The lyrics of American Country music songs have always been known for their down to earth, tell it like it is, oftentimes raw themes.

In matters of love, romance, betrayal, drinking and carousing, family and country there’s no denying the unpasteurized portrayal of life that is delivered through the lyrics of American Country music.

It’s the inspired lyrics that come to us about everyday ways, ranging from the biggest Kitchener plumbing problems to the hot girls at the State fair, that hit the listener in the heart and bring meaning to the mundane.

Like super star Brad Paisley’s “Ticks” where he croons; “I’d like to kiss you way back in the sticks. I’d like to walk through a field of wildflowers. And I’d like to check you for ticks.” Makes the listener want to peak in on the second date to hear whether he checks her for pinkeye and ring worm. Isn’t it just the little things that bring American Country music into all of its glory?

Needless to say not all Country has been so lame, and as a matter of fact some of the best lyrics to music ever penned has been Country. Some of our premium vocalists and first rate songwriters have contributed to our lives through their gifts of country music. Our hearts have been moved and our spirits have soared to the sounds of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Johnny and June Cash . . and the list goes on. There is no denying that Country has bettered our lives, and with the groundwork layed by the greats, should continue to do so for generations still to come.

Despite all of that, I can’t resist sharing some the best titles I could find from country music songs. Each one sounds as though it was personally torn off the pages of someone’s life and they had no choice but to write about it. Here are a few classics:

I’ve Got Tears In My Ears From Lying On My Back Cryin’ Over You

Get Your Tongue Outta My Mouth Cause I’m Kissing You Goodbye

I Don’t Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling

I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well

I Sold a Car to a Guy Who Stole My Girl, But It Don’t Run So We’re Even

Mamma Get A Hammer (There’s A Fly On Daddy’s Head)

If I Had Shot You When I Wanted To, I’d Be Out By Now

I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim’s Gettin’ Better

Just a couple more . . .

You Done Tore Out My Heart And Stomped That Sucker Flat

My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him

And my personal favorite . . .

I’ll Marry You Tomorrow, But Let’s Honeymoon Tonight

Nothing quite parallels American Country for it’s unique ability of getting to the down and dirty of a matter. This writer likes the grittiness and the reality of the expression that comes along with the organic, rough-hewn aspect that Country delivers. Obviously some of it is designed to make us laugh, and to help us remember not take ourselves so seriously.

Who’s your favorite Country music songwriter and artist? Leave a comment below.