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.
For You
“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.
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