5 Country Songs That Were Inspired by Real Love Stories

Who doesn’t love a good real-life tale about falling in love? These five country songs were very much inspired by actual love stories. Some of them might just bring a tear to your eye, too.

Videos by American Songwriter

1. “Remember When” by Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson’s life has been full of struggles and success. And he got through it all with some help from his wife Denise, whom he married in 1979 when the two were quite young. Jackson penned the song “Remember When” about his life before and during his time with Denise. It’s a truly sweet song about dedicating your life to your high school sweetheart.

[See Alan Jackson Live In Concert]

2. “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett is great at writing country love songs, not unlike his father Rhett Akins. “Die A Happy Man” is just one song that Rhett wrote about his relationship with his wife Lauren Akins, whom he married in 2012. It’s a lovely song about the positives and joys of long-term romantic commitment. The track was written by Rhett with some help from Joe Spargur and Sean Douglas, and it charted well enough upon its release to make Rhett a breakthrough country star.

3. “My Favorite Picture Of You” by Guy Clark

One can’t deny that Guy Clark was one of the best country songwriters of his generation. That talent was on full display in the track “My Favorite Picture Of You”. The song is one of several songs that were inspired by Clark’s wife, Susanna, whom he remained married to until her death from cancer in 2012. Clark also references Susanna in the songs “L.A. Freeway” and “Stuff That Works”.

4. “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings is one of the most well-known pioneers of outlaw country music. Jennings struggled with quite a lot during his life, but one person was always there to ensure at least some stability. That person was Jessi Colter, who remained married to Jennings until he passed away in 2002. Jennings wrote the song “Good Hearted Woman” about Colter, which went on to be a huge career hit.

5. “Holdin’ Her” by Chris Janson

Chris Janson is the kind of husband who loves talking about how much his wife changed his life. Janson married Kelly Lynn in 2010. They have two children together in addition to two children from Lynn’s first marriage. He wrote the 2016 song “Holdin’ Her” about Lynn with some assistance from songwriter James Oto. We have to say, it’s one of the most inspiring songs about love and endurance on this list of country songs that were inspired by real love stories.

Photo by Charles Sykes/Shutterstock

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.