Following the start of the series interviewing spouses and partners of some of the most well known and loved Country artists I thought I’d take a look at some Country Love songs and ones suited to finding love, being in love, matrimony and first dances. Whilst it may be late for Valentines, love and kindness are 365 days emotions, so join me in finding (and spreading) some Country Love.
Many a songwriter and artist have written and performed love songs. Love is something that comes to us all. When we are loved, we are kind, and when we are kind, we love.
Amazed - Lonestar
When I listen to ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar and hear “Every time our eyes meet, This feeling inside me, is almost more than I can take” it fills me with so much hope and love. You can’t help but get swept away in emotion. To depict a relationship so close “I’ve never been this close to anyone, or anything, I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams” a relationship that means so much that you only see what your partner wants, what they need and deserve, because that is what you want for them, to be happy. At the end of it all “I wanna spend the rest of my life, with you by my side, forever and ever.”
That’s What Love Is - Alexandra Kay
Alexandra Kay recently released ‘That’s What Love Is’ (written by Mary Kutter) and went to No. 1 in the iTunes Country chart. In it she sings “We say for better or worse, and what I mean in those two words is, here to the nights that we spent crying, the weight of the world hanging on our shoulders … But you took my hand, and we slow danced through all of it, and that’s what love is” this is a clear reference to the fact that the road to love never runs smooth, and despite it all, you come out of it together, better and stronger for it. No relationship is without it’s problems, it’s disapproval or heartache, yet if it’s meant to be then both will find a way to make things work and the relationship thrive into a long and happy marriage or partnership.
She goes onto say “It’s a promise for a lifetime, more than a ring on a finger, it’s more than tonight in our story, it’s a chapter, It’s the day of “I do” and the happily ever after that so everybody raise your glass.” clearly demonstrating that love and passion is a commitment, and more than a symbolic gesture of putting a ring on a finger.
You’re Still The One - Shania Twain
Even when you may’ve become separated for whatever reason, Shania Twain says “You’re Still The One”. We all know that special feeling “When I first saw you, I saw love. And the first time that you touched me, I felt love. And after all this time, you’re still the one I love.” In a relationship “We mighta took the long road, we knew we’d get there someday.” Shania even acknowledges the troubles encountered in finding our soulmate. “They said, “I bet they’ll never make it” But just look at us holding on, we’re still together, still going strong”. Regardless of what form it takes, love conquers all! And whether a relationship ends on good terms or not, there is and will always be love there.
Somebody‘s Got To - The Band McMillan
In The Band McMillan’s song “Somebody’s Got to” they depict the expectations and the want to falling in love, not only in the lyrics but in the light melody too. “When you fall in love like lovers do, Somebody’s gotta help you out of the two, they got to. Somebody’s gotta give, somebody’s gotta take, This heart of mine steal it away, Somebody’s got to”
They almost go so far as to say, if I have to be with anyone it has to be you, presumably for all the effort that is being made towards them (getting dressed up, picking them up, and prioritising them). They capture the essence of wanting to get out of a two- step and into a partnership, perhaps life is easier in twos? on a separate note, congratulations to them for amassing 202,000 subscribers (to date) on YouTube.
When You Say Nothing At All
‘When You Say Nothing At All’ is a song covered many times and is essentially a love letter telling the other half how significant they are in their life.
“It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart, Without saying a word, you can light up the dark” depicts this perfectly. That special someone can ignite the spark within you to love and be loved, perhaps when otherwise it seemed unlikely. It even picks up that special bond a relationship has where after a while words need not be uttered. “The smile on your face let’s me know that you need me, There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me, The touch of your hands says you’ll catch me wherever I fall. You say it best, when you say nothing at all.”
Going back to controversial relationships and people who perhaps disapprove, this is also captured in the song
“All day long I can hear people talking out loud, (ooh) But when you hold me near (you hold me near) you drown out the crowd (out the crowd) Try as they may, they can never define, what’s being said between your heart and mine”
As I draw to a close, it is not just the fact that these are all romantic songs, songs can be expressed and interpreted in different ways, just look at the number of genres and hybrid styles. Love is the purest kind of humanity, the gift of giving if only to get nothing but a smile in return.
Of course there are many others that I haven’t mentioned. I‘d love to hear what songs you’ve courted over. Perhaps a particular song was playing on your first date? Or perhaps you had a Country first dance? Drop a comment and share the love.
I love these songs. I'm so chuffed to see Alexandra Kay on your list. I first came across Alexandra when she was in a Tiktok video with Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac. I wish I had had the chance to see them when the were doing one of their tours, organised by themselves on Tiktok. I tried to convince them to come to Europe but I didn't succeed. I'm knew Alexandra would get a 2nd chance at making it, I didn't expect it to start with supporting Tim McGraw.