Emmylou Harris is a country music legend with a career spanning over five decades. Known for her angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has released numerous albums that have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her music combines elements of traditional country, folk, and Americana, with a touch of rock and roll. Her collaborations with other iconic musicians like Gram Parsons, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt have further cemented her legacy in the music industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Emmylou Harris songs of all time, showcasing her incredible range as an artist and songwriter. From her early hits like “Boulder to Birmingham” and “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” to her later works like “Red Dirt Girl” and “Wrecking Ball,” these songs showcase the many facets of Harris’s artistry. We will examine the themes, the melodies, and the stories behind each song, exploring what makes them enduring classics. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to Emmylou Harris’s music, this list is a must-read for anyone who appreciates timeless, heartfelt songwriting.
1. Beneath Still Waters
“Beneath Still Waters” is a heartbreaking country ballad that showcases Emmylou Harris’ emotive vocals. The song, written by Dallas Frazier, tells the story of a woman trying to move on from a past love but still struggling with the memories that haunt her. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the soft piano notes provide a perfect backdrop to Harris’ vocals, which are filled with pain and vulnerability. The chorus, with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics, is a standout moment in the song. Harris’ ability to convey deep emotions through her singing is on full display in “Beneath Still Waters.”
2. Sweet Dreams
Emmylou Harris’s rendition of “Sweet Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases her powerful vocal range and emotional depth. Originally written and performed by country music legend Patsy Cline, Harris’s version stays true to the original while adding her own unique touch. The gentle acoustic guitar and melancholic violin perfectly complement Harris’s angelic voice as she sings about a lost love that continues to haunt her dreams. The song’s introspective lyrics and the pain in Harris’s voice make it a poignant reminder of the heartbreak that comes with losing someone you love. Overall, “Sweet Dreams” is a stunning display of Harris’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and it’s no wonder that it has become one of her most beloved and iconic songs.
3. Wayfaring Stranger
“Wayfaring Stranger” is a haunting and timeless traditional folk song that has been covered by countless artists, but Emmylou Harris’s rendition stands out as one of the best. Harris’s version features her distinct, emotive vocals accompanied by a sparse yet powerful arrangement of acoustic guitar and mournful violin. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a weary traveler making their way through the world, seeking refuge and solace from the hardships of life. Harris’s delivery captures the longing and yearning at the heart of the song, making it a moving and poignant listening experience. The stripped-down instrumentation only adds to the sense of vulnerability and raw emotion conveyed by Harris’s voice. “Wayfaring Stranger” is a testament to the enduring power of traditional folk music and Harris’s ability to breathe new life into timeless classics.
4. Two More Bottles of Wine
“Two More Bottles of Wine” is a lively and upbeat country song by Emmylou Harris that tells the story of a woman who has had enough heartbreak and is ready to drown her sorrows in alcohol. The song features a driving rhythm and catchy chorus that will have listeners tapping their feet and singing along. Harris’s strong, clear voice is on full display here as she delivers the song’s humorous yet poignant lyrics with a perfect balance of emotion and wit. With its irresistible melody and catchy lyrics, “Two More Bottles of Wine” is a classic country song that showcases Harris’s talents as both a vocalist and a storyteller.
5. Boulder to Birmingham
“Boulder to Birmingham” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by Emmylou Harris that pays tribute to her friend and former singing partner, Gram Parsons, who passed away in 1973. The song, which features Harris’s signature vocal style and intricate guitar work, reflects on the grief and loss she felt after Parsons’s death and her journey to come to terms with it. The lyrics are poetic and deeply personal, with lines like “I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham / I would hold my life in his saving grace / I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham / If I thought I could see, I could see your face.” The song’s melancholy melody and Harris’s emotive delivery make it a standout track in her impressive discography. It has since become a beloved classic among fans of both Harris and country music as a whole.
6. Pancho and Lefty
“Pancho and Lefty” is a classic country ballad that tells the story of two outlaw friends, Pancho and Lefty, who meet their fates in different ways. Emmylou Harris’ haunting and emotional rendition of the song showcases her raw and powerful vocals as she delivers each line with conviction and heartache. The mournful guitar and harmonica accompaniment add to the somber and reflective mood of the song, making it a timeless favorite among country music fans. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two men living life on the edge, constantly on the run and facing danger at every turn. The song’s message about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of friendship is powerful and resonant, and it has solidified its place as one of Harris’ most beloved and iconic songs.
7. Together Again
“Together Again” is a classic country song originally recorded by Buck Owens in 1964, but Emmylou Harris’s version is arguably the most well-known and beloved. The song features a simple and upbeat melody, with Harris’s clear and powerful vocals bringing life to the lyrics about reuniting with a lost love. The song’s chorus is especially catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a popular choice for karaoke and cover bands. Harris’s version also features some beautiful harmonies and instrumentation, including the twangy sound of a steel guitar. Overall, “Together Again” is a timeless country classic that showcases Harris’s talent as a vocalist and her ability to take a beloved song and make it her own.
8. To Daddy
“To Daddy” is a heart-wrenching country ballad about a mother’s love for her daughter, despite the challenges that life throws their way. Written by Dolly Parton, the song was covered by Emmylou Harris in 1977 and became one of her most popular songs. The lyrics speak to the sacrifices that parents make for their children and the desire to provide a better life for them. The mournful melody and Harris’ soulful vocals give the song a raw emotional power that is impossible to ignore. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss and has resonated with audiences for decades.
9. Born To Run
Although Harris isn’t doing her finest version of the Boss in “Born To Run,” she is in a rockier mood than usual. It’s a confident, head-nodding statement of intent that would make even Bruce Springsteen appear a little cowardly. She says defiantly, “Nobody’s going to force me do things their way. “By the time you realize it, yesterday has passed.” She becomes more impatient as the song goes on, and she finally says, “But I don’t need it when I’m old and gray / Yeah, I want it today.” It was written by her future husband, Paul Kennerly, and when it was released in 1981, it shot to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
10. Evangeline
“Evangeline” is a song recorded by Emmylou Harris, featuring backing vocals by Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. Written by David Olney, the song tells the story of a woman named Evangeline who is searching for her lost love Gabriel in the Louisiana bayou. Harris’ haunting vocals and the harmonies of Parton and Ronstadt perfectly capture the sorrow and longing in the lyrics. The song was released as the lead single from Harris’ album of the same name in 1981 and reached the top 20 on the Billboard country chart. It has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Harris’ live performances. The song has been covered by several artists, including Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, and Linda Ronstadt. It was also featured in the soundtrack of the film “The Big Easy” (1987). “Evangeline” showcases the power of Emmylou Harris’ voice and her ability to convey emotion through her music.
Erica Henderson 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.
