20 Songs About West Virginia

From anthems celebrating the state’s beauty and traditions to heartfelt ballads capturing the spirit of its people, West Virginia’s influence on the world of music is undeniable. In this article, we’ll explore 20 songs about West Virginia that pay homage to its captivating charm and enduring legacy. 

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique sense of pride and community that have inspired countless musicians over the years.

These songs not only celebrate the splendor of West Virginia but also serve as a testament to the resilient spirit and enduring pride of its people.

1. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is often associated with West Virginia due to its lyrics and Denver’s connection to the state. Although Denver was not originally from West Virginia, he had performed there many times and was inspired by the state’s natural beauty and friendly people.

The song has been adopted as an unofficial anthem of West Virginia and is often played at sporting events, political rallies, and other public gatherings in the state.

2. “Leaving West Virginia” by Kathy Mattea

“Leaving West Virginia” by Kathy Mattea is a heartwarming song that resonates with listeners who have an emotional connection to the Appalachian region. The ballad encapsulates the spirit of West Virginia, focusing on the emotional experience of leaving one’s home and the people they hold dear. 

3. “He’s In Dallas” by Reba Mcentire

In “He’s In Dallas” by Reba McEntire, the lyrics poignantly illustrate the emotional journey of a woman returning to her roots in West Virginia.

This aspect of the song allows listeners from West Virginia to relate to the feelings of nostalgia, heartache, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging in times of uncertainty.

4. “Country Boys Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr

The lyrics of this track, which celebrate the strength and determination of country folks, reflect the values of self-reliance and the deep connection to nature that are often found in West Virginia’s culture.

As the song extols the virtues of living off the land and embracing the simplicity of a rural way of life, it speaks to the hearts of those who call the Appalachian region their home.

5. “Hills of West Virginia” by Phil Ochs

“Hills of West Virginia” by Phil Ochs is a touching tribute to the breathtaking beauty and distinctive spirit of the Appalachian region. The song is a love letter to West Virginia, weaving a vivid tapestry of the state’s rolling hills, verdant forests, and meandering rivers.

Ochs’ soulful voice and poetic lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the region’s natural wonders, while also shedding light on the lives of the hardworking people who call it home.

6. “West Virginia Wildflower” by Stacey Grubb

“West Virginia Wildflower” by Stacey Grubb is a melodious ode to the enchanting charm of West Virginia, inspired by the state’s natural splendor and the resilience of its people.

The song weaves a beautiful narrative of a wildflower, symbolizing the spirit of West Virginians who flourish in the face of adversity. 

7. “Wild West Virginia” by Daniel Johnston

The song, infused with a sense of nostalgia, conjures images of the state’s lush forests, rolling hills, and the simple joys of rural living. “Wild West Virginia” also showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage and the close-knit communities that make it unique.

As an affectionate tribute to West Virginia, the song resonates with both residents and those who have experienced the magnetic charm of the state.

8. “16 Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford

As a poignant tribute to West Virginia, the song resonates with residents and visitors alike, leaving listeners with a deep, lasting appreciation for the wild and wonderful world of West Virginia.

It also highlights the state’s rich cultural heritage, paying homage to the close-knit communities and the indomitable spirit that make it truly unique. 

9. “Coal Camp Memories” by Hominy Falls

“Coal Camp Memories” by Hominy Falls is a poignant song that pays tribute to the rich history and cultural fabric of West Virginia’s coal mining communities.

Through evocative lyrics and a haunting melody, the song transports listeners back in time, immersing them in the experiences and struggles of the hardworking men and women who once called the coal camps home. 

10. “Anywhere With You” by Jake Owen

For West Virginians, “Anywhere With You” can serve as a testament to the power of love in uniting people, regardless of their geographical origins, and the shared experiences that define and strengthen relationships even when they take us far from home.

The song’s heartfelt message and Owen’s emotive voice evoke feelings of love, adventure, and a desire to explore the world alongside a significant other. 

11. “Union, God, and Country” by Steve Earle

Earle’s impassioned voice and powerful storytelling capture the resilience and unwavering spirit of West Virginians, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of life in this storied region.

The song resonates with listeners by paying homage to the strong work ethic, sense of community, and commitment to tradition that have shaped West Virginia’s cultural identity.

12. “Blue Ridge Mountain Song” by Alan Jackson

Jackson’s resonant voice and emotional narrative elicit feelings of nostalgia and gratitude for the area’s stunning scenery and the tight-knit communities that characterize its cultural backdrop.

For those from West Virginia, “Blue Ridge Mountain Song” acts as a touchstone for their bond with the land and highlights the significance of preserving the customs and principles that have molded their identity.

13. “West Virginia Chose Me” by Colleen Anderson

The song’s title reflects the notion that the state’s influence is not merely a matter of choice, but rather an enduring bond that has chosen its people.

Anderson’s captivating voice and poetic storytelling resonate with West Virginians by highlighting the cherished memories, experiences, and values that have shaped their identities. 

14. “West Virginia” by The Front Bottoms

While the song delves into the complexities of relationships and the search for one’s identity, West Virginia serves as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and growth.

The Front Bottoms’ unique blend of indie rock and introspective storytelling resonates with listeners, offering a fresh perspective on the state’s symbolic significance. 

15. “West Virginia My Home” by Hazel Dickens

Dickens creates a vibrant portrayal of West Virginia’s breathtaking scenery, its abundant cultural legacy, and the unyielding spirit of the local people.

Her dynamic voice and genuine narration express an intense feeling of pride and yearning for the place she considers home. The song strikes a chord with West Virginians and those who hold a similar affection for the state.

16. “Small Town” by Nappy Roots

“Small Town” by Nappy Roots is a heartwarming tribute to the sense of belonging and nostalgia that comes with growing up in West Virginia.

The song artfully contrasts the hustle and bustle of busy city streets with the serenity and comfort found in a small town, painting a vivid picture of the desire to escape the fast-paced life and reconnect with the simplicity and warmth that can only be found in a place like West Virginia.

17. “West Virginia Gals” by Al Hopkins

As a celebration of West Virginia’s rich heritage, the song serves as a testament to the pride and love that the people of this region hold for their home.

By weaving a vivid narrative of life in the Appalachian Mountains, “West Virginia Gals” creates an endearing tribute to the state and its enchanting inhabitants, leaving listeners with a sense of admiration and longing for the captivating world that it portrays.

18. “Come Home to West Virginia” by Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

“Come Home to West Virginia” by Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. is a soulful and moving tribute to the breathtaking beauty and welcoming spirit of West Virginia.

The song masterfully weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery, encompassing the state’s lush landscapes, strong sense of community, and rich cultural heritage. 

19. “Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)” by Alabama

As the song honors the tireless efforts of coal miners, steelworkers, and other industrious individuals, it reflects the pride, resilience, and determination that are hallmarks of West Virginians and their storied history.

“Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)” by Alabama, although not exclusively about West Virginia, is a powerful anthem that resonates with the hardworking spirit of the people in the state. 

20. “Girl from West Virginia” by Doyle Lawson

“Girl from West Virginia” by Doyle Lawson is a tender and heartfelt ballad that pays tribute to the enchanting beauty and captivating spirit of a woman hailing from the Mountain State.

With its melodious tune and evocative lyrics, “Girl from West Virginia” transports listeners to the picturesque landscapes and close-knit communities that define the regio

Final Thoughts

As we have journeyed through this melodious collection, it is clear that West Virginia’s charm, heritage, and natural beauty continue to resonate with artists and listeners alike, leaving a lasting impression on hearts and minds.

With each verse and chorus, these songs serve as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between a place and its people, and the enduring pride that comes from calling West Virginia home.