4 of the Saddest Country Songs of the ’90s

Many people think of country music as the genre of upbeat, summertime anthems. However, there are several country songs that are the complete opposite of that idea. To offer a few examples of that, we’re looking back to country’s ’90s heyday. Find four of the saddest country songs from that era, below.

4 of the Saddest Country Songs of the ’90s

1. “Don’t Take the Girl” (Tim McGraw)

We’re starting our list of country songs strong with Tim McGraw’s heart wrenching story of a long lasting love story, “Don’t Take the Girl.” The chorus centers around that line but it changes in meaning every time the refrain comes back around again. From muggers to fatal diseases, this song is sure to bring a tear to your eye.

Johnny’s daddy was takin’ him fishin’
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate
Holdin’ a fishin’ pole
His dad looked down and smiled
Said, “We can’t leave her behind
Son, I know you don’t want her to go
But someday you’ll change your mind“

2. “The Dance” (Garth Brooks)

Though this song was written about the end of a relationship, it has been co-opted to epitomize tragic events. The lyrics about missing a dance have endless applications. Anyone going through something will find a way to relate to this somber country song.

And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance

3. “She Thinks His Name Is John” (Reba McEntire)

Reba McEntire handles a sticky subject in “She Thinks His Name Is John.” McEntire’s titular character develops HIV as a result of a one night stand. The rest of the song takes us through her hard life, loss of love, and dashed dreams.

But there is one
She can’t put her finger on
There is one who never leaves her thoughts
And she thinks
His name was John

4. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” (Vince Gill)

Vince Gill has to take the final spot on our list of sad country songs. There are few songs as heartbreaking as “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” Gill’s eulogy has been used for countless funerals and other despondent events. When listening to this track, it’s not hard to see why it has become such a staple.

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son

[RELATED: Vince Gill Reveals the Song That Inspired His Daughter’s Name—and the Phone Call That Convinced Amy Grant He Wasn’t Crazy]

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