20 Best Songs About Tennessee

Richard Ellison

There are a lot of great songs about Tennessee. In fact, there are so many that it was tough to narrow it down to just 20. But after careful consideration, we’ve come up with a list of the 20 best songs about the Volunteer State. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, blues, or something else entirely, there’s bound to be at least one song on this list that will speak to you. So without further ado, let’s get started!

By the way, if you’re searching for more like songs about tennessee, check out our articles on songs about the army, songs about ghosts, songs about hometowns, songs about memphis, and songs about mountains.

Nashville – Noah Gundersen

Noah Gundersen - Nashville

Noah Gundersen’s song “Nashville” is a stirring ballad that pays tribute to the city of Nashville and the music that has come out of it. In an interview, Gundersen said, “I love Nashville. I think it’s one of the most magical cities in the world. The song is sort of about the idea that there’s this ghost in the room, this spirit in the air, and it’s sort of intangible but it’s always been there.” The lyrics are poetic and heartfelt, and the melody is haunting and beautiful.

Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis (Official Music Video)

When it comes to songs about Tennessee, it’s hard to beat Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis.” The song is a tribute to Memphis, Cohn’s hometown, and its rich musical history. It’s a beautiful ballad that captures the essence of Memphis and its soulful music scene. Its lyrics are about as poetic as they come, and the song’s soaring melody is sure to send chills down your spine.

Again to Tennessee – Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray Cyrus - Back To Tennessee - Official Music Video

Tennessee is a state that has been the backdrop for many songs over the years. One of the most popular is “Again to Tennessee” by Billy Ray Cyrus. The song was written as a tribute to Cyrus’ home state and all it has to offer. It talks about the beauty of the landscape, the friendly people, and all of the things that make Tennessee such a great place to live. Its lyrics are about as true as they come, and the song has become an anthem for Tennesseans all over the world.

Tennessee Stud – Johnny Cash

There’s no better song to start this list with than “Tennessee Stud” by Johnny Cash. Released in 1969, the song is a tribute to the state Cash called his home. The lyrics are full of allusions to Tennessee’s natural beauty and its proud history, making it the perfect song to listen to while driving through the state. Its lyrics are about as “Tennessee” as you can get. Some people  might consider “Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page to be a more classic Tennessee song, but we think “Tennessee Stud” deserves the title more.

Dixieland Delight – Alabama

Alabama - Dixieland Delight (Official Video)

Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight” is perhaps the most iconic country song about Tennessee. It pays homage to the state’s rolling hills, rivers, and small towns, and it’s been a fan favorite ever since it was released in 1982. Its lyrics are about as true-to-life as they come, and the song’s up-tempo beat is sure to get your toes tapping.

Girl Named Tennessee – NeedToBreathe

NEEDTOBREATHE - "Girl Named Tennessee" [Official Video]

In the song “Girl Named Tennessee” by NeedToBreathe, the singer reflects on a past relationship with a girl from Tennessee. He remembers all of the good times they had together, and he wishes her well. The song is a beautiful tribute to a girl who meant a lot to the singer. Some people might argue that the song “Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page is actually about Virginia, but many people believe that the song is actually about Tennessee. In the song, Patti Page sings about how much she loves the state of Tennessee and all of the wonderful things that can be found there.

Tennessee Waltz – Patti Page

One of the most iconic songs about Tennessee is Patti Page’s “Tennessee Waltz.” Released in 1950, the song became an instant classic and has been covered by dozens of different artists over the years. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture of life in Tennessee, and the Waltz melody is simply enchanting. If you’re ever feeling homesick for Tennessee, give this song a listen! Its lyrics are about as close to a “Welcome to Tennessee” as you can get.

Tennessee Rose – Emmylou Harris

If there’s one song that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Tennessee, it’s “Tennessee Rose” by Emmylou Harris. The song is about a girl from Memphis who moves to Nashville and becomes a star. It paints a picture of a place that is both beautiful and full of opportunity. Many songs about Tennessee focus on the state’s musical heritage. 

Maybe It Was Memphis – Pam Tillis

Pam Tillis - Maybe It Was Memphis

Maybe It Was Memphis is a song by Pam Tillis that was released in 1993. The song was written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison. The song is about a woman who is reflecting on a past relationship and wondering if things might have been different if she had stayed in Memphis instead of leaving. Its lyrics are about the city of Memphis and its culture.

Rocky Top – Osborne Brothers

Rocky Top is a song that was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1967. The song was made popular by the Osborne Brothers, and has been recorded by artists from all over the world in many different genres. The song is about a man who is reminiscing about his time spent in Tennessee. Its lyrics are about the beautiful scenery and the friendly people that can be found in the state.

Down in Tennessee – John Anderson

“Down in Tennessee” is a song about a man who is pining for the woman he left behind in Tennessee. He talks about how much he misses her and how much he regrets leaving her. The song is a sad but beautiful ballad that captures the feeling of homesickness and love perfectly. Its lyrics are about as southern as you can get, and they are sure to make you miss the Tennessee of days gone by.

Wrong Side of Memphis – Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood - Wrong Side Of Memphis

In Trisha Yearwood’s song “Wrong Side of Memphis,” she paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be from the wrong side of town. She sings about the people who are on the wrong side of the law, the wrong side of love, and the wrong side of life. It’s a song about heartbreak and disappointment, and it’s a reminder that no matter where you’re from, you’re never too far away from the struggles that come with it.

Visit Me in Music City – Bobby Bare Jr.

Visit Me in Music City

Bobby Bare Jr.’s Visit Me in Music City is an ode to his home state of Tennessee. The song is a rootsy, country rock number that pays tribute to the spirit of the Volunteer State. In the song, Bare sings about all of the things that make Tennessee special, from the rolling hills and mountains to the friendly people and great food. He even takes a shot at those who try to leave the state, singing “If you don’t like it here, then why don’t you just leave / ‘Cause there’s nothing like Tennessee.”

Crazy Town – Jason Aldean

Crazy Town is a band that was formed in the late 1990s. The group is best known for their song “Butterfly,” which was a massive hit all over the world. The band has released several albums over the years, and their song “Tennessee” is definitely one of their best. It’s a moving ballad about a man who is heartbroken after his lover leaves him. The song is written from the perspective of the man who is left behind, and it’s clear that he’s struggling to cope with the pain of losing her. It’s a beautiful song, and it really showcases the band’s talent for writing emotional lyrics.

Tennessee River – Alabama

It’s no secret that Alabama is one of the most popular Southern rock bands of all time. With hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Tennessee River,” the band has captured the essence of the South in song.

Written by guitarist and lead vocalist Randy Owen, “Tennessee River” is a love song that pays tribute to the beauty of the state. The song was originally released on the band’s debut album in 1970 and has since become a classic Southern rock anthem.

Sundown in Nashville – Carl Butler and Pearl

Carl Butler & Pearl - Sundown In Nashville

Sundown in Nashville is a song about the city of Nashville, Tennessee. It was written by Carl Butler and Pearl and was released in 1978. The song tells the story of a musician who is leaving Nashville and reflects on all of the great memories he has made in the city. It is a poignant farewell to Nashville and its music scene. Its lyrics are about the city’s culture and the people who have made it so famous.

My Tennessee Mountain Home – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton - My Tennessee Mountain Home (Official Audio)

My Tennessee Mountain Home is a song about the love Dolly Parton has for her home state of Tennessee. She sings about the beautiful mountains and rivers, and how happy she is to be living in such a wonderful place. It’s a song that will make you feel homesick for Tennessee, even if you’ve never been there! Some people might also consider The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton to be a song about Tennessee. It’s set in the state and tells the story of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place in 1815.

Tennessee Homesick Blues – Dolly Parton

Tennessee Homesick Blues

Written by Dolly Parton, “Tennessee Homesick Blues” is a song about a person who is homesick for the state of Tennessee. The lyrics reminisce about childhood memories in the state and how much they miss it. The song was released in 1973 as the B-side to Dolly Parton’s hit song “Jolene”. Its lyrics are about Dolly Parton’s home state of Tennessee. 

Back to Tennessee – Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray Cyrus - Back To Tennessee - Official Music Video

There’s no mistaking the fact that Billy Ray Cyrus is a proud Tennessean. He has written and recorded several songs about his home state, but “Back to Tennessee” is perhaps his most beloved. The song tells the story of a man who has been away from home for too long and is finally returning to the Volunteer State. It’s a heartfelt ballad that captures the spirit of Tennessee perfectly. 

Nashville Without You – Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw - Nashville Without You

Nashville Without You is a song by Tim McGraw. It was released in February of 2017 as the fifth and final single from his 2016 album, Damn Country Music. The song was written by David Lee Murphy, Randy Montana, and McGraw.

The song is about Nashville, Tennessee, and all that it has meant to McGraw throughout his career. In an interview with Billboard, McGraw said, “I’ve been playing in Nashville for 25 years now. I’ve had some great times there and made some great music. This song is really just a love letter to the town and the people who have supported me over the years.”