6 of the Most Controversial Country Songs of All Time

Country music has had its share of controversies through the years, some of which came from songs that made the airwaves. This list of the most controversial country songs of all time isn’t definitive, but each of these songs stirred the pot at the time of their respective releases.

1. “The Pill” by Loretta Lynn

We’ve covered this song a few times because it really was quite the controversial country song when it was first released in 1975. It’s not an overly complex track, either. It’s a simple country song about birth control and women’s rights, sung at a time and within a genre that wasn’t altogether kind to women’s reproductive freedoms. Fortunately, it gave Loretta Lynn some publicity and attention for both her music and fearlessness in the face of adversity.

2. “Have You Forgotten?” by Darryl Worley

This 2003 song by Darryl Worley got quite a bit of attention for being pro-war; though, Worley defended it by saying it was simply a pro-America song. Regardless of intentions, a lot of critics thought the lyrics were in poor taste. That didn’t stop the song from becoming a huge hit after its release.

[See Darryl Worley Live In Concert]

3. “Am I The Only One” by Aaron Lewis

Like “Have You Forgotten?”, this 2021 track by Aaron Lewis caught some strays for its arguably misguided and tone-deaf patriotism in its lyrics. The song accuses other Americans of being “brainwashed” and laments the fact that few want to “take a bullet” for their country nowadays. The song also takes a dig at Bruce Springsteen for his somewhat liberal views.

4. “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” by Toby Keith

This 2002 song was pretty controversial when it was first released. Specifically, the pro-war lyrics “We’ll put a boot in your a** / It’s the American way” are what made many listeners condemn the song. However, it’s worth noting that 2002 was quite a different time. The September 11 terrorist attacks left a still-raw mark on the American consciousness, and there was a lot of music at the time that reflected that fear in the form of extremely patriotic—some of which, was perceived as tone-deaf depending on the listener. Regardless, “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” became one of Toby Keith’s biggest hits.

5. “Rated X” by Loretta Lynn

Another Loretta Lynn classic, “Rated X” topped the charts in 1973. Despite its popularity, the song did ruffle a few feathers. The song was considered by many to be explicit at the time, due to its lyrics that tackle the nature of sexual freedom and double standards for married men and women. It wouldn’t make most people sweat today; but at the time, the song and its title were quite provocative.

6. “Down From Dover” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s “Down From Dover” weaves the tale of a pregnant teen who waits for her lost love to return. It’s one of Parton’s most heartwrenching ballads of her career. Some listeners at the time thought that a song about teen pregnancies and stillbirths was entirely too taboo, but that didn’t stop the song from becoming quite popular.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives

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