Country music started gaining popularity around the 1940s. Since then, it has expanded to other subgenres, and country music icons have sung about anything under the sun, from nature to life and love.
Yes, you read that right: love. You would be surprised at the number of country songs about love, and many have been so iconic fans continue to listen to this day.
To get you started on a playlist, we’ve selected 31 of the best country love songs of all time. Keep reading to learn more about them!
Related: Next up, see our list of the most well known country songs.
1. “I Need You” By Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Should you ever need a love song to let your significant other know how much you need him or her, “I Need You” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill would be the one.
In the song, the narrator describes their love and need for their lover as being as addictive as vices like drinking and smoking. They crave the other like how “a lighthouse needs a coast,” where the former cannot be without the latter.
The husband-and-wife duo released the song in 2007. “I Need You” was the second single from their Let It Go album and peaked in the country charts at #8. It was nominated for two Grammys: Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and Best Country Song.
2. “God Gave Me You” By Blake Shelton
Our next song, “God Gave Me You,” was originally sung by Dave Barnes in 2010 and charted in the Christian Songs chart. The following year, Blake Shelton released his version.
Shelton, in the song, describes how he feels like a mess and isn’t the person he wants to be. Regardless, his significant other stays with him through the good and bad. For him, her faithfulness and loyalty are divine intervention.
Though “God Gave Me You” debuted at #65, it eventually reached #1 in the Hot Country Songs and Canada Country charts. Because the song inspired him a lot, Shelton proposed to his then-girlfriend, Miranda Lambert.
3. “Love Story” By Taylor Swift
Released by Taylor Swift in 2008, “Love Story” is exactly that: a love story. Swift recounts young love and tells it like a fairy tale, ala Romeo and Juliet, but with a better ending.
The song was actually inspired by a relationship Swift had that didn’t work out because of opposition from her family. However, not wanting the same sad ending as Romeo and Juliet, she added the wedding in the last part.
“Love Story” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and #5 on Hot 100. The music video won awards for CMT Music Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year.
4. “Ring Of Fire” By Johnny Cash
Released in 1963, Johnny Cash‘s “Ring of Fire” became one of his greatest hits. His second wife, June Carter, wrote the song because she wanted to elaborate on her experience of falling in love.
The song describes how love feels like a fiery, burning ring of desire that you fall into with no hope of resurfacing. It is the perfect symbol of true love burning bright and hot—one that cannot be extinguished.
Soon after release, “Ring of Fire” climbed to #1 on the Country chart and stayed there for seven weeks. Artists like Alan Jackson and Eric Burdon & the Animals covered the song, and though their work charted, they did not reach the same success as Cash’s.
5. “I Will Always Love You” By Dolly Parton
Country music queen Dolly Parton released the original version of “I Will Always Love You” in 1973. It was in her 13th studio album and inspired by her previous partner.
If ever there is a bittersweet song, “I Will Always Love You” would be one of them. It describes having to part with your lover because you know you’ll only be in their way. Despite this, you know your love for them will be forever.
The song gained the top spot on Billboard Hot Country Songs, and when Parton rerecorded the song in 1982, it also became #1, becoming the first artist to top the charts with the same song.
Whitney Houston recorded a version in 1992 for the film The Bodyguard, where the song remained on top for 14 weeks and became a best-seller.
6. “Your Man” By Josh Turner
From Josh Turner‘s album of the same name, we have “Your Man.” It was released in 2005 and has made many fans sway to the sweet tune.
“Your Man” has some of the most iconic opening lines in a song. The narrator describes turning on soft, slow music, dimming the lights, and enjoying time together with their lover. The sensual and implicative lyrics recount passionate feelings that shouldn’t be rushed.
The song became Turner’s first #1 hit on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, and by 2021, it had been certified triple-Platinum. The songwriters, Chris DuBois and Chris Stapleton won an ASCAP award for their marvelous work on the single.
7. “I’d Love To Lay You Down” By Conway Twitty
There are plenty of songs out there that express one’s appreciation for their partner in life, and “I’d Love To Lay You Down” by Conway Twitty is one of them.
The song describes the small things the singer appreciates about his loved one, like wearing a cotton gown in the morning with curlers in her hair. He’s sentimental too, expressing how loving her made their house feel like a home, and as they grow older together in years to come, he’ll love her just the same.
“I’d Love To Lay You Down” reached #1 in both US Hot Country Songs and Canada RPM Country charts and stayed there for seven consecutive days. Daryle Singletary recorded a cover in 2002 and charted at #43.
8. “Amazed” By Lonestar
If you love your significant other, there must be something about him or her that has caused you to be so amazed at them that you can’t imagine life without them. Lonestar‘s “Amazed” is their 1999 song that expresses this exactly.
The singer describes the intense feelings he experiences as soon as he looks at his love. He recounts how he loves her touch and her looks and how “every little thing that [she] does” simply amazes him.
Dubbed Lonestar’s power ballad, the song topped the Country charts for eight weeks. Since then, it has been covered by Shane Filan, Boyz II Men, and Ben Mills.
9. “I Swear” By John Michael Montgomery
Sometimes with relationships, uncertainty will appear, and questions start to arise—Am I good enough? What if he hurts me? Does he really love me? To help assure your beloved of your feelings, “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery would be the perfect song to serenade her.
The song is as the title implies. It is a declaration, a vow never to break the other’s heart, to always be there for them, for better or worse, and till death do you part.
“I Swear” reached #1 on Billboard‘s Country charts for four weeks. The song is so popular many artists have covered it, including boy band All-4-One, a cappella group Home Free, and even the animated Minions in the film Despicable Me 2.
10. “If Tomorrow Never Comes” By Garth Brooks
Country music legend Garth Brooks touches upon a deep topic in his song “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” released in 1989 in his eponymous debut album.
In it, he wonders what would happen if he didn’t wake up one morning. Would his significant other doubt the way he felt toward her? Has he loved her enough to show her “she’s the only one”? He determines that if tomorrow never comes, he will do whatever it takes to ensure that she knows how much he loves her.
“If Tomorrow Never Comes” topped the Country charts when it was released and became Brooks’s signature song. At the 1991 American Music Awards, it won Favorite Country Single.
11. “Remember When” By Alan Jackson
Many country fans deem Alan Jackson‘s “Remember When” as one of the greatest songs. Released in 2003, it is a poignant song of remembering every thing that one has experienced in love.
“Remember When” looks back at the narrator’s relationship with his wife. It describes the ups and downs, joy and pain, and life and death they encountered and overcame together. They changed through the years, but became closer despite everything.
The song debuted in the top 50 of Billboard‘s Country chart, but it soon climbed to the very top, spending two weeks there. It also ranked on the Billboard Hot 100.
12. “Forever And Ever, Amen” By Randy Travis
Similar to “I Swear,” Randy Travis‘s “Forever and Ever, Amen” is a promise always to love and cherish one’s significant other, even when they grow old and start graying.
In the song, the narrator assures his love that he’s a changed man and the love he feels is something that would last “forever and ever,” and to add a good measure, “amen” is included at the end of the line.
The song was released in 1987 on the album of the same name. It topped Billboard’s Hot Country Singles in 1987 and won a Grammy Award for Best Country and Western Song.
13. “You’re Still The One” By Shania Twain
If you want a song to express how much you love your partner after several years has passed, “You’re Still the One” would be it. Released in 1998 by Shania Twain, the title says it all.
The song describes the many challenges the narrator has experienced with her lover. Despite being told they would never make it, they “beat the odds together.” And after many years have passed, they’re still holding on and going strong.
“You’re Still the One” became Twain’s biggest hit in the US, earning international pop success as well. It also won two Grammy Awards: Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
14. “When You Say Nothing At All” By Keith Whitley
Ever experienced love so great that you could practically “hear” it even without words? That’s exactly what Keith Whitley means in his song “When You Say Nothing At All.”
Featured in his album Don’t Close Your Eyes, the song describes how the true feelings of the singer’s partner are told without saying a single word—through smiles, through gentle touches, through what her eyes convey. It tells us explicitly that actions are stronger than words, even in love.
“When You Say Nothing At All” climbed to the top of Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart on Christmas Eve of 1988. Seven years later, Alison Krauss released a cover, followed by Francis Black and Ronan Keating.
15. “I Cross My Heart” By George Strait
“I Cross My Heart” is another song on this list declaring one’s love is true and will last forever, so if you’re committed to your partner and want a love song to help you express your feelings, this one would be perfect.
The lyrics tell a story of how the narrator and his lover know how each other feels. They are ready to have a lifetime of love and laughter together. So to assure his partner, the narrator promises to make her dream come true and do what he can for their future together.
“I Cross My Heart” was released by George Strait in 1992 in his album Pure Country. It hit #1 in the US and Canada and was also on the soundtrack of Strait’s debut film of the same name.
16. “Tennessee Whiskey” By Chris Stapleton
A more modern country song, “Tennessee Whiskey,” was released in 2015. It is a smooth, sweet ballad about being saved by love.
The lyrics tell a story of a man who has reached rock bottom. He’s constantly going out to bars and drinking his woes away. Then she appears and brings him “back from being too far gone” with a love as smooth as whiskey, sweet as strawberry wine, and warm as brandy.
“Tennessee Whiskey” was originally by David Allan Coe, but Chris Stapleton’s version made it even more popular. It reached #1 on Billboard’s Country chart and was nominated for Song of the Year by the ACM.
17. “Buy Me A Rose” By Kenny Rogers
When it comes to love, it’s usually the little things that matter the most, and Kenny Rogers‘s poignant 1999 country love song “Buy Me a Rose” reminds us of that perfectly.
The lyrics portray a man working hard to give his wife the best, like a house with a three-car garage and credit cards of her own. However, after years of his coming home late from work, she would rather just have simple gestures like receiving a rose from him, goodnight kisses, or a call from work.
Though the song starts off sad, thankfully, it has a happy ending. The husband realizes his mistake, and she receives all those that she wants in their relationship.
18. “Young Love” By The Judds
From the Judds‘ 1989 album River of Time came “Young Love.” It tells the story of a young girl and a boy named Billy, and from the first time they meet, each wishes that they’ll have each other as a partner in life.
The lyrics continue to unfurl their experiences in life and in their relationship, up to when they get married, have a child together, and move into their own home. Indeed, as the Judds sings “Young Love,” one might start to wish they had as sweet a love story as this one.
19. “Somewhere With You” By Kenny Chesney
For our next song, we’re going to shift from happy love and go into something a bit darker. Released in 2010, “Somewhere With You” is about the uncertain love of a troubled soul.
It describes going out with someone new, and Kenny Chesney recounts drinking, attending a carnival, and laughing. However, circumstances don’t always align, and he talks about not wasting time and resorting back to his old lovers even though he’d rather be with his new love interest.
The song shows the struggles of being in a relationship and then breaking up. Chesney highlights how torturous love sometimes is when you’re trying to move on but can’t.
20. “She’s In Love With The Boy” By Trisha Yearwood
Love songs, even country ones, abound with stories of how long-lasting relationships came to be, and Trisha Yearwood‘s “She’s In Love with the Boy” is one of them.
This song recounts the story of a girl named Katie and a boy named Tommy. They’re young and so in love with each other, despite the disapproval of the girl’s father.
Before the father could confront the boy, Katie’s mother reminds him how similar their relationship was a long time ago and that he shouldn’t get angry.
Overall, “She’s In Love with the Boy” is wholesome and sweet. It is a reminder that just because it’s young love, it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
21. “Feels So Right” By Alabama
“Feels So Right” was released by the country band Alabama. It was included in the group’s fifth studio album of the same name.
The song is a bit explicit in describing what feels so right for the narrator—his lover’s lips pressed against his, her body close next to him, and words of love being whispered into his ears. The affection and intimacy they share work without needing a deeper explanation.
“Feels So Right” climbed up Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart in 1981, becoming Alabama’s fourth #1 song. It also landed a spot at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
22. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” By Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” was released in 2010 as a track on Jason Aldean’s album My Kinda Party. The song is a duet with Kelly Clarkson and represents a conversation between two people.
Both are seemingly in an embrace, and neither wants to let the moment go. They want to stay where they are a little longer, in each other’s arms and falling asleep together. Thus, both ask, “Don’t you wanna stay?” as they can’t imagine saying goodbye to something so perfect.
The song was a hit for both singers, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and was awarded Vocal Event of the Year and Single of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
23. “Living In A Moment” By Ty Herndon
In “Living in a Moment,” Ty Herndon describes how he and his partner used to be just two lonely, broken-hearted people. After meeting, however, they beat the odds and make their cold world into something warmer together.
For the singer, he lives in the moment of his love for her. It won’t matter if they may never become rich; they’re simply content with having each other.
Though the song is mostly about love, living in a moment can also extend to other things about life. Just make sure it is something you’re happy and proud of.
24. “Little Moments” By Brad Paisley
A song that’ll have you falling in love all over again, Brad Paisley‘s “Little Moments” is something one can learn a lesson or two if you’re in a relationship.
The song is actually based on Paisley’s experience with his wife, particularly in the first stanza when she did back up into his truck. The lyrics describe how he fell in love with her, and since then, he’s treasured every little moment they’ve had, even those that might seem ordinary to others.
“Little Moments” was included in Paisley’s third studio album, Mud on the Tires, in 2003. It debuted at #58 and then climbed to #2 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart.
25. “Anymore” By Travis Tritt
Our next song, “Anymore,” can actually be interpreted two ways. It can be about a broken-hearted man denying that he’s still in love to the point he can’t pretend anymore or a man who has finally accepted his feelings and will let the special woman know.
Regardless of how you view it, Travis Tritt‘s soulful voice will hit deep with “Anymore,” as it had to fans when it was released in his album It’s All About to Change back in 1991. It’ll force you to analyze your own feelings and face the truth of it.
26. “Take Me There” By Rascal Flatts
From Rascal Flatts‘ album Still Feels Good, we have next “Take Me There,” which was released in 2007. It is a song you might want to introduce to someone you’re courting or planning to court.
The lyrics explore the feelings of the narrator as he entreats the woman he loves to take him into her heart where no one has ever been. He wants to know everything about the woman behind the pretty face, her hopes, dreams, and wishes—maybe so he can help her attain them.
There is an earnest tone in “Take Me There” that makes you want to spill out your secrets. Perhaps that’s why the song rocked the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts after its release.
27. “When I Said I Do” By Clint Black
Our next country love song, “When I Said I Do,” is a duet featuring Clint Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black. It was released in Black’s album D’lectrified.
The lyrics elaborate on the vow the narrator made when he got married. He expresses that through the good and bad times and all the changes that come in between, his love endures, and he’ll stay faithfully devoted to his wife “til the end of all time.”
Upon release, the song landed at #45, but after the week was over, it was #1 on both the Canadian and US charts. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #31.
28. “Look At Us” By Vince Gill
Sometimes a simple song is all it takes to relay your love message. “Look At Us” by Vince Gill can be one of them.
The song’s lyrics are sweet and short but very meaningful. The narrator is looking back at all the years that have passed together with his partner. They’ve been through a lot, but now “look at [them]”—she’s still as beautiful as before, and he’s still very much in love with her.
“Look At Us” was released in Gill’s 1991 album Pocket Full of Gold. The song is unique in that it features a pedal steel guitar, which is heard at the start of the song.
29. “The Keeper Of The Stars” By Tracy Byrd
“The Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd is a classic ballad to sing or play to your girl if you want to express to her the happiness you feel at having her in your life.
The lyrics tell the story of how a higher being (the keeper of the stars) had a hand in the couple’s meeting and them falling in love. The narrator describes how the heavens must have been smiling upon him and voices his gratitude to the keeper of the stars for bestowing upon him a great treasure.
The slow tempo of “The Keeper of the Stars” is perfect for evening dances in the arms of your significant other. Why don’t you give it a try?
30. “My Favorite Memory” By Merle Haggard
Memories are a funny thing, and Merle Haggard‘s “My Favorite Memory” explains that they shift and change through time. However, if the object of your memory is important enough, you’ll always remember it, down to the smallest detail.
And in the song, the narrator’s favorite memory is everything about his partner—the first time they met, a winter night alone in each other’s arms, and a fun vacation spent together.
“My Favorite Memory” appeared in Haggard’s third studio album, Big City. It peaked at #1 on the US Hot Country Songs chart and #3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks.
31. “Together Again” By Buck Owens
Lastly, we have Buck Owens‘s “Together Again.” The song celebrates finally being back with a lover, presumably after being parted for a long time. So if you’ve been away from your significant other, this song would be the perfect background music to play as you embrace him or her.
“Together Again” has the country twang of steel guitar strings and several instrumental breaks, which makes it unique and perfect as a slow dance piece. The song has become so popular it has been covered by several artists, including Nora Aunor, Dwight Yoakam, and Vince Gill, just to name a few.
Summing Up Our List Of Country Love Songs
While we couldn’t address every noteworthy song or artist in this article, these are some of the best country love songs there is. They will certainly make you fall in love again or help you express your emotions to your partner.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list and have checked out the songs mentioned. They all deserve a listen, even if just once—though we hope you’ve placed a few in your playlist!
Have we missed a country love song that should be on this list? Let us know, and we’ll add it for you!
