Tennessee Ernie Ford was one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the mid-20th century, and his impact on American music can still be felt today. With his deep, resonant voice and his ability to blend elements of country, gospel, and pop music, Ford created a sound that was uniquely his own. Over the course of his career, he recorded countless classic songs that have become beloved standards of American music. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Tennessee Ernie Ford songs of all time. From his early hits like “Sixteen Tons” and “Shotgun Boogie,” to his more poignant ballads like “That’s All” and “I Love You So Much It Hurts Me,” these songs represent the best of Ford’s musical legacy. We will also explore some of his lesser-known gems, such as “Bright Lights and Blonde-Haired Women” and “The Watermelon Song,” which showcase his range and versatility as a musician. Join us as we celebrate the life and music of Tennessee Ernie Ford, and discover why his songs continue to resonate with audiences today.
1. “Sixteen Tons”
“Sixteen Tons” is a classic American folk song, originally written by Merle Travis and popularized by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955. The song’s powerful lyrics, which depict the struggles of a coal miner living in poverty and indebted to his employer, struck a chord with listeners and became an instant hit. The song’s distinctive rhythm, created by Ford’s deep voice and the use of a finger-snapping sound, has since become iconic.
The song’s lyrics describe the backbreaking work of a coal miner, who is forced to toil in difficult conditions for little pay. The lyrics, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get? / Another day older and deeper in debt,” capture the grim reality of the coal mining industry during that time period. Despite the bleak subject matter, the song has a strong sense of resilience and defiance, with its memorable chorus proclaiming, “I owe my soul to the company store.”
“Sixteen Tons” is now considered a classic of American music, and has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of genres. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of hard work, struggle, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
2. “The Ballad of Davy Crockett”
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett” is a classic American folk song, popularized by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955. The song’s lyrics tell the story of the legendary frontiersman and folk hero, Davy Crockett, who was known for his bravery and his role in the Texas Revolution.
The song’s memorable melody and catchy lyrics helped make it an instant hit, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s. The song’s chorus, “Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier,” became a popular catchphrase, and the song helped cement the legend of Davy Crockett in popular culture.
Despite its popularity, the song’s historical accuracy has been called into question. Some of the lyrics portray Davy Crockett as a larger-than-life hero, while others suggest that he may have been more of a folk legend than a historical figure. Regardless of its historical accuracy, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” remains a beloved song, and its legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans to this day.
3. “Mule Train”
“Mule Train” is a classic American folk song, originally recorded by Frankie Laine in 1949 and later popularized by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1950. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo, paired with Ford’s deep voice and the use of a whip-cracking sound, make for an entertaining and lively tune.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a mule train hauling goods through treacherous terrain, and the dangers and challenges faced by the drivers. The chorus, “Mule train, mule train, clippety clop / Over hill and plain, seems like they never stop,” captures the constant motion and hard work required to transport goods across long distances.
“Mule Train” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a popular choice for square dances and other social gatherings.
4. “Shotgun Boogie”
“Shotgun Boogie” is a classic American country song, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1950. The song’s fast-paced rhythm and lively fiddle accompaniment make for an energetic and entertaining tune.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a sharpshooter who travels from town to town, earning a living by participating in shooting contests. The chorus, “Shootin’ highballs at the wooden Indians / Ridin’ on the shotguns down the line / Knokin’ over rattlesnakes and sidewinders / And the buzzards they can have the carrion,” captures the thrill and danger of this kind of lifestyle.
“Shotgun Boogie” was a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s lively tempo and memorable lyrics make it a popular choice for country dance parties and other social events.
5. “The Cry of the Wild Goose”
“The Cry of the Wild Goose” is a classic American folk song, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1950. The song’s haunting melody and mournful lyrics make for a powerful and moving tune.
The song’s lyrics describe the lonely and mournful cry of a wild goose flying through the night sky. The chorus, “My heart knows what the wild goose knows / And I must go where the wild goose goes,” captures the sense of longing and restlessness that many people feel when confronted with the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
“The Cry of the Wild Goose” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics have made it a popular choice for folk singers and other musicians over the years.
6. “Bright Lights and Blonde-Haired Women”
“Bright Lights and Blonde-Haired Women” is a classic American country song, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1956. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make for an entertaining and lively tune.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is lured away from his hometown by the promise of bright lights and glamorous women. The chorus, “Bright lights and blonde-haired women / They took my mind off the place I came from,” captures the sense of excitement and adventure that many people feel when they leave home to pursue their dreams.
“Bright Lights and Blonde-Haired Women” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable lyrics make it a popular choice for country dance parties and other social events.
7. “The Watermelon Song”
“The Watermelon Song” is a classic American folk song, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1956. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make for an entertaining and lively tune.
The song’s lyrics describe the joys of eating watermelon on a hot summer day. The chorus, “I’ll eat it every chance I get / It’s the sweetest fruit that ever grew yet,” captures the sense of pleasure and satisfaction that many people feel when enjoying this delicious treat.
“The Watermelon Song” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a beloved classic of American music. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics make it a popular choice for summertime gatherings and other social events.
8. “That’s All”
“That’s All” is a classic American ballad, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955. The song’s slow tempo and poignant lyrics make for a powerful and moving tune.
The song’s lyrics describe the end of a romantic relationship, and the feelings of sadness and regret that accompany it. The chorus, “That’s all, there is no more / You’ve heard the story, you know the score,” captures the sense of finality and resignation that often accompany the end of a relationship.
“That’s All” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s powerful lyrics and emotional depth have made it a popular choice for ballad singers and other musicians over the years.
9. “River of No Return”
“River of No Return” is a classic American ballad, originally written for the 1954 film of the same name, starring Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum. The song was recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1954 and became a hit upon its release.
The song’s lyrics describe the journey of a river that flows through treacherous terrain, and the dangers faced by those who attempt to navigate its waters. The chorus, “There is a river called the river of no return / Sometimes it’s peaceful, sometimes wild and free,” captures the sense of adventure and danger that many people associate with rivers and other bodies of water.
“River of No Return” has since become a classic of American music, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s powerful lyrics and memorable melody make it a popular choice for ballad singers and other musicians.
10. I Love You so Much It Hurts Me
“I Love You so Much It Hurts Me” is a classic American ballad, recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1954. The song’s slow tempo and poignant lyrics make for a powerful and moving tune.
The song’s lyrics describe the depth of feeling that the singer has for his or her beloved, and the pain that comes with being separated from that person. The chorus, “I love you so much, it hurts me / Darling, that’s why I’m so blue,” captures the sense of emotional intensity and longing that many people feel when they are deeply in love.
“I Love You so Much It Hurts Me” became a hit upon its release, and has since become a classic of American music. The song’s powerful lyrics and emotional depth have made it a popular choice for ballad singers and other musicians over the years.
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.
