyric that’s wasted. It’s a masterclass in songwriting.

“Amarillo By Morning” — George Strait

George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning” is the perfect cowboy song. George Strait sings about a lonely life spent on the road through the lens of a Western wayfarer. “They took my saddle in Houston / Broke my leg in Santa Fe / Lost my wife and a girlfriend / Somewhere along the way,” the lyrics read, which are as succinct as they are vivid.

This song rolls along steadily for the duration. Not a single line is a throwaway, with each helping to build the mystique of Strait’s titular character.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” — George Jones

Largely considered one of the best country songs ever, George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is songwriting perfection. Jones’ smooth vocals perfectly tell the story of grieving and heartbreak. “He stopped loving her today / They placed a wreath upon his door / And soon they’ll carry him away / He stopped loving her today,” the lyrics to the chorus read.

This is the epitome of a storytelling song. Countless people use this song as the blueprint for their own similar country songs. One listen, and you’ll know why. There’s not a second of this country track that’s wasted.

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