Lefty Frizzell was one of the most iconic country music artists of the mid-twentieth century. Known for his unique style that blended honky-tonk and western swing, Frizzell’s music had a profound impact on the genre and continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike. With a career spanning over two decades, Frizzell produced numerous hits that are still revered today. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Lefty Frizzell songs of all time, highlighting the artist’s musical genius and enduring legacy.
From “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” to “Long Black Veil,” Lefty Frizzell’s music encapsulates the heart and soul of country music. His rich, emotive voice and skillful guitar playing set him apart from other artists of his time and continue to inspire new generations of musicians. This list of the top 10 best Lefty Frizzell songs showcases his mastery of the genre and his ability to capture the human experience in his music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, these songs are sure to resonate with anyone who loves classic country music. So grab your cowboy hat and get ready to dive into the best of Lefty Frizzell.
1. I Want To Be With You Always
“I Want To Be With You Always” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1950. The song features Frizzell’s smooth, emotive voice and skilled guitar playing, as he sings of the power of love and the desire to be with the person you love always. The lyrics are full of heartfelt emotion and sincerity, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the sense of longing and devotion expressed in the song. “I Want To Be With You Always” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of love and the human experience, as well as Frizzell’s ability to convey deep feeling through his music, have made it a timeless classic of country music.
2. Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)
“Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell. The upbeat tune was released in 1951 and quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Country chart. Frizzell’s distinctive voice and skilled guitar playing are on full display in this catchy track. The song’s lyrics, which plead for more affection from a loved one, are a common theme in country music, but Frizzell’s delivery adds a unique flair to the tune. “Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)” is a prime example of Frizzell’s ability to capture the essence of country music and create timeless hits that continue to be enjoyed by fans today
3. Always Late (With Your Kisses)
“Always Late (With Your Kisses)” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1951. The song features Frizzell’s distinctive voice and skilled guitar playing, and it quickly became one of his signature hits. The lyrics tell the story of a frustrated lover whose significant other is always running late, leaving them feeling neglected and lonely. Frizzell’s emotive delivery perfectly captures the sense of longing and heartache conveyed in the lyrics, making the song a quintessential example of country music’s ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. “Always Late (With Your Kisses)” remains a beloved classic of the genre, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Frizzell’s enduring legacy and talent for crafting timeless hits are on full display in this memorable tune.
4. Saginaw, Michigan
“Saginaw, Michigan” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1964. The song tells the story of a man who moves from his home in Texas to Saginaw, Michigan, in search of work. Despite the cold weather and unfamiliar surroundings, the man falls in love with a local girl and decides to make Saginaw his permanent home. Frizzell’s rich, emotive voice brings the lyrics to life, conveying the character’s sense of loneliness, hope, and eventual happiness. The song’s catchy melody and relatable themes made it an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart. “Saginaw, Michigan” remains a beloved classic of country music, and it serves as a testament to Frizzell’s skill as a storyteller and musician.
5. Mom And Dad’s Waltz
“Mom and Dad’s Waltz” is a touching country ballad by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1951. The song describes a couple’s enduring love for one another, as witnessed through their shared love of dance. Frizzell’s soft, tender voice and gentle guitar playing add to the song’s nostalgic feel, as he sings of watching his parents dance together in their living room. The lyrics evoke a sense of comfort and warmth, reminding listeners of the simple joys of family and love. “Mom and Dad’s Waltz” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, solidifying its place as a timeless classic of the genre. The song’s poignant lyrics and Frizzell’s masterful delivery make it a must-listen for any fan of country music.
6. Don’t Stay Away (Till Love Grows Cold)
“Don’t Stay Away (Till Love Grows Cold)” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1953. The song features Frizzell’s emotive vocals and skilled guitar playing, as he pleads with a lover not to leave him until their love has completely faded away. The lyrics are full of passion and emotion, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the sense of urgency and desperation conveyed in the song. “Don’t Stay Away (Till Love Grows Cold)” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number four on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of love and loss, as well as Frizzell’s unparalleled ability to convey raw emotion through his music, have made it a beloved classic of country music.
7. I’m An Old, Old Man (Tryin’ To Live While I Can)
“I’m An Old, Old Man (Tryin’ To Live While I Can)” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1954. The song features Frizzell’s smooth, distinctive voice and skilled guitar playing, as he sings of the struggles of growing old and trying to make the most of the time left. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the bittersweet sense of reflection and longing expressed in the song. “I’m An Old, Old Man (Tryin’ To Live While I Can)” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number two on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of aging and mortality, as well as Frizzell’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, have made it a timeless classic of country music.
8. Look What Thoughts Will Do
“Look What Thoughts Will Do” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1951. The song features Frizzell’s smooth, soulful voice and skilled guitar playing, as he sings of the power of thoughts and memories to shape our emotions and experiences. The lyrics are introspective and thoughtful, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the melancholy sense of nostalgia and regret expressed in the song. “Look What Thoughts Will Do” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of reflection and the complexities of human emotion, as well as Frizzell’s ability to convey deep feeling through his music, have made it a beloved classic of country music.
9. Travellin’ Blues
“Travellin’ Blues” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1951. The song features Frizzell’s smooth, emotive voice and skilled guitar playing, as he sings of the struggles of life on the road and the constant longing for home. The lyrics are full of raw emotion and nostalgia, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the sense of loneliness and isolation that can come with constant travel. “Travellin’ Blues” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number four on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of longing and the human experience, as well as Frizzell’s ability to convey deep feeling through his music, have made it a timeless classic of country music.
10. Forever (And Always)
“Forever (And Always)” is a classic country song by Lefty Frizzell, released in 1951. The song features Frizzell’s smooth, emotive voice and skilled guitar playing, as he sings of the enduring power of love and the commitment to be together forever. The lyrics are full of passion and sincerity, with Frizzell’s delivery capturing the sense of devotion and dedication expressed in the song. “Forever (And Always)” was a hit for Frizzell, reaching number two on the Billboard country chart. The song’s themes of love and commitment, as well as Frizzell’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, have made it a beloved classic of country music.
Darren Jamison 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.
