Country music doesn’t come from just one place. Every corner of the U.S. has produced a top country artist. However, there is one state that has a special place in the heart of every country singer: Tennessee. The southern state has had many an ode written about it. From football teams to childhood homes, the four country songs below will make you miss Tennessee–even if you’ve never been.
Videos by American Songwriter
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“Tennessee Orange” (Megan Moroney)
Megan Moroney‘s breakout single, “Tennessee Orange,” saw her cross over enemy lines. She leaves her Georgia roots behind and starts donning the signature colors of ole’ Rocky Top. The reason for her sudden change of heart? A new boy, of course. She may still want the Dawgs to win, but her new romance has her sharing her sympathies.
The right partner can change us in ways we didn’t expect. In this country song, Moroney finds herself not only falling in love with him, but also with Tennessee.
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“My Tennessee Mountain Home” (Dolly Parton)
Dolly Parton is an icon of Tennessee. Ever the humble artist, Parton has made a point to give back to her state in many ways. If you’ve ever wondered why she is so generous when it comes to the Volunteer State, you only need to hear “My Tennessee Mountain Home” to clear things up.
In this country song, Parton paints a stunning picture of her life growing up in Tennessee. In my Tennessee mountain home Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh / In my Tennessee mountain home / Crickets are singing in the fields near by, she sings in this powerful ode to her home state.
“Tennessee River”
Though they are named after a different state, Alabama once paid homage to their neighbors in “Tennessee River.” Back to the good life I left behind / Going down to the river with my fishing line / Climb back up the mountain by supper time, the band sings.
Tennessee is great for many reasons, but if you listen to country artists, the best thing about the state is the great outdoors. Alabama is a part of the long list of artists that have used a country song to revel in the natural beauty of Tennessee.
“Tennessee” (Johnny Cash)
Johnny Cash is ready for the simple life in “Tennessee.” He’s ready to settle down and find the right girl. Where better to do that than the peaceful countryside of Tennessee? Mama you and dad have got to come stay with us sometime / I know you love that sweet little gal of mine / You and her could talk about babies / Make some home made apple pie, Cash sings in this simple ballad.
Cash makes this kind of life sound endlessly attractive in this country song about Tennessee. For those of us in need of a nice change of pace, this song will make you want to pack your bags and head down south as quickly as possible.
(Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
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