19 Songs about Tennessee, the ‘Volunteer State’

Tennessee is a state that has played a significant role in the history of American music, especially in the development of country, bluegrass, and rock and roll. Some of the most iconic songs in these genres have been written about Tennessee, its culture, and its people. From the rolling hills of the Smoky Mountains to the bustling streets of Nashville, Tennessee has inspired countless musicians to write songs that capture the essence of the state and its unique character.

Some of the most famous songs about Tennessee include “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Rocky Top” by Osborne Brothers, “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn, and “Tennessee Stud” by Johnny Cash. These songs celebrate the state’s natural beauty, its rich musical heritage, and the unique experiences that come with living in Tennessee.

Other songs, such as “Murder on Music Row” by George Strait, reflect on the changes in the country music industry and the importance of preserving the traditional sounds of Tennessee. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, or bluegrass, there’s a Tennessee song out there for you.

These songs capture the spirit of the state and its people, and they continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. So put on your boots, grab a cold drink, and sing along to these timeless classics about the great state of Tennessee.

1. Tennessee Rose – Emmylou Harris

“Tennessee Rose” by Emmylou Harris is a beautiful love song that pays homage to the state of Tennessee. The song is a perfect blend of Harris’s angelic voice and gentle acoustic guitar melodies. It tells the story of a woman who has fallen in love with a Tennessee Rose, a metaphor for her lover. She sings about the beauty of the rose and how it reminds her of the beauty of her lover. The lyrics are heartfelt and poetic, and the melody is soothing, making the song a perfect choice for a lazy afternoon.

2. Tennessee Homesick Blues – Dolly Parton

“Tennessee Homesick Blues” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song that expresses the feeling of longing for home. The song starts with the sound of a train, and Parton’s powerful vocals then take over, telling the story of a woman who has moved to the city to pursue her dreams but feels homesick for her Tennessee home. The lyrics are relatable and emotional, capturing the sentiment of missing home and the people you love. The melody is upbeat and catchy, with a toe-tapping rhythm that is quintessential of classic country music. Overall, “Tennessee Homesick Blues” is a timeless piece of country music that evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for home.

3. Tennessee Stud – Johnny Cash

“Tennessee Stud” by Johnny Cash is a classic folk/country song that tells the story of a horse named the Tennessee Stud. The song is an adaptation of an old American folk song, and Cash’s version features his deep, resonant voice and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of the horse and his adventures, including a race with a mare from Memphis and a ride through the hills of Tennessee. The melody is catchy, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to, making the song a classic piece of American folk music.

4. Dixieland Delight – Alabama

“Dixieland Delight” by Alabama is a lively country rock song that celebrates the joys of southern living. The song has a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm that makes it impossible not to tap your foot along. The lyrics are a tribute to the simple pleasures of life in the south, including sweet tea, home cooking, and good company. The chorus is especially infectious, with a sing-along quality that is sure to get any crowd up and dancing. Overall, “Dixieland Delight” is a fun and upbeat celebration of southern culture that has become a classic in the world of country music.

5. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton

“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton is a soulful country ballad that has become a modern classic. The song is a cover of a George Jones classic, but Stapleton’s version is a masterclass in vocal performance. His rich, powerful voice fills the song with emotion, and the simple guitar accompaniment adds to the song’s haunting beauty. The lyrics are a metaphor for a love that is smooth and strong like Tennessee whiskey, and Stapleton delivers them with passion and conviction. Overall, “Tennessee Whiskey” is a powerful love song that showcases Stapleton’s incredible talent as a vocalist.

6. Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn is a classic pop song that tells the story of a man who visits Memphis and experiences a spiritual awakening. The song features a catchy piano riff and a driving rhythm that gives it a bluesy feel. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Memphis, from Graceland to Beale Street, and the transformative effect they have on the narrator. The chorus is memorable and easy to sing along to, with the lyrics “Walking in Memphis” repeated throughout. Overall, “Walking in Memphis” is a feel-good song that celebrates the power of music and the magic of a city that has long been associated with the birth of rock and roll.

7. My Tennessee Mountain Home – Dolly Parton

“My Tennessee Mountain Home” by Dolly Parton is a beautiful ode to her childhood home in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The song is a simple acoustic ballad that showcases Parton’s angelic voice and her ability to evoke the beauty of the mountains in her lyrics. The song describes the natural beauty of the area, including the rolling hills, the green trees, and the singing birds. Parton also reminisces about the simple life she led in the mountains and how it shaped her as a person. Overall, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is a touching tribute to the place that Parton considers her spiritual home.

8. Rocky Top – Osborne Brothers

“Rocky Top” by Osborne Brothers is a classic bluegrass song that has become an anthem for the state of Tennessee. The song is upbeat and lively, with banjo, fiddle, and guitar driving the melody. The lyrics describe the joys of life in the mountains of Tennessee, from the clear blue skies to the “wild as a mink” inhabitants of the area. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the repeated line “Rocky Top, you’ll always be home sweet home to me” evoking a sense of nostalgia and love for the state. Overall, “Rocky Top” is a lively and upbeat celebration of the natural beauty of Tennessee and the people who call it home.

9. Back Where I Come From – Kenny Chesney

“Back Where I Come From” by Kenny Chesney is a nostalgic country song that celebrates the singer’s roots in Tennessee. The song has a mellow melody and a simple arrangement that allows Chesney’s warm voice to shine. The lyrics describe the people and places that made up Chesney’s childhood, from the small-town churches to the winding rivers. The chorus is a nostalgic look back at the simple pleasures of life in the south, with the lyrics “That’s where I learned about living, and a little about love.” Overall, “Back Where I Come From” is a heartwarming tribute to the place that shaped Chesney into the person he is today.

10. Back to Tennessee – Billy Ray Cyrus

“Back to Tennessee” by Billy Ray Cyrus is a country rock song that describes a man’s journey back to his roots in Tennessee. The song has a driving rhythm and a catchy chorus that makes it a fun sing-along. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s journey back home, including stops in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. The chorus is a joyful celebration of the singer’s love for his home state, with the lyrics “I’m going back to Tennessee, where the rivers flow and the honeysuckles grow.” Overall, “Back to Tennessee” is an upbeat celebration of the power of home and the joys of returning to one’s roots.

11. Visit Me in Music City – Bobby Bare Jr.

“Visit Me in Music City” by Bobby Bare Jr. is a fun and catchy country rock song that invites the listener to visit the vibrant music scene in Nashville, Tennessee. The song has a driving rhythm and a lively melody that makes it impossible to sit still. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Nashville, from the neon lights to the honky-tonks. The chorus is an invitation to the listener to come and join in on the fun, with the lyrics “Visit me in Music City, where the streets are paved in gold.” Overall, “Visit Me in Music City” is a joyful celebration of the vibrant music scene in Nashville and the people who make it come alive.

12. Nashville Without You – Tim McGraw

“Nashville Without You” by Tim McGraw is a country ballad that pays tribute to the music and culture of Nashville, Tennessee. The song has a mellow melody and a simple arrangement that puts the focus on McGraw’s soulful voice. The lyrics describe the various elements of Nashville that make it such a special place, from the musicians to the honky-tonks. The chorus is a touching tribute to the people who make Nashville what it is, with the lyrics “There wouldn’t be no Opry if there wasn’t for you.” Overall, “Nashville Without You” is a heartfelt tribute to the city that has inspired so many musicians and the people who keep its music scene alive.

13. Maybe It Was Memphis – Pam Tillis

“Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis is a classic country song that tells the story of a past love affair in Memphis, Tennessee. The song has a catchy melody and a memorable chorus that has become a favorite among country music fans. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Memphis, from the Mississippi River to Beale Street. The chorus is a poignant reflection on the singer’s memories of the past, with the lyrics “Maybe it was Memphis, maybe it was Southern summer nights.” Overall, “Maybe It Was Memphis” is a bittersweet tribute to a love that was lost but never forgotten.

14. Smoky Mountain Rain – Ronnie Milsap

“Smoky Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap is a country ballad that tells the story of a man who returns to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee in search of a lost love. The song has a wistful melody and a touching arrangement that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics. The lyrics describe the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the memories they hold for the singer. The chorus is a heartfelt plea to the woman he loves, with the lyrics “I’ll keep searching for my everything, till she comes back to me, in Smoky Mountain rain.” Overall, “Smoky Mountain Rain” is a poignant tribute to lost love and the power of memories to sustain us through difficult times.

15. The Wrong Side of Memphis – Trisha Yearwood

“The Wrong Side of Memphis” by Trisha Yearwood is a country song that tells the story of a woman who has hit rock bottom in Memphis, Tennessee. The song has a soulful melody and a powerful vocal performance from Yearwood. The lyrics describe the struggles of the woman, from the men who have done her wrong to the addictions that have taken hold of her life. The chorus is a powerful reminder of the woman’s resilience, with the lyrics “I’m a survivor, I’m a Memphis girl.” Overall, “The Wrong Side of Memphis” is a poignant tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope to carry us through the darkest of times.

16. Tennessee Jed – Grateful Dead

“Tennessee Jed” by Grateful Dead is a classic rock song that celebrates the state of Tennessee and its unique culture. The song has a rollicking melody and a lively arrangement that perfectly captures the energy of the lyrics. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Tennessee, from the mountains to the music scene. The chorus is a joyful celebration of the state and its people, with the lyrics “Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain’t no place I’d rather be.” Overall, “Tennessee Jed” is a fun and upbeat tribute to the state of Tennessee and its rich cultural heritage.

17. Tennessee River Run – Darryl Worley

“Tennessee River Run” by Darryl Worley is a country song that celebrates the simple pleasures of life in Tennessee. The song has a lively melody and a catchy chorus that has become a favorite among country music fans. The lyrics describe the joys of living in Tennessee, from fishing on the river to dancing at a honky-tonk. The chorus is a joyful celebration of life in Tennessee, with the lyrics “Tennessee River runnin’ through my veins, ain’t nothin’ gonna keep me from Tennessee.” Overall, “Tennessee River Run” is a fun and upbeat tribute to the state and its unique culture.

18. Murder on Music Row – George Strait

“Murder on Music Row” by George Strait is a country song that laments the decline of traditional country music and the rise of pop-influenced country. The song has a mournful melody and a powerful vocal performance from Strait. The lyrics describe the changes in the country music industry, from the disappearance of steel guitar to the prevalence of slick production values. The chorus is a powerful indictment of the state of country music, with the lyrics “Someone killed country music, cut out its heart and soul.” Overall, “Murder on Music Row” is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving traditional country music and its unique heritage.

19. Down in Tennessee – John Anderson

“Down in Tennessee” by John Anderson is a country song that celebrates the southern charm and hospitality of the state. The song has a classic country feel, with a twangy guitar and Anderson’s distinctive vocal style. The lyrics describe the laid-back lifestyle of Tennessee, from the slow pace of life to the friendly people. The chorus is a joyful celebration of the state, with the lyrics “Down in Tennessee, everything is just fine, we don’t need a reason, we don’t need a rhyme.” Overall, “Down in Tennessee” is a feel-good anthem that captures the essence of the state and its unique culture. The song is sure to be a hit with country music fans who appreciate traditional country music and the values it represents.