Country music is often considered to be the “other kind of music” that many people aren’t too fond of. For those who aren’t sure about country music, and why they should listen to it, here are some songs from the last decade that are bound to get you hooked. Whether they’re soft ballads, or fun and upbeat songs, all of country music lyrics have a meaning. Most people can relate to many country music songs, whether they’ve gone through a bad breakup, or they are going out with their friends. Country music is all about the connection.

The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
This song defines country music. Lambert sings the song of an adult who returns to the house she grew up in. The house “built her” with all of the memories from it. The writer, Allen Shamblin, wrote it because of his experiences of going back to his childhood home once a year. The song was recently released and is currently number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
”You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can, I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am…”

Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks
While the song never quite reached number one, this ballad will turn you to country music faster than you can say “amazing.” The 2007 hit is a conversation between the narrator and the girlfriend’s father while he asks to marry his daughter. Chuck Wicks sings his hit single beautifully (and he isn’t so bad on the eyes, either).
”In her eyes I'm Prince Charming, But to him I'm just some fella, Riding in and stealing Cinderella…”

You’ll Think of Me – Keith Urban From one of his earlier albums, Urban doesn’t disappoint with this number one hit from 2004. Many can relate to this emotional song about a woman leaving the man. The song is basically a song saying that the girl will think of him, and realize she’s made a mistake.
”And take your cat and leave my sweater, 'Cause we have nothing left to weather, In fact I'll feel a whole lot better, But you'll think of me, you'll think of me…”

Anyway - Martina McBride With many hits like “Concrete Angel,” “Independence Day,” and “God’s Will,” McBride shows her more outgoing side with this 2006 hit. The music video and the song itself are both inspirational for viewers and listeners. The top ten hit says that no matter what puts you down, you should not give up, and you should do it anyway.
”You can chase a dream, That seems so out of reach, And you know it might not ever come your way, Dream it anyway”

What Hurts the Most & Sarah Beth (Skin) – Rascal Flatts It was difficult to choose just one Rascal Flatts songs, because the boys have had so many hits. “What Hurts the Most” is the more known song, and is about how things could have been different in the future if things had been different in the past. The song was released in 2005, and was a crossover hit. Sarah Beth was also released in 2005, and is a sad song about a girl who discovers she has cancer. Both songs are classic Rascal Flatts, and makes you want to grab a box of tissues.
”And when he takes off his cap they all start to cry, Cause this morning where her hair had been, Softly she touches just skin.”

Strange – Reba The 2009 hit is classic Reba. The song is about a woman who ends a relationship who finds it “strange” that she’s not upset. The narrator was supposed to be in love with this guy, and now finds it was really easy to let him go. It’s a good song to be considered as a “women’s anthem.” Reba uses her vocal abilities to shine and show the world that she’s still here.
”Strange, I oughta be in bed with my head, In the pillow crying over us.”

Young – Kenny Chesney Kenny Chesney has many great songs, and “Young” from 2002 is no exception. The song is about kids who want to grow up, and once they’ve grown up, they look back and realize they’ve grown up too fast. If you like this song, check out “I Go Back,” which is another song of his that looks back on the past. Many people can relate to “Young,” and therefore it is a great country song.
”We were wanna be rebels who didn't have a clue, With our Rock n' roll T-shirts, and our typically bad attitudes.”

Teardrops on My Guitar - Taylor Swift Taylor Swift is known for her songs about boys and love. While more known hits would be “Tim McGraw,” “Our Song,” “Love Story,” or even “You Belong with Me,” “Teardrops on My Guitar” is the song that many girls can relate to, no matter how old they are. “Teardrops” is about Drew who the singer liked and was friends with. Drew always talked to her about the girl he liked, and so things never worked out. The 2007 hit was just one of the many songs that Taylor penned that many girls call “the stories of their lives.” (If you can, try to stay away from the pop remix.)
”He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar, The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart.”

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning – Alan Jackson This song was released just months after the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Jackson wrote the song at four a.m. on October 28th, when the melody and opening lines occurred to him. In the song, he tried to sum up his own feelings, and how he felt after the attacks. Although the song is old, it’s always relevant. It’s what true country music is about.
”Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us, And the greatest is love…”

Need You Now – Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” was released in late 2009, and is a top hit on both the country and pop radio stations. The song is about trying to leave someone, but no matter how hared you try, you can’t get them off your mind. Anyone who has had a difficult breakup will relate to this amazing song. Lady Antebellum is one to watch out for. Another great song by Lady A to check out, if you want to get interested in country music, is “American Honey,” which is their new single.
”Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor, Reaching for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore.”

Then – Brad Paisley “Then” was released in 2009, and became a number one hit for Paisley. In the song, the male expresses his love towards the female. The male recalls the previous events that took place during their relationship. Paisley himself called it a “heartfelt love song.” It’s what country music is all about: love, truth, and meaning.
”And i remember, taking you back to right where I first met you, You were so surprised, There were people around, but I didn't care, Got down on one knee right there once again, I thought I loved you then.”

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack Although it’s an old song (from 2000), it’s also one of the best country music songs. The song won many awards, including the Grammy’s Best Country Song. The song is about a mother expressing her wishes for her children. Whether you’re a mother, a child, a father, or a friend, this song will make you smile.
”I hope you still feel small, When you stand by the ocean, Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens, Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance.”

Honorable Mentions: Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” The Wreckers’ “Leave The Pieces,” Kellie Pickler’s “Red High Heels,” Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream,” SHeDAISY’s “Don’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing,” Sugarland’s “Joey,” Jason Michael Carroll’s “Alyssa Lies,” and Shania Twain’s “Don’t.”