These 3 No. 1 Country Songs Had Just One Writer Behind Them

More often than not, country songs today are written amongst a group. Each chart-topping country hit will have three or four writers in its credits. This sense of collaboration has brought many people to Nashville, hoping to find the right writing partners. However, several country artists choose to go it alone. The three No. 1 country songs below were written solely by one person.

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“Our Song” (Taylor Swift)

The first, and most obvious, choice for country songs that were written alone is something from Taylor Swift‘s early catalog. Swift made headlines by being both young and a formidable songwriter. The measure of her skillset, even early on in her career, can be heard in “Our Song.”

Swift has had many hits to her name, but “Our Song” will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans. It epitomizes what made us fall in love with her in the first place. Her ability to tell stories was there from the beginning. As evidenced by this instantly catchy hit.

“Neon Moon” (Ronnie Dunn)

Next up on our list of country songs that only have one writer is Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.” This heartbreak song-turned floor-filler is a classic in the genre. Even those outside of country’s typical listenership know this song.

Ronnie Dunn penned this country hit by himself, for use by the duo. It’s one of many hits he wrote solo, including “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “She Used To Be Mine.” Needless to say, Dunn is a one-man songwriting machine.

“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” (Toby Keith)

Toby Keith penned his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” solo. It’s hard to believe this track was the world’s introduction to Keith. Talk about a strong start…Keith boiled down the country mentality to a science with this chart-topper. If a country star isn’t already a cowboy to begin with, he likely dreams of being one. The cowboy way of life is in the fabric of the genre. Keith said what everybody in Nashville is already thinking: I should’ve been a cowboy / I should’ve learned to rope and ride.

“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is one of several country songs Keith penned alone. Elsewhere in his solo credits are “Who’s That Man”, “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This”, and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”

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