Country music is where heartache turns poetic and stories unite in soulful melodies strummed on guitars. Tyler Childers is a Kentucky-based singer/songwriter known for his clever lyrics and catchy melodies, and his raw and honest approach to songwriting.
He has used his music to talk about issues that seem to be brushed under the carpet, especially in his hometown and surrounding areas. His music is a unique blend of country, folk, and bluegrass, with a touch of rock and roll thrown in for good measure.
Here are some of the best Tyler Childers songs that we know you will love:
Contents
- 1. Purgatory
- 2. I Swear (To God)
- 3. Lady May
- 4. Born Again
- 5. Shake the Frost
- 6. We’ve Had Our Fun
- 7. Harlan Road
- 8. Whitehouse Road
- 9. Long Violent History
- 10. The Gospel
- 11. Follow You to Virgie
- 12. Rocks and Relics
- 13. Universal Sound
- 14. Nose on the Grindstone
- 15. Feathered Indians
- 16. Oneida
- 17. Ever Lovin’ Hand
- 18. Charleston Girl
- 19. Bottles and Bibles
- 20. Gemini
- Conclusion
1. Purgatory
This track is from Tyler Childers’ second studio album, which was released in 2017. Tyler established himself as one of the most talented performers in the country music industry with this ingenious track. The album is about his upbringing in poverty and adversity, and how those circumstances turned him into the man he is now.
2. I Swear (To God)
This is the first song on the album Purgatory and talks about the values of working hard, even though Childers has referenced alcohol and drug use spontaneously throughout the song. This is a great song to listen to when you need a little motivation in your life.
3. Lady May
Childers’ difficult life in his home state of Kentucky is depicted in this heartfelt track. However, he believes love is a strong force in his life that keeps him going no matter what. Several listeners have commented that this song is the album’s ultimate outro since it encompasses the album’s message: love and hope can conquer all.
4. Born Again
Another great song from the Purgatory album, this one discusses a topic not often touched by other musicians in the country genre, i.e. reincarnation. This track talked about how reincarnation is a refreshing way to see life and uses lyrics to accept death as a natural phenomenon. One more reason to adore this song is the flawless vocal-guitar harmony.
5. Shake the Frost
You should try this song if you’re on the hunt for a track to sing at the altar, either for your partner or for the occasion itself. This song is about how love can inspire us to do things we never imagined we could.
6. We’ve Had Our Fun
This track is about the consequences of leading a rebellious life, which is a usual theme in country music.
The lyrics are incredibly smart, and the overall tune has a terrific message. Though this song predates Tyler Childers’ fame in the music industry, it remains one of the songs that is worth listening to.
7. Harlan Road
You cannot help but be captivated by Childers’ lyrics when you hit play on this song. The accompanying tune is a work of art in itself.
Many appreciate listening to this song because of how it makes them feel and how realistic the words are. Despite being centered around a broken relationship, the song radiates an encouraging and optimistic message.
8. Whitehouse Road
This Tyler Childers song addresses the seriousness of the drug and alcohol problem in the Rockies, where he grew up. This song is particularly personal for Tyler because he witnessed and lived through the destructive impact of this menace.
9. Long Violent History
This song has grown increasingly popular given the current political situation. Childers sings about America’s long history of violence and how it has impacted him and his family.
This is an excellent song to listen to if you’re searching for something a little more political. Childers challenges stereotypes in this track, portraying a different perspective on white rural Americans often labeled as racists.
10. The Gospel
Childers’ Christian upbringing was represented in this song, which was released in 2011. The track is about how the Gospel has benefited him and how it can benefit others. This is a fantastic song on the Christianity’s influence on rural Americans, showcasing its positive impact on their lives.
11. Follow You to Virgie
The title nods to Virgie, Childers’ Kentucky hometown, where he fondly listened to Engelbert Humperdinck tunes with his childhood pals. The song is about his overwhelming feelings of nostalgia for his hometown, which is a common theme in country music.
12. Rocks and Relics
Childers has never shied away from writing songs about subjects that are considered taboo in rural America and this track is another fine example. This song references drug misuse, which was widespread in his neighborhood. The song also mentions aliens, alluding to the psychedelic experience that drug users get when high.
13. Universal Sound
This is yet another song from the breakthrough album Purgatory. Childers talks about meditation, psychedelic energy, and the interconnectedness of all beings in this song.
The track’s unique vibe sets it apart from the rest of the album, making it a must-listen for those craving a refreshing twist on traditional country music.
14. Nose on the Grindstone
Tyler Childers’ discography is full of songs about the life of blue-collar laborers in rural America, and this song is no different. This is about the advice that fathers give to their children who worked in coal mines: work like a mule till you get rich. Although this song appears to romanticize overwork, it’s still worth a listen to understand rural American life.
15. Feathered Indians
This song is well-known among country music fans and has influenced many individuals in their lives. This song, from his Purgatory album, is about him being resilient and perseverant if a special “angel” helps him along the way.
This is an excellent song to listen to if you want to be inspired by the music you listen to, and many people enjoy it because of the abrasive melody. Plus, its message about having someone by your side is something everyone can relate to.
16. Oneida
This song is about a young man who is fascinated by an older woman and sheds light on the benefits and drawbacks of dating someone older. This is a terrific song for country music fans searching for something different as it takes a different approach to love and relationships.
17. Ever Lovin’ Hand
Many people consider this song to be more of a short tale than a lyrical poem. It was a part of Tyler’s third album Country Squire which was released in 2019. Ever Lovin’ Hand is considered one of Childers’ most honest songs as it discusses the highs and lows of love.
Tyler doesn’t shy away from harsher themes like adultery and grief, which makes the song even more interesting.
18. Charleston Girl
The lighthearted atmosphere of this tune, with the mandolin drifting for a few seconds, has made this song an absolute hit amongst country-music lovers. On the surface, the song is about how Tyler’s escapades with a local young woman in Charleston, South Carolina, forced him to unleash his wild side.
This song, though, holds a hidden depth. It’s perfect for those who want to savor country music’s charm without feeling overwhelmed.
19. Bottles and Bibles
Themes like mental illnesses, depression, alcohol, and drug misuse are not spoken of in public, especially in rural America and Tyler aims to use his music to break the silence around these topics. People continue to suffer in silence because of the taboo and no one is immune, be it influential members of the community or ordinary people on the road.
This song comes as a ray of hope, validating the pain of those who remained silent to conform while its upbeat music and Childers’ charming voice make it easy to listen to repeatedly.
20. Gemini
This last track is great for those who are in long-distance relationships. Childers affirms his love for his girl in this song, saying that no matter how far he is, his feelings won’t ever change, and he does not have to be with her physically to feel her presence. This is perfect for those who cherish life’s simplicity and have faith in the power of love.
Conclusion
Music wields great power in addressing our feelings and controversial subjects. Tyler Childers fearlessly showcases his creativity in capturing life’s ups and downs through his music. If you enjoy country music or anything country-related, listen to these songs and find some new favorites along the way.
Featured Image Credit : By Roberta – Tyler Childers-19, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75510568
