Tammy Wynette is one of the most iconic and beloved figures in country music history. Known as the “First Lady of Country Music,” Tammy’s emotive voice and powerful storytelling made her an enduring figure in the genre. Throughout her career, Tammy released a string of hits that have become timeless classics, cementing her status as one of the greatest country singers of all time. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Tammy Wynette songs of all time. From heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems of female empowerment, these songs showcase the breadth and depth of Tammy’s artistry. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to remind you of the enduring power of Tammy’s voice and the indelible impact she has had on the world of country music. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest hits of the legendary Tammy Wynette.
1. ‘Til I Can Make It On My Own
“‘Til I Can Make It On My Own” is a classic country song released by Tammy Wynette in 1976. The song was written by George Richey, Billy Sherrill, and Tammy Wynette herself. It was a chart-topping hit for Tammy, and it has become one of her most enduring and beloved songs.
The song tells the story of a woman who is trying to cope with the end of a relationship. She acknowledges that she still loves her partner, but she knows that she needs to learn how to stand on her own two feet. The lyrics are heartfelt and powerful, and they capture the pain and uncertainty of moving on after a breakup. Tammy’s delivery is equally emotional, with her trademark twang conveying the song’s bittersweet sentiment.
2. Golden Ring
“Golden Ring” is a duet between Tammy Wynette and George Jones. The song was released in 1976 and became one of the most successful songs of their career. Written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe VanHoy, the song tells the story of a couple who are going through a divorce and are dividing up their possessions. The golden ring in the title is a symbol of the love they once had, but now it is just a memory.
The song’s melody is haunting and melancholy, perfectly capturing the pain and sadness of a marriage ending. Tammy and George’s voices blend together beautifully, with Tammy’s emotive vocals contrasting with George’s rougher, more grounded tone. The song’s lyrics and melody make it a classic example of country music storytelling at its finest, and it remains a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.
3. ‘Til I Get It Right
“‘Til I Get It Right” is a classic country song performed by Tammy Wynette. It was released in 1973 and written by Red Lane and Larry Henley. The song’s lyrics speak to the universal experience of trying to find one’s way in life, of persevering in the face of setbacks and failures. Tammy’s heartfelt delivery and distinctive voice give the song a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The song’s melody is simple and straightforward, with a slow, steady beat that reinforces the song’s message of persistence. Tammy’s voice is front and center, imbuing the song with a sense of determination and resilience. The lyrics are a reminder that success is often the result of hard work and perseverance, and that sometimes it takes several tries before we get it right.
4. D-I-V-O-R-C-E
“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is a classic country song written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, and performed by Tammy Wynette. It was released in 1968 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top spot on the country charts. The song tells the story of a young couple who are getting a divorce, with their young son serving as a witness to the breakup.
The song’s simple melody and catchy chorus make it a memorable tune, but it is Tammy’s emotive vocals that give the song its power. Her voice conveys the pain and sadness of the couple’s breakup, as well as the confusion and hurt felt by their son. The song’s lyrics are a stark reminder of the toll that divorce can take on a family, and it has become an anthem for anyone who has experienced the pain of a relationship ending.
5. Stand By Your Man
“Stand By Your Man” is one of Tammy Wynette’s most famous songs, and one of the most iconic country songs of all time. Released in 1968, the song was written by Tammy and Billy Sherrill. The song’s message is clear: no matter what happens, a woman should stand by her man.
The song’s melody is simple and catchy, with Tammy’s unmistakable voice giving the song a timeless quality. The lyrics are a reflection of the traditional gender roles of the time, and they have been criticized for promoting the idea that women should tolerate any behavior from their partners. However, the song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. It has become an anthem for anyone who believes in the power of love and loyalty, and it remains one of the most beloved songs in the country music canon.
6. Woman To Woman
“Woman To Woman” is a classic country song written by James Banks and Eddie Marion, and performed by Tammy Wynette. The song was released in 1974 and tells the story of a woman who receives a letter from another woman, revealing that she is having an affair with her husband. The song’s lyrics are a powerful testament to the bond between women, and the pain that infidelity can cause.
The song’s melody is slow and mournful, with Tammy’s voice conveying the heartbreak and confusion of the song’s protagonist. The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of betrayal, and the importance of solidarity and support among women.
7. This Time I Almost Made It
“This Time I Almost Made It” is a classic country song performed by Tammy Wynette. Written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, the song was released in 1974 and became a top 10 hit on the country charts. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who is trying to achieve her dreams, but keeps falling short. Despite her setbacks, she keeps trying, determined to succeed.
The song’s melody is upbeat and optimistic, with Tammy’s voice conveying the determination and resilience of the song’s protagonist. The lyrics are a reminder that success often requires perseverance and hard work, and that even when we fall short, it is important to keep trying.
8. Another Lonely Song
“Another Lonely Song” is a classic country song written by Tammy Wynette, George Richey, and Norris Wilson. The song was released in 1974 and became a top 5 hit on the country charts. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who is heartbroken after a breakup, and is struggling to move on.
The song’s melody is slow and mournful, with Tammy’s voice conveying the sadness and loneliness of the song’s protagonist. The lyrics are a reminder that heartbreak is a universal experience, and that even when we feel alone and lost, there is always the possibility of finding love again. The song has become a classic example of Tammy’s ability to capture the emotional complexity of love and loss, and it remains a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.
9. I Don’t Wanna Play House
“I Don’t Wanna Play House” is a classic country song performed by Tammy Wynette. Written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, the song was released in 1967 and became Tammy’s first number one hit. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young girl who is forced to grow up too quickly when her parents’ marriage falls apart. She realizes that the happy family she once knew is gone forever, and she must learn to cope with the pain and uncertainty of her new reality.
The song’s melody is simple and plaintive, with Tammy’s voice conveying the sadness and resignation of the song’s protagonist. The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the toll that divorce can take on children, and the importance of providing them with love and support during difficult times.
10. Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad
“Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” is a classic country song written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, and performed by Tammy Wynette. The song was released in 1967 and became a top 5 hit on the country charts. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is tired of playing by the rules and being a “good girl”. She decides to break free from societal expectations and embrace her own desires and ambitions.
The song’s melody is upbeat and catchy, with Tammy’s voice conveying the sense of liberation and empowerment felt by the song’s protagonist. The lyrics are a celebration of female agency and independence, and have become an anthem for anyone who refuses to be constrained by gender stereotypes. The song is a testament to Tammy’s ability to capture the spirit of the changing times, and her legacy as one of the most influential women in country music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
