7 Off-the-top-of-my-head Fave Country Song Picks #4M
Good morning, Kittens and Dawgs! It’s Presidents’ Day. DH is off work and I’m spending it with him but you still can dance with me. It’s “freebie week” and since I missed sharing my country song picks a few weeks ago, I decided this would be an excellent time to do just that with these 7 off-the-top-of-my-head favorites playlist. Don’t spill your coffee now! 😉
#1 “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” Shania Twain I enjoying discovering interesting bits of a song’s back story that shed light on the inspiration behind the creation. Wikipedia shared this tidbit….
The title and thus the lyrics of the song were based on Twain’s experience while working at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario to provide for her brothers and sisters after their parents died in a car crash. Twain recalls seeing some drag performers working at the resort and credits them as the source of her inspiration. Later in 1993, after being signed to Mercury Nashville and releasing her first album Shania Twain, Twain met Robert John “Mutt” Lange, whom she would collaborate extensively with and marry at the end of the year. In 1994, while composing songs for what would become her second studio album The Woman in Me, Lange played to Twain a riff he had been working on and Twain sang lyrics for what would become “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”. Speaking of the writing of the song, she stated “There was no time to waste on ideas that wouldn’t make the album, but something like [the song] was just there. I was inspired right off the bat with that one, such as, by a riff Mutt had going, and the lyrics and phrasing just came out of the blue.”[2]
#2 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” John Denver premiered his song on December 30, 1970 at the Cellar Door, during an encore, with the singers reading the words from a folded piece of paper. This resulted in a five-minute ovation, one of the longest in the Washington DC music club. He recorded it a month later in New York City. It went number one on a Record World Pop Singles chart. The song became a favorite of Mountaineers. West Virginia University adopted the song as the school theme song and became the state theme song in 1974. It goes without saying this is a favorite of mine ever since I was a kid. My BIL#1 had the privilege of tuning John Denver’s piano once. He didn’t meet the star but WOW, what an honor! I thought it interesting that the songwriters almost used Massachusetts instead of WV. I’m sure they have winding roads in Massy but it somehow the overall cozy country road setting is best suited for song’s use of wild and wonderful West Virginia.
#3 “Breathe” Faith Hill is beautiful love song and when she sings, I can feel you breathe washing over me and suddenly I’m melting into you I totally relate to because I sleep every night with my head on DH’s shoulder. I often hear him breathing which washes over me and literally pulls me peacefully into him.
#4 “Lonely Tonight” from Blake Shelton Bringing Back the Sunshine album featuring Ashley Monroe of Pistol Annies, released 2014. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers reconnecting for a one night stand. The song topped the USA Country Airplay and Canada Country charts. The was Monroe’s first #1 solo.
#5 “Me and Tennessee” performed by Tim McGraw & Gwyneth Paltrow in the 2010 movie production and soundtrack Country Strong. This was the first time I’d ever heard Paltrow sing and thought, WOW she has a nice voice. The song peaked #34 on the US Billboard Hot Country chart.
#6 “I’m Already There” released March 2001. It’s the first song I heard by Lonestar. The lyrics stirred raw emotions reminding me of DH’s absences from home the previous year working in Michigan. I totally could relate to the phone conversation. Everytime I heard it play, I’d get teary eyed and I still do. It’s difficult when miles separate you from someone you love so deeply.
#7 “It’s Your Love” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill is another beautiful love ballad. The chorus echos the way I feel about DH.
It’s your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can’t get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I’m under
It’s your love
Please read….This is a weekly hop for mewsic enthusiasts regardless if you follow our weekly theme if you have tunes to share then we’re ready to dance with you. Otherwise, I ask that you do not link non-related posts below to boost traffic to your site. You’re welcome to leave your URL in comments with a brief description inviting me (and others) to check it out. Thank you!
I invite you step on the floor with my dance partners: XmasDolly, Stacy, & Colette!
[tweetthis]Hit the dance floor with 7 of my “Favorite #Country Songs”! #mondaysmusicmovesme #music @xmasdolly [/tweetthis]
What mewsic moves you?
This year is seeing my dreams become reality. Naturally when I stumbled upon the above quote I knew I had to borrow it and share it with y’all. I did the artwork design using Procreate. If you like it, feel free to Pin it or save it to your desktop.
Now, I invite you to plug in with the “Sparks” community hosted by good pal, Annie at McGuffy’s Reader where you can energize your soul and make the world a little better with sparks of encouragement. Let’s make the world a better place, one person at a time beginning with #1! 😉
In honor of Presidents’ Day, you’ll find these two mewsical posts, here and here paying tribute to the occasion. Next week, we’ll be boogieing to “Movie and TV Theme” songs, so join the 4M gang on the dance floor. Keep those tunes playing and your body swaying, I’ll see ya around the cyber block! Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for Cathy Chats!
32 Comments
John Holton
Whenever I hear “Country Roads,” I remember the version done by the Pipes, Drums and Regimental Band of the Black Watch (42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foot). For a military band, it was pretty enjoyable…
Cathy Kennedy
John,
I will have to check out this version of “Country Roads”. Thanks for mentioning it.
Joyce Lansky
Mani feel like a woman is a fun one, as is John Denver. I didn’t know Gweneth Paltrow sings. I guess we learn something new every day!
Cathy Kennedy
Joyce,
Thanks for dancing with me. I’m glad I shared something new with you. Have a good day!
McGuffy's Reader
Great Sparks! Pretty, too. In country music, I am pretty old school. John Denver is great! But, he was more folk, I thought. Anyway, thank you for joining us! HUGS!
Sparks: 20
Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~
Cathy Kennedy
Annie,
Yes, you’re right John Denver is more folk than country but for some reason, I always throw him in that genre. Oh well…hopefully no one else will notice and if they do, won’t care. 🙂
McGuffy's Reader
He crossed genres. He was great. ❤
Patrick Weseman
Great songs. I enjoyed them all. Thanks for sharing these tunes.
Cathy Keisha
My fave country songs would be by Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris or Jason & the Nashville Scorchers. Jason does an amazing version of Take Me Home Country Roads. I’m gonna try to join in with the themes next week.
Cathy Kennedy
Hi Cathy!
Yes, do join the 4M gang on the dance floor next week or any! There’s always room for one more. 🙂 You gave me an idea for song to use in an upcoming BoTB and if I choose to go with it then I’ll be certain to give you credit for the inspiration. I’ll be seeing you soon
messymimi's meanderings
Great music and a beautiful Spark!
Cathy Kennedy
Mimi,
Thanks. I’ll be coming by to see you soon. 🙂
Myke Todd
I very much enjoyed your recount of John Denver and his “Country Roads” song.
I have a story I can tell you some day, of “Poems, Prayers and Promises,” but not here.
Your list of tunes is unique and impressive.
Cathy Kennedy
Myke,
“Country Roads” is probably the number one song most people instantly identify with for one reason and John Denver did that song beautifully. Please do share “Poems, Prayers, and Promises” with me. You can always send me an email if you want. Thanks for dropping by for a toe-tappin’, good time! Have a good day, my friend!
XmasDolly
Oh my, I haven’t heard that song in like forever. Unfortunately, when I hear this song I think of Santa Claus II when that girl sings this song in a restaurant (very poorly I might add) for Tim Allen. She makes me gag! Anyway, so happy Shania Twain decided to come back and sing for us too. Was trying to figure out how she’s changed and now I know… she just put a little weight on in her face, but she is still a beautiful woman inside and out in my opinion! Thanks for sharing my friend. YOU ROCK! Have a rockin’ week~!
Cathy Kennedy
Marie,
I’m perplexed. Are you saying in Santa Claus II a girl sings “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” to Tim Allen? I’m doing my best to recall such a scene and am coming up blank but…I haven’t had my coffee yet. 🙂 Shania Twain is a gorgeous woman. I think it’s important for everyone to be comfortable with who they are regardless of size but I do worry about health-related issues that come with excess weight gain. We only have one life and we need to make the most of it! Thanks for boogieing with me. I’ll be by to dance with you soon!
K. Radford
Hi there…have you missed me? 🙂 I haven’t said anything here in a while, but I see all the posts you do. Really fun top-of-your-head country list! I had a great time dancing….you’ve should have seen me busting my moves and almost my hip… And everything for President’s Day was very interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen the full Marilyn Monroe video before, just mostly the part where she sings. You know, if I put on a blond wig and sexy dress and makeup, I STILL wouldn’t look anything like Marilyn! 😀 Enjoy the rest of the day with your DH and have a marvelous week!
Cathy Kennedy
Karla,
Now that you mentioned it…yeah, I missed you! lol I’m glad to see ya again and that you enjoyed my country mewsic picks. You’re a funny gal! No hip breaking allowed now so try to contain yourself just a wee bit on the dance floor. Sometimes I’ll sing Happy Birthday to DH like Marilyn Monroe did to President Kennedy. It’s great fun and it puts a smile on his face. 😀 The last time you visited, you weren’t well. Are you all better now? Thanks for boogieing with me and have a good week, my dear!
-Eugenia
Happy Monday and Happy Presidents Day, Cathy! I’m not much of a country music fan, but your selections are some that I have heard. Love Shania and her song, and John Denver’s song takes me down memory lane.
Cathy Kennedy
Eugenia,
Everyone loves “Country Roads”!
Comedy Plus
And I love your Sparks too. ♥
Comedy Plus
Love that song and she does it justice. That will be stuck in my head all day. Good.
Have a fabulous day filled with wonderful music. ♥
Cathy Kennedy
Sandee,
Well…I hope it’s a song you like since it was stuck in your head. 🙂
Birgit
Love Shania and love this song. She is quite sexy and love the take on that famous video with the gals and that famous musician that, at this moment, his name escapes me but he died way too young. John Denver is another that I love and this song is so nostalgic. I really like your drawing and the saying….so true!
Cathy Kennedy
Birgit,
Which video are you talking about? Is it one I shared or one you remember? John Denver died much too soon, didn’t he? He was a brilliant songwriter and storyteller through his mewsic.
Birgit
Yes, this is the video and I still can’t recall his name. I agree about John Denver
15andmeowing
I love almost all your song choices, I just didn’t know about the one with Gwyneth Paltrow. I saw her in a movie years ago with Huey Lewis and she sang in that. The movie wasn’t that good, but she did have a decent voice. I like your Spark too. Have a nice President’s Day 🙂
Cathy Kennedy
Ellen,
I didn’t know Paltrow was in a movie with Huey Lewis and that she sang with him. Hmmm, I will have to see if I can find that on YouTube. Thanks for visiting, my friend!
Thomas Anderson
Hi, Cathy!
I appreciated your selection of country favorites pulled off the top of your head. I am familiar with most of these artists, but the only song I knew going in was John Denver’s. I got a kick out of Shania Twain’s role reversal parody of the Robert Palmer music videos “Addicted To Love” and “Simply Irresistible.” I especially enjoyed the duets in your set. Your neighbor, Knoxville native Ashley Monroe, is a real stunner, and I love the quality of her voice. I broke away and watched some Pistol Annies videos and also found this great solo number by Ashley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vktEmmpfQ4
I also appreciate how you turned that inspiring quote into a fine piece of artwork. Good going! I hope you and DH find yourselves in the new home of your dreams by year’s end. I hope you are feeling much better this morning. (Yessum, I saw reports on the companies that are developing sex robots. 🙂
Have a wonderful week, dear friend Cathy!
Cathy Kennedy
Tom,
Well…I didn’t know Ashley Monroe was from Knoxville. I appreciate you bringing that to my attention. I was thinking about checking out more of her mewsic so I’m even more curious after learning she’s a hometown gal. She was raised on the classics of Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thanks for sharing Ashley’s video “I Don’t Want To”. It was a pleasure to listen to it as I respond to you this morning. Incidentally, I’m feeling better this morning and am ready to make my rounds. It’s great having you over!
greyzoned/angelsbark
Hey Cath, happy Monday!
Great country tunes here. I have to say my absolute favorite is John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads”. I have always loved John Denver and this song especially takes me back to those early 70s. In particular it reminds me of riding in the back seat on family trips to see my grandparents in Pennsylvania. There were a lot of country roads we traveled on route 219. Sometimes when I hear the song I get happy and then other times I hear it and I get sad…because those times are long gone and I miss them so…
I also really enjoyed Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” That’s a powerful song!
“Breathe” is nice too.
And I was very impressed with Gwyneth Paltrow’s talent for singing! She has quite the voice and she and Tim McGraw make a terrific power-duo. I never saw the movie but now I want to…
Have a great week,
Michele at Angels Bark
Cathy Kennedy
Michele,
I think we all can associate with John Denver’s “Country Roads” as part of our childhood either taking a trip across America or visiting grandparents. There are country roads in almost every state some more rural than others but still they’re there. This song always makes me happy.