Growing up on the heels of the greats like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Brooks and Dunn, country music has always had a major role in my life. Over the years singers and artists have continued to keep all rural people strung together by the soles of our boots and the love we have for the simpler life style. Now that I've moved to a larger area full of fast paced living I can't help but listen to a few songs that always take me home. Below is a list of my top ten songs that keep me connected to my home town roots.
1. "The House That Built Me" - Miranda Lambert
A slower song for a usually fast paced Miranda touched the heart of millions with her simple and powerful vocals. The song depicts coming back home to the house that taught her everything she knew and how it helped reconnect her with who she really is. "Out Here is like I'm someone else, I thought that maybe I could find myself"
2. "Red Dirt Road" - Brooks & Dunn
A classic that every country fan knows and sings at the top of their lungs when driving around town. A song that takes me back to the red dirt road I grew up on. While not the most vocally challenging song for Ronnie Dunn it still a powerful in your face song that compels you to listen to ever word. "Its where I drank my first beer, Its where I found Jesus"
3. "Water Tower Town" - Scotty McCreery
One of American Idols kickstarting career songs Water Tower Town a feel good song by the low-toned country singer Scotty McCreery; takes every one who grew up in a small town home to the football field, the dinner table and the church pew you grew up sitting in every Sunday. "Corn grows high, crime stays low"
4. "My Town" - Montgomery Gentry
This song holds a special place in my heart as it mentions my fathers name, the church I grew up in and a ton of other similarities, I cant help but smile every time this song slips through my truck speakers. This duet with their male powerhouse vocals and slight rock infused voices keep the song alive and upbeat, as they defend their hometown. "Where I was born, Where I was raised, where I keep all my yesterdays"
5. "Boondocks" - Little Big Town
This boot stomping country group with their multi toned voices that flow in and out of harmonies effortlessly, sing a song Boondocks that talks about a tin roof, a front porch and a gravel road. Every small town kid has a place in their heart for this song and what it represents. "You get a line, I'll get pole, will go fishing in a crawfish hole"
6. "Little Bitty" - Alan Jackson
A timeless voice that you can identify after two words Alan Jackson sings about how it's alright to be from a small town, if anything it's a good thing. A feel good song that simply solidifies what feels like to be a from a little bitty town. "Little hometown or a big ole city, might as well share might as well smile"
7. "Baby Girl" - Sugarland
Country group Sugarland's Baby Girl a number two hit on the country charts, brought this group to the forefront of everyone's mind. Jennifer Nettles sings about chasing her dreams and what it all takes. A great song for a college student who simply just misses their Mom and Dad. "Dear Mom and Dad please send money"
8. "Check Yes or No" - George Strait
A timeless classic that any and every country music fan knows. A song that sweeps everyone into the love story of two kids who met in class with a little note. "I think this is how love goes, check yes or no"
9. "Young" - Kenny Chesney
How can you not love beach bum country singing Kenny Chesney, especially with his song Young. A song about rebbelling in high school and finding yourself and how fast it all slips by. "Man I dont know, where the time goes, but it sure goes fast"
10. "Church Pew or Barstool" - Jason Aldean
A personal favorite thats not quiet so popular. This song mentions all the little things you see in a small town while talking about not fitting in to the small town culture. "When you don't see to run on either side of the fence, people act like you don't make sense.
