Feelin extra sick right now, but I love love love this video, and editing it as I sneezed 500 times put me in a great mood. I love these songs. Enjoy 'em!
"And that, Marjorie, just so you know, and just so your children will one day know, is the night....when the lights....went out...in GEORGIA!" - Julia Sugarbaker
@Urban Cowboy Well, as storytelling as it may be, it can get absurd. You just don't walk a long walk, get picked up by a drunken ghost of an old country singer. That's where it got absurd. I like the song don't get me wrong, but that's just how it is
Ridin' With The Legend - Keith Bryant is the first time I'd heard a version of this song and I fell in love with it. It was a few years after he died that I'd heard it, he was my grandpa's favorite driver and had also passed on a few months after the accident. So I prefer that version.
Kenny Chesney’s There Goes My Life-I love how the chorus “There goes my life” evolves from one meaning in the beginning to something totally different by the end
What I love about Fancy is there's no shaming from the narrator and Fancy isn't ashamed either. She did what she needed to do and she did it well and she made it unapologetically. I just feel like that's a rare thing, especially for a song that old
And in Reba's song "Going Out Like That" she even made a reference to "Fancy" in the beginning: "It's been a while since she put that red dress on and slip into those high heels."
The thing about that song is that the police chief must have had a reputation, because one can surmise from his wife's reaction that she already knew about his cheating ways.
I'll throw in Mississippi Squirrel Revival. I'm pretty sure that's country even though it's primarily comedy. Does The Streak also count as country? ...man, I miss Music with Moskowitz.
Also, The One I Loved Back Then ua-cam.com/video/N1RaLL_g4g0/v-deo.html Which is one of the few two-verse songs that I think is the full expression of an idea. Most country songs with just verses make me think they haven't been fully developed, but this one is great ^_^
Yeah, the guy in that song is such a pussy. Trynna give the guy his wallet and car keys instead of being a man and defending his self and the aforementioned girl.
Yes, but it was intentionally absurd. The guy who wrote and recorded it was a dentist in San Francisco who was part of an amateur bluegrass band, and his goofy Christmas joke song went viral.
How about "Grandpa got runned over by a John Deere" (Cledus T Judd)? If you haven't heard of him Cledus does funny parodies of other (mostly country) songs. It is absurd but it's hilarious.
I’m SHOCKED that “Mississippi Squirrel Revival” wasn’t in a video about crazy story songs. I do appreciate that “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was there tho
Before I watch, “A Boy Named Sue” and “Ole Red” HAVE to be on here EDIT: Good job Grady😂 I am surprised that there’s no “The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia”
I think about the night that the lights went out in Georgia all the time. I lay awake thinking about it. This dude went to a man's house with a gun, obviously with intent to kill him, saw that he was already dead on the floor, and decided to flag down the sheriff by firing his gun. What a genius.
I actually _perform_ that song, and when I get to that part, I sing, _The Georgia patrol was makin' the rounds, so he fired a shot just to flag 'em down, and a big-bellied sherif grabbed his gun, and said, 'why'dja do it? Fool_ ...
@Karen Carpenter-Shoals I wondered that too. But what if the teacher was headed to vacation and the farmer was going for higher education. It never explicitly says
I’ve always thought that Miranda Lambert needs to do a cover of the Harper vally P.T.A!! I’m so glad you said you also think that song needs a comeback!
Blake's song "Austin" is what made me a lifetime fan of Blake Shelton. Wonderful story and happy ending. Also I just listened to the Bucky Covington's song "I'll Walk" for the first time and it was also so beautiful and I am really shocked that it didn't climb the charts.
He doesn't know country music history... or music history... or music in general. I think he has chosen to go in a different direction in which you use your beta voice to ramble for way too long about shit you know nothing about.
Chain Of Love by Clay Walker. Guy changes a woman's tire. When she offers to pay him, he tells her to pay it forward. "Don't let the chain of love end with you." The lady then gives a pregnant waitress a huge tip, and repeats the same line to her. Twist: the waitress is the wife of the tire changer from verse 1.
love most of those, the best thing about your lists is i pause and listen to the songs along the way, then i go to the comments and listen to all the fans choices too. Just love it.
"Beaches" is sometimes used to describe the outside edge of the area. So it kind of combines the beaches near where she lived and the "beaches" where her husband died. If you know rodeo, it makes sense.
@@highnoon9333 she did live out in California by the ocean. So its more drawing comparison between the two. "And of you go down by the water, you'll see her footprints in the sand cause every night she walks the beaches of cheyenne". So if you go to where she died, you'll see footprints on the California beach, because shes walking the beaches of Cheyenne. I dont know the best way to explain it, but the song shouldn't be taken literally word for word.
You need some ray stevens bc most of his songs are absurd like “the streak” about a guy flashing everyone or “the day the squirrel went to church” and everyone was caught up in revival🤓
It's so funny , my sister was 12 years older than me and I grew up hearing my mother speak those same words to my sister - When you are raised in an old southern family one must always behave appropriately in public
Just found your channel. Great list. Here are some of my favorite story songs: - Saginaw Michigan - Lefty Frizzell - Long Black Veil - Johnny Cash - The Wreck of Ole '97 - Johnny Cash - El Paso - Marty Robbins (and the other two songs - Felina / El Paso CIty) - Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean - PT 109 - Jimmy Dean - Bizmark - Johnny Horton - When It's Springtime in Alaska - Johnny Horton - Pancho and Lefty - Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson - Lonesome Dove - Garth Brooks
I've long been struck by the compare-and-contrast between "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" and "Goodbye, Earl" -- because you have the same thing, a deliberate murder, and yet in "Earl" it's celebrated, while in "Georgia" it's a horrible ending of injustice and regrets, the idea that murder is not done in a vacuum and leaves the community (and innocent lives) harmed regardless of how much the murder victims might or might not have "deserved" it. For that reason, I think it's the more moral of the two songs. It also interests me that one of the two victims (the guy) seemed redeemable (came clean to the husband, was possibly trying to do right even though he'd slipped up), and that we never do hear much about the woman other than that she was a cheater who slept around. Possibly, given time to cool off, the husband could have reconciled with her, or else sent her away and moved on, but by taking the step to murder, his sister sealed the fate of all involved.
Toby 👎. Red Soli Cup is by the Beavers Boys and others. At least Toby didn’t steal this song and claim it was his, like he did with REK’s The Road Goes on Forever (which would have been a good song for this list.)
This is my favorite video of yours that I've seen so far. I love your enthusiasm! 🤗 Thank you for the educational and enjoyable content! I'm new to country music and your channel has really helped me to get more into its history and its nuisances, and discover new artists as well. You have such a gift of articulating complex ideas and emotions. I really appreciate your dedication! Thank you, Grady! 🙏✨
Through family Im related to Ray Stevens. never met him but my parents have! looking at the family tree.... he was lying about the whole situation. lol
You could not have made me more happy with that number one pick. I rarely listen to country music these days (love your channel, though!) but that one opened the flood gates and hit me right in my memories, man. Such a good song.
So many to choose. The Talkin' Song Repair Blues- Alan Jackson Lightning- Eric Church Two Pink Lines- Eric Church Big Iron- Marty Robbins Stays in Mexico- Toby Keith The Baron- Johnny Cash The Legend of Wooley Swamp- The Charlie Daniels Band
Great list! Here’s a few of my favorites.. • In Color - Jamey Johnson • I’ll Wait For You - Joe Nichols • Don’t Take the Girl - Tim McGraw • Love, Me - Collin Raye
Chris Taker that’s good but he has some much better story songs that are mor obscure. Photo Finish, Yukon Rose, Homegrown Western Saturday Night, Bull Rider
I squealed when Harper Valley PTA came up on this list 😂❤️ I’m only 20 born in 1999 but I grew up listening to older country with my parents. Harper Valley PTA was my moms favorite song we use to sing it together. I wish more people my age new about Harper Valley PTA 🙌
Jaymi Adams I had no clue there was a movie I’ll definitely look into it sorry for the late reply UA-cam failed to notify me of your reply to my comment 🤦🏻♀️
I grew up in the 70s, i remember watching the movie as well. Barbara Eden starred in it. It was all taken directly from the song. It was a made for tv movie, might be hard to find it. Worth the watch though. Barbara Eden was a hot commodity back then and she never showed her belly button!
A couple songs I could think of: The Little Girl- literally about a girl who's parents are terrible and she winds up an orphan after they both die The Ride- Man gets a ride to Nashville from a ghost You Never Even Called Me by My Name- do I even need to explain?
Rebekah Corder Walk A Little Straighter makes me emotional every time I hear it. I wouldn't call it ”absurd” though. Underratingly sad. There are songs about straight-up child abuse like Concrete Angel, but this Billy Currington song is about neglect.
LOVED this video. My favorite story songs are The Lighthouse's Tale (Nickel Creek), He Didn't Have to Be (Brad Paisley), Don't Take the Girl (Tim McGraw), Riding with Private Malone (David Ball)...I could go on. You should do one about ghost songs! Midnight in Montgomery, The Ride? How cool would that be??
I've had a theory for years about "Devil went down to Georgia". It started with thinking, okay, wait. That devil's fiddle licks were smokin' hot, so who actually made that call? But the more I listened to it, the more that Johnny's choice of songs struck me as sort of lyrical shorthand. "Fire on the mountain, run boys, run- the devil's in the house of the Rising Sun," is a _bluegrass prayer_ to send the devil packing. I'm not particularly religious, but I do love me a tight metaphor, and listened to with this take makes it fit if anything, even better into your melodramatic list. (And since everyone's adding songs that should be on the list, I'd point to Where've You Been? And of course, the lovely "Coat of Many Colors".)
The lines from Johnny's rebut are actual Bluegrass songs. Fire on the Mountain (run boys run) (Devil's in the) House of the Rising Sun Chicken in the Bread Pan (pickin out dough) Granny will Your Dog Bite (no, child, no)
After Reba performed the other night on the CMAs I was telling my father about Fancy and Nights the Light Went Out in Georgia and I called them "Story Songs" and of course my phone was listening to me and up come this video today :)
"Blood Red and Going Down" by Tanya Tucker, who was only 13 when she recorded it! And how about Bobby Bare's "Marie Laveau" written by Shel Silverstein? Doesn't get much more absurd than a song about a voodoo priestess!
Shel Silverstein wrote lots of great and popular songs, " Ones on the Way" by Loretta Lynn, "Queen of the Silver Dollar" by Emmylou Harris, "Marie Laveau" by Bobby Bare and let's not forget "the Unicorn" by the Irish Rovers to name a few. Oh, and my pick for this list is "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly" by Loretta and Conway.
Just found your channel and love these videos. One of my favorite story songs of all time is “That Ol Wind” by Garth Brooks. Seriously been one of my favorites since I was a kid.
On three wooden cross. The narrator isn’t the preacher. The narrator is sitting in the congregation listening to “a story that his preacher told last Sunday”
Jim Walden okay but the one sitting in the congregation is not the hookers son. The hookers son is the preacher telling the story. And I’m the song it says “that’s a story that my preacher told last Sunday” so “Randy Travis” is in the congregation hearing this story from his preacher aka the hookers son
Feelin extra sick right now, but I love love love this video, and editing it as I sneezed 500 times put me in a great mood. I love these songs. Enjoy 'em!
Grady Smith I think you should start adding these songs in videos like this to your Spotify playlist
Tim McGraw's Dont Take the Girl is another example of a good story song.
Feel better soon! LOVED THIS VIDEO SM!!
This Cowboys hat or I’m gonna miss her
Convoy and the ride are great songs too
Cant believe papa loved mama wasn’t on here its legit about a guy ramming his truck into a hotel with his wife in it
Garth and someone else was talking about seeing the story in a paper and wrote a song about it
I can't believe nothing from Jerry Reed made it
I came here to say this because that's the first thing that comes to mind when somebody mentions a ridiculous Story song
As a truch driver,its not absured.i could tell you some sick crap ive seen.the turn up is diesel!!!!
Sean Lewis called him Amos Moses
“The night the lights when out in Georgia” by Reba would’ve been another good one.
"And that, Marjorie, just so you know, and just so your children will one day know, is the night....when the lights....went out...in GEORGIA!"
- Julia Sugarbaker
The movie was filmed in the small town I am from in GA.
Love Needs A Holiday was a fun one by Reba
@@ashburnsdeal Trenton GA. Great little town. I spent a lot of time there visiting my uncle.
She actually wasn’t the original singer of this song.
"The Ride" - David Allen Coe. Hitchhiker gets picked up and interrogated by the ghost of Hank Williams.
Such a great song.
If you drink enough while hitchhiking anything is possible lol
@Urban Cowboy Well, as storytelling as it may be, it can get absurd. You just don't walk a long walk, get picked up by a drunken ghost of an old country singer. That's where it got absurd. I like the song don't get me wrong, but that's just how it is
@Urban Cowboy And that's pretty much just how The Ride is. Cool story, but gets absurd
Ridin' With The Legend - Keith Bryant is the first time I'd heard a version of this song and I fell in love with it. It was a few years after he died that I'd heard it, he was my grandpa's favorite driver and had also passed on a few months after the accident. So I prefer that version.
Kenny Chesney’s There Goes My Life-I love how the chorus “There goes my life” evolves from one meaning in the beginning to something totally different by the end
Tim McGraw Don’t Take the Girl, as well, but that’s a heartbreaker
@@alybrynjohnson2495Agree...very deep song...classic country tune
He had a line in there getting the title on on it it was a list of about twenty years of individual parts
Shut up Kenny
I don’t think I could ever listen to this song and not cry
"Bubba shot the jukebox" is another great absurd story song.
Love it
YES!
Yes! I was shocked it wasn’t on here!
Private Malone would've been a great add on. Love all these songs!
Makayla Adams agree on private Malone!
Chain of Love is another one.
That is my favorite song
Goose bumps when I listen to this song
I love that song to death! But man is it crazy.
“How do you like me now” a tale about a guy trying to get a girls attention in school, who rejects him, and is now famous while she hates her life
I agree Toby has some wild stories.
Also Who's Your Daddy and It's A Little Too Late.
Yes! Toby Keith is an absolute gold mind for this topic! :)
You mean Sk8er Boi
Yeah, definitely
“I’m gonna miss her” by Brad Paisley belongs on this list^^
It's absurd, but intentionally absurd. I'm guessing that's why it's not on the list
It's one my favorites
Connar Back not a story song
or "ticks"
@@chasemeyer It's very intentional yes. When the chorus starts with 'Well, I'm gonna miss her...when I get back...'
I feel like Joe Diffie's "John Deere Green" fits this category perfectly
What I love about Fancy is there's no shaming from the narrator and Fancy isn't ashamed either. She did what she needed to do and she did it well and she made it unapologetically. I just feel like that's a rare thing, especially for a song that old
And in Reba's song "Going Out Like That" she even made a reference to "Fancy" in the beginning: "It's been a while since she put that red dress on and slip into those high heels."
I don't like it because of that
@@tcog9300 if you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing.
@@Blablablablabla392 no
One of the most ridiculous story songs in country, to me, is "Third Rock from the Sun" by Joe Diffie. Yeah, it's a trip to listen to.
Yes, that is pure madcap
The thing about that song is that the police chief must have had a reputation, because one can surmise from his wife's reaction that she already knew about his cheating ways.
One hundred percent agree!!
First song that I thought of when I saw "absurd story song."
But sooo fun to sing on a school bus in middle school! Lol
Bubba shot the jukebox should have been on this list.
Third Rock from the sun as well.
I'll throw in Mississippi Squirrel Revival. I'm pretty sure that's country even though it's primarily comedy. Does The Streak also count as country?
...man, I miss Music with Moskowitz.
Also, The One I Loved Back Then ua-cam.com/video/N1RaLL_g4g0/v-deo.html
Which is one of the few two-verse songs that I think is the full expression of an idea. Most country songs with just verses make me think they haven't been fully developed, but this one is great ^_^
Or It sure is Monday
Rhett Kelly hit just where I was aimin!
"Don't Take the Girl" could have definitely made this list
willow rayn I think that’d be better suited on the “sad story” list.
YES! One of my top fave country songs.
Don’t bake the squirrel
Yeah, the guy in that song is such a pussy. Trynna give the guy his wallet and car keys instead of being a man and defending his self and the aforementioned girl.
The Little Girl - John Michael Montgomery
Third Rock from the Sun is my favorite story song ever. I can listen to it for literal hours and never get bored. R.I.P. Joe Diffie
Grandma got run over by a reindeer, is the absurd county song
Yes, but it was intentionally absurd. The guy who wrote and recorded it was a dentist in San Francisco who was part of an amateur bluegrass band, and his goofy Christmas joke song went viral.
How about "Grandpa got runned over by a John Deere" (Cledus T Judd)? If you haven't heard of him Cledus does funny parodies of other (mostly country) songs. It is absurd but it's hilarious.
‘Alyssa Lies’ is a song that tells a touching story. Breaks my heart every time.
That's a tear jerker
Olive Rose but unfortunately not an absurd story. Sadly happens way too much.
One of the most beautiful saddest songs ever. Maybe even sadder than he stopped loving her today
That song unfortunately doesn't belong with a group of absurd songs, it is all too real.
“ One piece at a time” By Johnny Cash
This is truly an absurd story song!
MY FAVORITE!!! it's a 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56...
ontxtteredwxngs automobile
And it didn't cost me a dime... sorry
Heh, salami slicing...and LOL THE AUCTIONEER JOKE AT THE END
"You don't expect a murder song to be so celebratory"... apparently Carrie Underwood didn't get the memo, lol.
I’m SHOCKED that “Mississippi Squirrel Revival” wasn’t in a video about crazy story songs. I do appreciate that “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was there tho
Mississippi Squirrel Revival is a comedy song-it’s deliberately crazy.
Nothing wrong with a squirrel going to church
@@crackerjacksomething2033 i feel like Harv Newton might disagree.
@@austinveno6743 that’s ok he’ll get over it
Deana Carter “Did I Shave My Legs For This?”
Love that song! Haha
But that’s a line all the women in my family use now. Carter gave us all a gift with that one.
Before I watch, “A Boy Named Sue” and “Ole Red” HAVE to be on here
EDIT: Good job Grady😂
I am surprised that there’s no “The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia”
Ole Red is Blake Shelton signature song. Lol
I have a list of 15 songs that didn't make it -- that was one. I figured it could be in a video about sad songs too.
Grady Smith Awesome. Loving the videos btw. Keep it up Grady!
I’m a big Johnny cash fan love boy named sue
@@GradySmith Would LOVE a sad songs video. Or best heartbreak songs! Loving the content, Grady!
How about "One Piece At A Time" by Johnny Cash. Come on, steals car parts over 20 or so years and builds a working automobile?
"Chicken in black- johnny cash" the most absurd story song I think, tho that ones close
But the Psychobilly Cadillac does exists
Most of Cash’s songs are absurd stories
It was based on a true story.
Cash is King
I think about the night that the lights went out in Georgia all the time. I lay awake thinking about it.
This dude went to a man's house with a gun, obviously with intent to kill him, saw that he was already dead on the floor, and decided to flag down the sheriff by firing his gun. What a genius.
I actually _perform_ that song, and when I get to that part, I sing,
_The Georgia patrol was makin' the rounds, so he fired a shot just to flag 'em down, and a big-bellied sherif grabbed his gun, and said, 'why'dja do it? Fool_ ...
How did the Grundy county auction by John Michael Montgomery not make this list? It's so good
I love that song and the video is equally great.
The question I always had about 3 wooden crosses was WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO THE BUS DRIVER???
Me too! Presumably, he survived as well? Idk
Omg yesss I wanna know so bad
SAME!!!!
@Karen Carpenter-Shoals I wondered that too. But what if the teacher was headed to vacation and the farmer was going for higher education. It never explicitly says
Pshhh farmers don't take vacations lol
I’ve always thought that Miranda Lambert needs to do a cover of the Harper vally P.T.A!! I’m so glad you said you also think that song needs a comeback!
ieatyomama that song always makes me laugh
Chevelle shepherd does an awesome rendition
I was thinking Miranda lambert when he said that someone should cover it, she would be perfect for it
I'm surprised no one talked about the movie Harper Valley PTA with Barbara Eden!
That would be great
Mississippi Squirrel Revival was the first thing I thought of when I saw this title.
I think that the absurdity loses a lot of its "WTF?!" punch when it's from a known comedy artist.
I agree. This is still my favorite song ever. And not all of his music is comedy
But, that’s deliberately silly.
That song makes me smile the entire time I'm listening to it
I would put Alan Jackson “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” with these, and maybe even Me Neither by Brad Paisley. Both excellent, absurd stories
“Me Neither” by Brad Paisley is comic genius.
That Alan song was the first track I've thought about before watching the video. It is super crazy lmao
Brilliant picks!
I was thinking "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood.
There should be a part 2. And it better have I Don't Even Know Your Name by Alan Jackson.
Blake's song "Austin" is what made me a lifetime fan of Blake Shelton. Wonderful story and happy ending. Also I just listened to the Bucky Covington's song "I'll Walk" for the first time and it was also so beautiful and I am really shocked that it didn't climb the charts.
“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers should be on the list.
Coward of the county- Kenny Rogers
The Gambler gives more of a life lesson, than being absurd
😢😢rip
Daniel Wedgeworth Tommy NEVER threw a punch in his life until that song but he took out “three of them” Gatlin boys?
That's a terrible comment
Honestly so shocked that Garth Brooks’ “That Summer” didn’t make the list. That song always baffles me 😂
Brandon can’t say I’ve been so lucky haha I love that and all GB songs too
Or Strawberry Wine. The roles are both reversed
Ohh that’s a good one too!
I always thought that was just a country music ripoff of the movie "Summer of '42".
@@Marlboro65 What about "The Beaches of Cheyenne?" That just was odd... and sad... and where the hell are they keeping the beaches in Wyoming?
I LOVE "Goodbye Earl." Those na-na-na's kill me every time I hear that song because it's sung with such glee🤣🤣🤣
Saaaame. The dixie chicks are some of my favourites even though most of their songs are older than me
I always thought it cool that they got a big tv/movie star as Dennis Franz to play the husband.
It definitely belongs on this list although I'm not a fan of the Dixie Chicks.
@@Bahrta_sai and that's completely okay🙌
“My name is Sue...How do You Do?!”
Yeah that's what i told him
a heartwrenching sad story song is Teddy Bear by Red Sovine. it makes me cry every time i hear it.
That’s a great one but it’s pretty sad, he’s focusing more on absurd story lines…I love this song as well ❤️
What about Riding with Private Malone? Love that song. Austin is a great song too.
one of my favorite songs too!!
he doesn't know anything about country music or anything else.
You should do a country artist back story series. About their growing up, how they got started and formed their sound and stuff.
Cassplease yes pleaseee
He doesn't know country music history... or music history... or music in general. I think he has chosen to go in a different direction in which you use your beta voice to ramble for way too long about shit you know nothing about.
Another Billy Currington song, but “Good Directions”!
Also pretty good at drinking beer
My favourite.
I always just call that song “turnip greens” lol
I came down to the comments to write exactly this! It's a rollercoaster ride of a song lol
Yeah man definitely a great song ! But not "Absurd" ...
How is it possible "don't take the girl" isnt on this...
Jesse Marks 100% should be
Cause Tim McGraw sucks
@@joetroutt7425 finally someone else gets it.
It's not absurd
He should make a video on sad/heartbreaking/tearjerker story songs, if he hasn't already. This song would absolutely be on it!
Chain Of Love by Clay Walker.
Guy changes a woman's tire. When she offers to pay him, he tells her to pay it forward. "Don't let the chain of love end with you."
The lady then gives a pregnant waitress a huge tip, and repeats the same line to her.
Twist: the waitress is the wife of the tire changer from verse 1.
I teared up just at the MENTION of the 3 crosses song. Such a great set!
Not really absurd but “In Color” is a great song and story that makes me think of my grandpa!
Appreciate “Harper valley PTA” being on this list. Good song, one of Tom T Halls best.
Kacey Musgraves would do a great Harper Valley PTA
Her or Miranda
Or Ashley Mcbryde!!!
I was just thinking Miranda Lambert could pull it off pretty well too.
For some reason the first person I thought of to do it was Jillian Jacqueline
I’ve got Lorrie Morgan’s version & it’s pretty good.
Everything Marty Robbins wrote was a storytelling song, and them were some damn good songs.
Marty was country when country was just that
Always felt that his songs would make a good movie
love most of those, the best thing about your lists is i pause and listen to the songs along the way, then i go to the comments and listen to all the fans choices too. Just love it.
Its amazing how times have changed. "Austin" ....answering machines are long gone
One piece at a time- Johnny cash
Tyler Tschetter u can’t forget about The chicken in Black- Johnny cash
Yes, such a great song!
Had this song in my head during the whole video. Lol
I was waiting for that to be number one!
I love that song!
I'm Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home- David Frizzell.
That is one of my all time favorites!
@@donnalynn2 Mine too!
For a few listens it's pretty funny but gets old quick.
Idk many people who know that one tho so it wouldn't surprise me if he doesnt
I love that song
Feed Jake - Pirates of the Mississippi
Cadillac Kind - Confederste Railroad
Travelling Soldier - Bruce Robison
It's a bummer Pirates of the Mississippi didn't quite make it
Feed Jake was amazing. 😭
"The Beaches of Cheyenne" by Garth Brooks is a weird ghost story
Ic youve heard George Strait I can still make Cheyenne it part of the same story
"Beaches" is sometimes used to describe the outside edge of the area. So it kind of combines the beaches near where she lived and the "beaches" where her husband died. If you know rodeo, it makes sense.
@@abbiholz9274 interesting. Then why do they talk about the ocean, footprints in the sand, and the water?
@@highnoon9333 she did live out in California by the ocean. So its more drawing comparison between the two. "And of you go down by the water, you'll see her footprints in the sand cause every night she walks the beaches of cheyenne". So if you go to where she died, you'll see footprints on the California beach, because shes walking the beaches of Cheyenne. I dont know the best way to explain it, but the song shouldn't be taken literally word for word.
@@abbiholz9274 ok got it
You need some ray stevens bc most of his songs are absurd like “the streak” about a guy flashing everyone or “the day the squirrel went to church” and everyone was caught up in revival🤓
That's Mississippi squirrel revival.
The haircut song is pretty funny too. Although not politically correct but funny
Mississippi Squirrel Revival
So many Ray Stevens songs were story songs, I love them all. I dig the song Sittin' Up with the Dead.
@@DJWidget Ray Stevens is a gold mine of absurd songs. But I love every one of them.
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” is also a good story song
I love that the phrase is “the devil went DOWN to Georgia” this implies something:
Georgia is lower than, and therefore worse than, hell
No? It's how we talk down south. I live in Houston but still say "Go down to Dallas/Austin/Fort Worth etc."
Doodle Dog it actually implies that the devil was up north and went south to Georgia
Cherish Wishon ITS A JOKE
Doodle Dog I never ever thought of it that way! Mind blown
yeah it sucks here
I would have put “Momma’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert on here, love that song and it’s got some crazy lyrics
It's so funny , my sister was 12 years older than me and I grew up hearing my mother speak those same words to my sister -
When you are raised in an old southern family one must always behave appropriately in public
Just found your channel. Great list. Here are some of my favorite story songs:
- Saginaw Michigan - Lefty Frizzell
- Long Black Veil - Johnny Cash
- The Wreck of Ole '97 - Johnny Cash
- El Paso - Marty Robbins (and the other two songs - Felina / El Paso CIty)
- Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
- PT 109 - Jimmy Dean
- Bizmark - Johnny Horton
- When It's Springtime in Alaska - Johnny Horton
- Pancho and Lefty - Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson
- Lonesome Dove - Garth Brooks
What about “the night the lights went out in Georgia”
That's what I was thinking.
Came here to say this!
Love that song especially Reba's version.
I've long been struck by the compare-and-contrast between "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" and "Goodbye, Earl" -- because you have the same thing, a deliberate murder, and yet in "Earl" it's celebrated, while in "Georgia" it's a horrible ending of injustice and regrets, the idea that murder is not done in a vacuum and leaves the community (and innocent lives) harmed regardless of how much the murder victims might or might not have "deserved" it. For that reason, I think it's the more moral of the two songs.
It also interests me that one of the two victims (the guy) seemed redeemable (came clean to the husband, was possibly trying to do right even though he'd slipped up), and that we never do hear much about the woman other than that she was a cheater who slept around. Possibly, given time to cool off, the husband could have reconciled with her, or else sent her away and moved on, but by taking the step to murder, his sister sealed the fate of all involved.
Daniel Hund best song ever
I’m surprised “The night the lights went out in Georgia” isn’t on here
Mabey its not absurd in his opinion I love Reba McIntire.
That’s exactly what I was gonna comment
@@babybeesmusic but did you know she was the third person to record it?
Red Solo Cup - Toby Keith.
Toby 👎. Red Soli Cup is by the Beavers Boys and others.
At least Toby didn’t steal this song and claim it was his, like he did with REK’s The Road Goes on Forever (which would have been a good song for this list.)
@@MrTXForester YES it would have.
This is my favorite video of yours that I've seen so far. I love your enthusiasm! 🤗 Thank you for the educational and enjoyable content! I'm new to country music and your channel has really helped me to get more into its history and its nuisances, and discover new artists as well. You have such a gift of articulating complex ideas and emotions. I really appreciate your dedication! Thank you, Grady! 🙏✨
I was honestly really hoping to see “Good Directions” by Billy Currington to show up
I love that song, but is it really an ABSURD story song? I think it would belong on a different story song video/playlist.
same vibe as "the farmer's daughter" by rodney atkins
Did you know Luke Bryan wrote good directions I found that out a few years ago.
You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allen Coe.
boo676767 that’s a classic!
That one is the best ever.
Is that really a story song? The Ride would be a better DAC song for that list I think.
It would have been the best Country song had it mentioned prisons, trucks, mama and trains
It’s still the perfect country and western song
I had to listen to Austin for like 10 years to get the whole gist of who was calling who 🤣🤣
No worries, it took me quite a few listens over a long time to get it as well haha
Same girl 😂😂😂
The Devil comes back to Georgia. This Cowboys hat.Thunder Rolls.The Corvette Song by George Jones. Classic Songs Sink the Bismark
"paint me a birmingham" "long black train" "concrete angel" "girls lie too" "billy's got his beer goggles on"
Throw a dart at a Tom T Hall songlist and you'll have a good story song.
I feel like carrie underwood's choctaw county affair could also be up there with odd story songs
I AM MY OWN GRANDPA is by FAR the most absurd country song I’ve ever heard😂
Through family Im related to Ray Stevens. never met him but my parents have! looking at the family tree.... he was lying about the whole situation. lol
Original done by Lonso and Oscar.
The prayer wasn't unanswered, the answer was No! Lol
Thank you! My take on that song for ages has been, "Good song, bad theology."
I'm getting drunk on a plane. It is a fun story song.
You could not have made me more happy with that number one pick. I rarely listen to country music these days (love your channel, though!) but that one opened the flood gates and hit me right in my memories, man. Such a good song.
So many to choose.
The Talkin' Song Repair Blues- Alan Jackson
Lightning- Eric Church
Two Pink Lines- Eric Church
Big Iron- Marty Robbins
Stays in Mexico- Toby Keith
The Baron- Johnny Cash
The Legend of Wooley Swamp- The Charlie Daniels Band
Expected I'm gonna miss her by Brad Paisley, but otherwise good list!
I’m going with Me Neither
Yeah I'm surprised that isn't in there. Also Brad Paisley's Online. Both so absurd but awesome
fuck yea, and neon moon
"Don't Take the Girl" by Tim McGraw should have been on here.
Ick. One of the most cringey songs...
"Austin" still makes me tear up to this day!
How did you miss "Do you want fries with that?" by Tim Mcgraw
Great list! Here’s a few of my favorites..
• In Color - Jamey Johnson
• I’ll Wait For You - Joe Nichols
• Don’t Take the Girl - Tim McGraw
• Love, Me - Collin Raye
Chris Ledoux- This Cowboys Hat
Chris Taker that’s good but he has some much better story songs that are mor obscure. Photo Finish, Yukon Rose, Homegrown Western Saturday Night, Bull Rider
Saw him in concert when I was stationed in Germany. Great show!
Tony Schmitz YESSSS! Yukon Rose is one of the most underrated story songs!
Best song ever!
That’s my favorite song
I squealed when Harper Valley PTA came up on this list 😂❤️ I’m only 20 born in 1999 but I grew up listening to older country with my parents. Harper Valley PTA was my moms favorite song we use to sing it together. I wish more people my age new about Harper Valley PTA 🙌
Did you ever watch the full movie ?
Jaymi Adams I had no clue there was a movie I’ll definitely look into it sorry for the late reply UA-cam failed to notify me of your reply to my comment 🤦🏻♀️
Yep it's older with the star of I dream of genie but it was an interesting movie.
I grew up in the 70s, i remember watching the movie as well. Barbara Eden starred in it. It was all taken directly from the song. It was a made for tv movie, might be hard to find it. Worth the watch though. Barbara Eden was a hot commodity back then and she never showed her belly button!
Donna Lynn when I watched I found the. Full movie on UA-cam
A couple songs I could think of:
The Little Girl- literally about a girl who's parents are terrible and she winds up an orphan after they both die
The Ride- Man gets a ride to Nashville from a ghost
You Never Even Called Me by My Name- do I even need to explain?
These songs would probably be on a different video, for different kinds of story songs. But nonetheless, I agree.
i love harper valley pta, telling them off is what they get for literally saying she was a bad influence for her own daughter
I’m surprised that Jolene by Dolly Parton wasn’t on here. that song is hilarious
Or Coat of Many Colors
@@robertewalt7789 He actually mentions Coat of Many Colors in the intro. I don't think there's anything that ridiculous about Jolene.
Walk A Little Straighter by Billy Currington; I Ain't Going Nowhere by Luke Combs; Independence Day by Martina
Rebekah Corder Walk A Little Straighter makes me emotional every time I hear it. I wouldn't call it ”absurd” though. Underratingly sad. There are songs about straight-up child abuse like Concrete Angel, but this Billy Currington song is about neglect.
Another great one is Martina McBride’s “When God Fearing Women get the Blues”
"Better hide all them high heeled shoes..." Haha!!
LOVED this video. My favorite story songs are The Lighthouse's Tale (Nickel Creek), He Didn't Have to Be (Brad Paisley), Don't Take the Girl (Tim McGraw), Riding with Private Malone (David Ball)...I could go on.
You should do one about ghost songs! Midnight in Montgomery, The Ride? How cool would that be??
I love Riding With Private Malone
You forgot that Kenny Roger's song "I am the greatest." Good song.
Grundy County Auction and Cheaper to Keep Her come to mind
I was looking for Grundy County Auction
Heh, yeah, that was the first song that came to mind for me too.
Queen of my double wide trailer by Sammy Kershaw should be on this list
I've had a theory for years about "Devil went down to Georgia". It started with thinking, okay, wait. That devil's fiddle licks were smokin' hot, so who actually made that call? But the more I listened to it, the more that Johnny's choice of songs struck me as sort of lyrical shorthand. "Fire on the mountain, run boys, run- the devil's in the house of the Rising Sun," is a _bluegrass prayer_ to send the devil packing. I'm not particularly religious, but I do love me a tight metaphor, and listened to with this take makes it fit if anything, even better into your melodramatic list. (And since everyone's adding songs that should be on the list, I'd point to Where've You Been? And of course, the lovely "Coat of Many Colors".)
The lines from Johnny's rebut are actual Bluegrass songs.
Fire on the Mountain (run boys run)
(Devil's in the) House of the Rising Sun
Chicken in the Bread Pan (pickin out dough)
Granny will Your Dog Bite (no, child, no)
@@jayduncan8994 They are, which makes them particularly appropriate!
The devil cheated.... he was accompanied by a band of demons.
@@coreytohme9861 That, too! Not to mention all those special pedal effects. XD
Someone else pointed out to me that when the devil plays it's just kinda noise. Johnny's parts are all fiddle.
*$700 was a heck of a deal, for a 400 horsepower jukebox on wheels.*
Carrie Underwood's Blown Away was always a favorite of mine.
After Reba performed the other night on the CMAs I was telling my father about Fancy and Nights the Light Went Out in Georgia and I called them "Story Songs" and of course my phone was listening to me and up come this video today :)
"Blood Red and Going Down" by Tanya Tucker, who was only 13 when she recorded it! And how about Bobby Bare's "Marie Laveau" written by Shel Silverstein? Doesn't get much more absurd than a song about a voodoo priestess!
Oh wow, i almost forgot about Marie Lavou! I loved that song when i was in 7th grade
"Marie Laveau" is totally one of the awesomest songs!
One of my most favorite funny story songs. Roy Clark "Thank God And Greyhound"
Shel Silverstein wrote lots of great and popular songs, " Ones on the Way" by Loretta Lynn, "Queen of the Silver Dollar" by Emmylou Harris, "Marie Laveau" by Bobby Bare and let's not forget "the Unicorn" by the Irish Rovers to name a few. Oh, and my pick for this list is "You're the Reason Our Kids
Are Ugly" by Loretta and Conway.
"You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly"
Just found your channel and love these videos. One of my favorite story songs of all time is “That Ol Wind” by Garth Brooks. Seriously been one of my favorites since I was a kid.
"Legend of wooly swamp" is a good spooky story song for october
On three wooden cross. The narrator isn’t the preacher. The narrator is sitting in the congregation listening to “a story that his preacher told last Sunday”
Actually the one telling the story is the hookers son.
Jim Walden okay but the one sitting in the congregation is not the hookers son. The hookers son is the preacher telling the story. And I’m the song it says “that’s a story that my preacher told last Sunday” so “Randy Travis” is in the congregation hearing this story from his preacher aka the hookers son
What ever happened to the bus driver anyways?
Michael Keller I’ve always wondered the same. I’m assuming he survived OR he died and no one cares 😳
@@freighthauler7642 no.
Should’ve had Convoy on the list if you wanted absurd lol, I love the song.
"Goodbye Earl" is one of my favorite songs.