10 Country Songs That Unite Us
Music heals. After every tragedy, scare or trivial argument we turn to our favorite singers to remind us what's pure in life. These 10 country songs some of the best at uniting people worldwide.
Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks make the list twice. Find Hank Williams Jr. and Brad Paisley on this list of songs that unite, as well as two collaborative songs that are famous worldwide. One song literally united 30 country artists from several generations — could that happen in any other genre?
Love and Theft, Reba McEntire and more made this collection, too. Occasionally songs are inspired by tragedy, and while a few of these famous country songs were born out of world news events, they're mostly timeless salves of the heart after something (like the bombings in Manchester, England) breaks our heart.
Each song is apolitical, chosen because they rely on emotions or feelings we all have buried inside of us. These are songs that urge us to love our neighbors, hug strangers and find commonalities with those we fear instead of ways to divide.
"We Shall Be Free"
Garth BrooksGarth Brooks' message is that we'll only be free when all of the world's problems are solved, but he performs the song with hope that we'll one day taste that freedom.
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken"
This timeless song is oft-performed in country music, uniting generations of country music fans. “Will the circle be unbroken / By and by, lord, by and by.” It's a song of faith and hope.
"Forever Country"
Various Artists"Forever Country" literally united 30 different country artists for an all-time great moment in history. This mash of three hit songs is impossible to ignore.
"Pray for Peace"
Reba McEntireIf you can't get behind McEntire's message of unity and love, your heart has truly hardened. This 2014 song was an inspired moment.
"Welcome to the Future"
Brad PaisleyThe music video for Paisley's "Welcome to the Future" did as much to unite as the song from his American Saturday Night album. Which lyric do you tie yourself to?
"It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere"
Alan Jackson (Feat. Jimmy Buffett)A yearning to blow off steam at the end of a work day is universal. Jackson's song with Jimmy Buffett isn't philosophical, but it unites us with drinks.
"Family Tradition"
Hank Williams Jr.Is there a better country singalong than Hank Williams Jr.'s classic song?
"Love Wins"
Love and TheftLove and Theft's "Love Wins" is a simple concept that rings a similar tone as McEntire's "Pray for Peace."
"Friends in Low Places"
Garth BrooksLike "Family Tradition," Brooks' "Friend in Low Places" is a singalong that unites every country music fan. Heck, you'll barely find two non-country fans unwilling to throw a drink in the air and shout "I've got friends in low places ..."
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)?"
Alan JacksonJackson's post-9/11 anthem unites because it captures emotions we all felt after that horrible day. He helped start the recovery process for so many fans of country music. It's a beautiful song of unity.