Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

10 Country Songs That Are Actually About Other Country Stars

Country Songs About Other Country Stars
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Many country singers like to share their musical influences with interested fans in various ways, such as talking about them in interviews, slipping their names into album liner notes, and so much more. However, some country artists believe they owe their musical heroes an even greater tip of the hat, devoting an entire song to them. 

So, today, we will look at some of the country songs written or named after a country icon. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift

From: Taylor Swift (2006)

Apparently, the song is not about country singer Tim McGraw. Taylor Swift wrote the song for her college-bound boyfriend during her high-school freshman math class. She wanted to capture everything she knew would remind him of her. So, she listed down personal things, and one of the things that came to mind was her favorite song by McGraw. 

2. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? by Waylon Jennings

From: Dreaming My Dreams (1975)

The song is a nod to Hank Williams Sr.’s significant contribution and influence on country music and how the genre has somewhat gone downhill since his death. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” denounced the glamor that had come to portray most popular country musicians in the 1970s through references to “rhinestone suits” and “new shiny cars.”

3. Priscilla by Miranda Lambert

From: Platinum (2014)

“Priscilla” is taken from Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s story, who lived a relentlessly public relationship from the beginning of their marriage. The similarities to Miranda Lambert’s life are evident, particularly during her marriage to country star Blake Shelton. In the song, she asks Mrs. Presley for advice as she figures out how to navigate stardom.

4. Springsteen by Eric Church

From: Chief (2011)

Eric Church co-wrote “Springsteen” and admitted having lived the song. The country singer revealed that he was 15 when he fell in love with someone he connected with. The two went to a concert, and the artist playing on the stage quickly became the soundtrack to their relationship. While they did not stay together, Church said he thinks of her whenever he hears Bruce Springsteen. 

5. Jesus and Jones by Trace Adkins

From: Something’s Going On (2016)

“Jesus and Jones” found Trace Adkins torn between the spiritual and profane. Adkins began his musical career performing with a gospel quartet in high school. Eventually, he found himself “singing George Jones songs in a beer joint.” He always had this internal struggle. “Sometimes I’m a good boy, sometimes I’m not,” he said.

6. Johnny Cash by Jason Aldean

From: Relentless (2007)

The love ballad tells the story of a man inviting a girl to join him on a road trip to Las Vegas. And on their way, they would be blasting out Johnny Cash’s songs. It also made several references to a number of Cash’s hits. 

“Johnny Cash” was originally recorded by Tracy Byrd in 2005 from his album Greatest Hits but was never released as a single.

7. Shut Up Kenny by Walker Hayes

From: Boom (2017)

Interestingly, “Shut Up Kenny” is a true story. Walker Hayes said that he and his wife associate so many memories in their relationship with the timing of Kenny Chesney. Chesney’s 2004 hit, “Anything But Mine,” for instance, reminds Hayes of the moment his family moved to Nashville. 

While most were happy memories, one occasion happened when he was in the middle of a fight with his wife, and “Anything But Mine” came on the radio. Hayes said he wanted to stay pissed at that moment, so he thought, “Shut up, Kenny!” before changing the station. Funnily enough, the song was also on another station.

8. Taylor Swift by Walker Hayes

From: New Money (2023)

Walker Hayes poked fun at the price of Taylor Swift’s concert tickets in the most endearing way. The song chronicles Hayes’ experience of trying to secure tickets to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour for her nine-year-old daughter, who ended up sleeping through part of the concert. It’s truly a sweet insight into their father-daughter bond. 

9. A Willie Nice Christmas by Kacey Musgraves

From: A Very Kacey Christmas (2016)

In 2016, Kacey Musgraves released her very first Christmas album. In it comes an original track featuring the legendary Willie Nelson and his trusty guitar, Trigger. 

Musgraves said she was driving one day when the idea of telling someone, “Have a Willie Nice Christmas,” hit her. She thought it was “funny and light-hearted,” so she brought the idea to Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

10. Damn Strait by Scotty McCreery

From: Same Truck (2021)

“Damn Strait” is a clever way to tell a heartbreaking story. It’s about a brokenhearted man having a beef with George Strait. Unfortunately, he remembers his old lover whenever he hears one of the country king’s songs. It also serves as a tribute to Strait, whom Scotty McCreery considered one of his musical heroes. 

It’s really amazing how melodies can spark memories. Well, we hope you enjoyed these country songs about other country stars.

Latest Stories

Riley Green's 'Worst Way' music video sparks a frenzy with steamy scenes and a touch of humor, making waves in the country music world.

Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video

Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...

Meet Lainey Wilson's fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges—former NFL quarterback and avid duck hunter—who captured the country star's heart.

Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...

Lainey Wilson announces her engagement to Devlin 'Duck' Hodges, sharing romantic proposal photos that celebrate their new chapter together.

Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges

Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...

George Strait and Chris Stapleton announce their 2025 stadium tour, bringing country music fans an unforgettable live experience with special guests Parker McCollum and Little Big Town.

George Strait and Chris Stapleton Announce 2025 Stadium Tour

Country music fans, get ready—George Strait and Chris Stapleton are hitting the road again for another epic stadium tour. After a wildly successful run in 2023, the two country powerhouses ...

Chris Stapleton announces his retirement from singing the national anthem after his iconic 2023 Super Bowl performance, a moment destined to stand the test of time.

Chris Stapleton Is Officially Retired From Singing the National Anthem

Chris Stapleton’s unforgettable 2023 Super Bowl performance of The Star-Spangled Banner remains one of the greatest renditions in history. But if you hope to hear him take on the anthem ...

Chris Stapleton delivering a soulful national anthem at Super Bowl LVII, moving players and coaches to tears in a performance hailed as one of the best ever.

Remember When Chris Stapleton’s Super Bowl National Anthem Brought Everyone to Tears?

Few performances in Super Bowl history have left as lasting an impression as Chris Stapleton’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl LVII in 2023. The country and blues ...

Jon Batiste performs a jazz-infused rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, honoring his Louisiana roots.

Jon Batiste Delivers Unique Super Bowl National Anthem Performance

Jon Batiste delivered a uniquely soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LIX, infusing the national anthem with the unmistakable spirit of his Louisiana roots. The seven-time Grammy ...

2025 CMT Music Awards Cancelled

Why Were the 2025 CMT Music Awards Canceled? The Truth Revealed

Country music fans will have to mark a different night on their calendars this year. The 2025 CMT Music Awards have been officially canceled, leaving many wondering what led to ...

Darius Rucker announces he's now living in London, sparking curiosity among fans about whether the move is permanent and the reasons behind his life change.

Darius Rucker Reveals He’s No Longer Living in the U.S.

Darius Rucker and the American South go hand in hand. Whether it’s Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Cracked Rear View” playing at a summer cookout or “Wagon Wheel” blasting from the ...

Country singer Andrew Millsaps shares how his fiancée ended their engagement via text before a show, inspiring him to channel the heartbreak into new music.

Country Singer Andrew Millsaps Got Dumped in the Worst Way Possible—Right Before a Show

Breakups are never easy, but some are downright brutal. For country singer Andrew Millsaps, the heartbreak hit at the worst possible time—while he was on stage. The Neon Union vocalist ...