# Country songs that are not sad? Not downers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 18, 2012, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830 "2012-08-18T00:17:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/21 "2012-08-18T12:21:26Z")
> [@Tad](#): > > There are like a million? I guess I’ll post a few… > > [Merle Haggard - Sam Hill](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwh3Q4MQnWc) > > [Reno and Smiley - Country Boy Rock and Roll](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IDkgBGjnWw) > > [David Allan Coe - Sweet Vibrations](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BCIYm0obhM) > > [Carter Family - Sunny Side](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbmQQ4RfzVE) > > [Doc Watson - Intoxicated Rat](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHiMDEndpI) > > Etc, forever. Talk about mining the ancient archives! Now, that’s _classic_ country! ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/22 "2012-08-18T12:41:50Z")
I don’t suppose rockabilly counts. I can’t think of a sad rockabilly song. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/23 "2012-08-18T14:41:40Z")
“Lukenbach, Texas” (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings) “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) “The Tennessee Stud” (Eddy Arnold) “This Kiss” (Faith Hill, one of my favorite Country videos ever) ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/24 "2012-08-18T15:34:09Z")
> [@Koxinga](#): > > I don’t suppose rockabilly counts. I can’t think of a sad rockabilly song. The master [had some](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX3UEGFrINI). But you’re right, they’re harder to come by. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/25 "2012-08-18T15:51:55Z")
Years ago I was invited to an RCA party. Country star Clint Black was going to be there. Knowing nothing about his music, I listened to a few of his CDs. When we were talking, he asked me if I had heard any of his music.I said I had, and _really_ enjoyed one from his current release, D’Electrified (an all acoustic release). The song I really enjoyed was called [The Galaxy Song](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT7bAuOz8ao). He chuckled. Turns out, the song was a cover of a song written by Eric Idle. Clint liked the song, but he explained that it was _not_ a Country song. I was embarrassed, but he was very cool about the whole thing.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/26 "2012-08-18T16:05:59Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > Talk about mining the ancient archives! Now, that’s _classic_ country! Oh yeah, the best kind. I can even get _slighty_ older than Carter Family stuff, depending on what you consider country. [Vernon Dalhart - The Clouds are Gwine Roll Away](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7UiiqdduOY) [Fiddlin John Carson - When You and I Were Young, Maggie](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaAsHPaScEM). Positive outlook at the end. But this might stretch the bounds of country?? All the good guys worth their salt cover at least one of Johnny’s songs, anyway. [Ernest V. Stoneman - I am Resolved](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKTgtn-e6fg). Religious, of course, which I am not, but some of the very best music is old gospel country stuff. The absolute masters of that [proved it](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWFzFHJ1tbs) [just fine](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebvAzFIpvzY). [Uncle Dave Macon - Walking in the Sunlight](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccXI3JyRebk). Etc. ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/27 "2012-08-18T16:48:32Z")
> [@Reloy3](#): > > \ > > If anything, a better criticism of modern popular country it is that it is too sweet and relentlessly happy - there are few hints of shadows to add depth. I’d have to agree with this statement. Anyway, one of my recent favorites in the country genre is anything but sad. _Red Solo Cup_ is an incredibly fun party song. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68) Nothing downbeat there! ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/28 "2012-08-18T22:41:39Z")
“What Was I Thinking?” Dierks Bentley “God Bless the Broken Road” Rascal Flatts “My Front Porch Looking In” Lonestar (Okay, maybe the last one’s a little sappy.) ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2012, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/29 "2012-08-18T22:58:32Z")
“Summertime” by Kenny Chesney. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/BWSn0JFRiPI/maxresdefault.jpg "Kenny Chesney - Summertime (Official Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWSn0JFRiPI) ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/30 "2012-08-19T02:43:02Z")
“Something in Red” by Lorrie Morgan > **[Something In Red Lyrics - Lorrie Morgan - Cowboy Lyrics](https://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/morgan-lorrie/something-in-red-3598.html)** > > Something In Red lyrics: I'm looking for something in red Something that's shocking to turn someone's head Strapless and sequined and cut down to there Stockings and garters and lace underwear The guaranteed number to kn ---
**Author:** ![movingfinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@movingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/movingfinger)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/31 "2012-08-19T06:58:26Z")
How can you miss “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”? Nothing downbeat about that one! ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/32 "2012-08-19T07:59:59Z")
Red Solo Cup. Thank God and Greyhound She’s Gone. ---
**Author:** ![BrassyPhrase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@BrassyPhrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrassyPhrase)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/33 "2012-08-19T08:22:52Z")
“Feels So Good Feelin’ Good Again” Robert Earl King [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_eK2mFogk) I consider him Texas or Americana or Roots Country, rather than the Nashville hat act stuff though. (Though not all of that is bad–please don’t get me wrong! I’ve heard some fun music–it’s just not so much my kind of music in general.) And I live in Houston, so…YAY! ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/34 "2012-08-19T16:03:19Z")
Another one that brings a smile to my face: [- YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YfCZsD_zhY) Reminds me of good times with an old friend. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/35 "2012-08-19T16:21:42Z")
country isn’t my favorite but I like a lot of the songs mentioned. the first thing that came to my mind as “upbeat” is **Fancy** , by Reba. I think it’s very upbeat (adversity overcome!) despite including the words - “Your pa’s run’d off and I’m real sick And the baby’s gonna starve to death” - 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/36 "2012-08-19T17:20:20Z")
If it counts (and it sort of does?), Poco is all about good times. [Pickin’ Up the Pieces](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPcfDlBWELM) [Kind Woman](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz8IhzEOwCk). This is technically a Buffalo Springfield song, but really it’s just Richie’s song and he did it better with Poco. And having said that, Deliverin’ is one of the best live records of all time, which is where I take this version. Beyond Richie I really can’t speak for Poco’s music (and DEFINITELY am not apologetic for the original reunion in the 80s). ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/37 "2012-08-19T18:49:42Z")
Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain Take a Backroad - Rodney Adtkins Banjo - Rascall Flats ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/38 "2012-08-19T20:34:49Z")
Calypso–by John Denver ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/39 "2012-08-19T22:18:57Z")
[Der Wilde Wilde Westen](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-B5ov6KqIc) by Truck Stop. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2012, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830/40 "2012-08-19T22:32:16Z")
Jerry Reed’s _[East Bound and Down](http://youtu.be/xnRwQjTYfGI)_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/country-songs-that-are-not-sad-not-downers/631830.md?page=3)