Rising senior Addison Townson received (out of 2,949 entries!) an Honorable Mention in the NYT "My List" contest for her curated list entitled “Top 3 Best Country Songs That Capture the Essence of a Road Trip Through Rural America”. Way to go Addie! Her entry is reprinted below!
Top 3 Best Country Songs That Capture the Essence of a Road Trip Through Rural America
Somewhere between nowhere and the next town, the right song can turn a drive into something more—new memories, reminders of where you’ve been, or even a glimpse of where you’re headed. Country music captures this feeling best, and few songs do it better than, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Chicken Fried,” and “Feathered Indians.” These songs define a road trip through rural America.
Morning Drive: ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ - John Denver
“Country roads, take me home to the place I belong….”
Every great road trip starts with a feeling of excitement and endless possibilities. The sun rising and the road ahead feels like an open invitation full of adventure. This song captures it perfectly. It celebrates the connection to the country-like land. While it is about West Virginia, the song speaks to anyone who has ever felt a deep bond with a place. From the moment the music starts, it’s as if you are on a scenic journey driving through the beautiful countryside. Even if you’ve never experienced it before, the song can make it feel like home.
“Driving down the road, I get a feelin’ that I should have been home yesterday…”
The song is not just about arriving, but remembering. It shows that country roads don't just take you home— they show why home is significant. The soft guitar paired with John Denver’s simple voice makes you want to sing along and roll those windows down. It emulates why road trips through rural America feel so personal and calming. It is about the memories, the journey, and the places that are waiting for you.
Midday Drive: ‘Chicken Fried’ - Zac Brown Band
“You know I like my chicken fried, cold beer on a Friday night…”
By midday, the road feels alive while tractors plow, kids play outside, and the small towns thrive. Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried” perfectly captures this vibe. It lives up to the spirit of small-town America where life isn’t about fancy things, but the simple joys of family, hard work, and food. It’s the perfect song for driving through country roads, where life moves a little slower, but feels just right.
“It’s funny how it’s the little things in life that mean the most...”
This song isn’t just a feel-good anthem but more of a celebration of the everyday moments that make life simple and meaningful. As you drive past farmland, county fairs, and flag-lined properties, “Chicken Fried” reminds you it is about appreciating the simple, honest things that make rural America feel like home.
Sunset Drive: ‘Feathered Indians’ - Tyler Childers
“Looking over West Virginia, smoking spirits on the roof…”
As the sun sets, the road glows with warm light and stretches through the fields. Tyler Childers’ “Feathered Indians’ uses its lyrics and rich bluegrass sound to capture the feeling of rural America. The usage of the fiddle and steady guitar enhances the song, adding to its warm nostalgic feel. It’s the perfect song for the final stretch of the road trip, where every mile brings memories and reflection.
“Well, my heart is sweating bullets from the circles it has races, like a little feathered Indian calling out the clouds for rain…”
This song is not just about love and regret but about movement, change, and remembering the past. The bluegrass instrumental provides a homey feeling making it easy to connect with. As the last light fades behind the hills, Feathered Indians leave you thinking about where you have been and what lies ahead, making it the perfect way to end a countryside drive.
This is the soundtrack of rural America’s open road.