Top Red Dirt Country Songs
If you’re a big fan of country music, then you’ve definitely heard of red dirt music! It’s a musical style that’s rough around the edges, and it can really spur up the rebellious outlaw in you, so we’ve put together a list of the top red dirt country songs to get you going!
What Is Red Dirt Country Music?
Red Dirt is a style of country music that comes out of Stillwater, OK. We can get even more specific and say that it came blasting out of a house called the Farm, owned by Bob Childers – the father of the musical style.
As with any type of music, it’s hard to limit it to one specific definition, but there are many traits that most songs in the genre follow. It’s basically the rebellious side of country music, and the mindset is as important as the music itself. Most of the time it has a folky sound to it, but the lyrics are often edgier than the more mellow styles of country music. Because of the mindset behind it, a lot of the artists borrow from other musical styles when making their magic.
Now, for a sample of some of the best.
Restless Dreams
Tom Skinner
This one’s a bit of a mix of history because Restless Dreams is a song by Bob Childress, but this version is done by one of the other originals out of the Farm, Tom Skinner. The title says it all with this one, because Red Dirt music is perfect for anyone with a restless spirit.
Red Dirt Roads at Night
Jimmy LaFave
Here’s one that’s about those Stillwater days, plain and simple. It talks about all the great things he misses from the good ol’ days of his youth, but the top of the list is cruising down the red dirt roads at night. If that doesn’t make you want to hop in the car and road trip it to Oklahoma, nothing will.
Shortenin’ Bread
The Tractors
Steve Ripley is one of the leaders of the Tractors, and he’s a man with heavy influence on the Red Dirt music. That’s because his earlier band, Moses, self-published a live album in the early 70s, and they said it was made by “Red Dirt Records.” This was the first usage of the name, but it definitely stuck around.
Gin, Smoke, Lies
Turnpike Troubadors
Gin and smoke and lies – this is obviously a song about a broken heart. Since it’s a feeling that most of us will have one time or another throughout our lives, it’s a popular topic for songs. But, most styles of music can’t pull it off like a Red Dirt song can. Heartbreak was never so raw.
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Cross Canadian Ragweed
This young band managed to blow up big, and they helped spread the Oklahoma sounds around the country. They were named as a combination of the last names of the original group, and they were a college band in Stillwater who just happened to be in the right place at the right time – for all of us.
Somewhere Down in Texas
Jason Boland and the Stragglers
Red Dirt music may have come out of Oklahoma, but it also grew and evolved in Texas. There are arguably two different versions of it depending on which state it comes from, but this song shows just how connected it all is.
Cry Pretty
Jason Eady
We’ve all had that awkward moment when you run into an old love interest unexpectedly. The raw sounds and feelings in this really speak to the thoughts that rush through your head when it happens. After all, if you think someone cries pretty, you know there’s been some love there.
Trains I Missed
Walt Wilkins
We all know that it’s a big ol’ world, and we have plenty of choices that define our futures. Do you have regrets? Walt Wilkins did, and here he belts out a passionate song about it all. Good thing he started performing, because we’d all regret it without his contribution to Country.
Carry On
Pat Green
Pat Green is a Texan who embraced the Red Dirt style and built quite a name for himself with his own fearless musical style. A song like this is good advice because he reminds you that sometimes you should just let loose and enjoy your life!
The Goes on Forever
Robert Earl Keene
“The road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” A lyric like that is enough to show why Red Dirt music is so popular.
What’s Your Favorite?
Just like with any list, it’s tough to pick out all of the best. Did we miss anything? What’s your favorite Red Dirt song?
