20 Songs About Kentucky

Kentucky is a place with a rich history and culture. The bluegrass state has been the home of many musicians who have written songs about its people and places over the years. Here are some of the best songs about Kentucky.

1. “Kentucky Rain” by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is a Kentucky-born musician who wrote this song about the state’s rainy weather. The song “Kentucky Rain” was released in 1969 and became a hit in the United States and among fans from all over the world.

The lyrics talk about a man being left behind by his woman. You can find this track on Presley’s From Elvis in Memphis album.

2. “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster

This sentimental track was written in 1852 by Stephen Foster. “My Old Kentucky Home” is about a slave who is being forced to leave his home in Kentucky and head down south.

The song became an anthem for the abolitionist movement and is still sung today by many people from all walks of life.

3. “Blue Moon of Kentucky” by Bill Monroe

“Blue Moon of Kentucky” is a bluegrass standard that was written by Bill Monroe in 1946. The song is about the state of Kentucky and its beauty.

The lyrics talk about how the blue moon lights up the night sky over Kentucky and how it’s a sight that everyone should see. This classic track can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.

4. “Kentucky Moon” by Jake Ousley

If you’re a fan of acoustic music, then you’ll love this song by Jake Ousley. “Kentucky Moon” is a beautiful ballad that was written about the state of Kentucky and its people.

The lyrics talk about how the moonlight shines down on the state and how it’s a place that is considered home by many.

5. “Kentucky Straight” by Johnny Cash

“Kentucky Straight” is a song written by Johnny Cash that was released in 1973. The track is about the state of Kentucky and its bourbon industry.

The lyrics talk about how Kentucky is the home of bourbon and how it’s a drink that many people enjoy. You can find this song on Cash’s Any Old Wind That Blows album.

6. “Kentucky Woman” by Waylon Jennings

Ever fell in love with a Kentucky woman? Well, if you have, then this song is for you. “Kentucky Woman” is a song cover by Waylon Jennings that was released in 1968.

The song is about a man who is in love with a woman from Kentucky and it talks about how she’s the best thing that has ever happened to him. This track is from Jennings’ Only the Greatest album.

7. “Kentucky Woman” by Neil Diamond

The original version of “Kentucky Woman” was written and performed by Neil Diamond in 1968. This track is from Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hits album.

This is one of his most popular tracks which has been covered by various artists over the years. If you’re a fan of Neil Diamond, then you’ll love this song!

8. “Kentucky Skies” by Leftover Salmon

Leftover Salmon’s “Kentucky Skies” is a track from their album, Aquatic Hitchhiker. This song has great bluegrass feel to it and is perfect for any Kentucky native!

It talks about the beauty of the state and how it’s a great place to call home. It was released in 2012 and can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.

9. “Kentucky In The Morning” by Tom T. Hall

Another song about the beauty of Kentucky is Tom T. Hall’s “Kentucky In The Morning”. This track was released in 1969 and can be found on his album, Homecoming.

It’s a great song to listen to if you’re missing home or just want to appreciate the state more. This song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Tom T. Hall’s version is definitely the most well-known.

10. “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg

Next on the list is a song about Kentucky that is not overtly about the state, but more about a horse race that takes place there. “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg is a song about the Kentucky Derby, and how the race can represent life itself.

The lyrics talk about how race is both exciting and dangerous, and how it can be over in an instant.  You can find this on his The Innocent Age album released in 1981.

11. “Bourbon In Kentucky” by Dierks Bentley

Another song dedicated to Kentucky’s most famous export – bourbon. Dierks Bentley’s “Bourbon in Kentucky” is a fun, upbeat song about drinking bourbon and enjoying life.

The lyrics talk about how the whiskey makes everything better, from the weather to the women. You can find this track on his 2014 album Riser.

12. “Kentucky Gambler” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s “Kentucky Gambler” is a song about a woman who falls in love with a man who is a gambler. The lyrics tell the story of how the woman tries to change him but eventually realizes that she can’t and has to let him go. You can find this track on her 1975 album The Bargain Store.

13. “Kentucky Dirty” by Laura Bundy

Up next is a song about Kentucky that is not necessarily a compliment. Laura Bundy’s “Kentucky Dirty” is a song about the nightlife and party scene in Kentucky. You can find this track on her 2015 album Another Piece Of Me.

14. “Kentucky Gambler” by Merle Haggard

Here’s a popular cover of Dolly Parton’s “Kentucky Gambler” by country legend Merle Haggard. The lyrics are the same, but Haggard’s version has a bit more of a twang to it.

You can find this track on the 1975 album Keep Movin’ On, which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

15. “Blue Kentucky Girl” by Emmylou Harris

Released in 1979, “Blue Kentucky Girl” by Emmylou Harris is a song about a woman who is longing for her home state of Kentucky. The lyrics talk about how she misses the bluegrass and the hills of her home.

You can find this track on Harris’ album of the same title. It has also been covered by various artists over the years.

16. “Long Hard Road” by Tyler Childers

The next song is a bit of a newer one, but it’s quickly become a Kentucky classic. Tyler Childers’ “Long Hard Road” is a song about the struggles of growing up in rural Kentucky.

The lyrics talk about how hard it is to make it out of a place like that, but how ultimately it’s worth it. You can find this track on his Bottles and Bibles album released in 2011.

17. “Kentucky Waltz” by The Blue Grass Boys

The Bluegrass Boys were a bluegrass band that was popular in the 1950s. Their song “Kentucky Waltz” is a traditional waltz that has been covered by many artists over the years. You can find this track on their 1961 album The Great Bill Monroe.

18. “Old Kentucky Farmers” by Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are a bluegrass band that is still active today. Their song “Old Kentucky Farmers” is a tribute to the hardworking farmers of Kentucky.

The lyrics talk about how they work day and night to provide for their families. You can find this track on their 2011 album Prime Tyme.

19. “Kentucky” by Afroman

The next song is a bit of a different take on Kentucky. Afroman’s “Kentucky” is a song about marijuana and how it originates in Kentucky.

The lyrics talk about how the weed is grown in the hills of the state and how it’s smoked by everyone. You can find this track on his 2008 album  Waiting to Inhale.

20. “Old King Coal” by Sturgill Simpson

Wrapping up our list is “Old King Coal” by Sturgill Simpson. This song is about the coal mining industry in Kentucky and how it’s affected the lives of the people who work in it.

The lyrics talk about the dangers of the job and how it takes a toll on the workers. You can find this track on his 2013 album High Top Mountain.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of songs about Kentucky that celebrate the state’s rich culture and history. From folk songs to country anthems, there’s a tune for everyone who loves this Bluegrass State. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little bit more about the music of Kentucky!