11 Songs About Farming and Country Farming Life You’ll Love

When it comes country music, there are tons of songs about farming. There is often a direct relationship between the lyrics and what farmers deal with on a day-to-day basis. However, there are also metaphorical lyrics to bring some of these songs to life, as well as a touch of idealism added to attract some of the younger generations. 

In this article, I’m going to provide you with some of my favorite farming life songs.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to discover one or two awesome songs from this list to add to your playlist rotation!

Songs About Farming You’ll Enjoy

Let’s begin with what’s probably going to the funniest song title to appear on this list (and a song by artist Kenny Chesney).

She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy by Kenny Chesney

The song, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” was inspired by a true story. One of the songwriters, Jim Collins, said that the inspiration came when his co-writer Paul Overstreet recalled the story of his tractor breaking down one day.  And that breakdown caused him to have to drive to the store for a replacement. Collins then recalled Overstreet telling him that his wife was kissing his neck during the entire drive to the store.

He joked with another songwriter about it and they came to the conclusion that she thought his tractor was sexy.

The lyrics start off by saying, “Plowing these fields in the hot summer sun – Over by the gate, Lordy here she comes – With a basket full of chicken and a big cold jug of sweet tea. – I make a little room and she climbs on up – I open up the throttle and stir a little dust – Just look at her face, she ain’t a foolin’ me – She thinks my tractor’s sexy.” 

The lyrics directly dive into the point of the song, “She thinks my tractor’s sexy.” Chesney continues to describe how she thinks the tractor and him plowing the fields in the “hot summer sun” is a turn-on for her. He goes on to say that she “…likes the way it’s pulling while we’re tillin’ up the land – She’s even kinda crazy ‘bout my farmers tan,” indicating that she finds everything about the rugged farmer and his tractor to be appealing. 

The song reaches an audience that dreams of this ideal world where no matter how hard they have to work, farming, running the tractor, and other duties on the farm, it is appealing to countrywomen. Chesney describes how “…if it runs like a Deer, Man her eyes light up,” and further states that she knows what really gets him, she thinks his tractor’s sexy. These words idolize the tough farmer’s life and make it seem very appealing to women.

Every country boy dreams of his women being attracted to his masculine trucks and tractors, and this song hits the nail on the head. The lyrics make it reach this group of listeners and it is received very well. This song is famous for more than just the fantastic voice of Chesney and the humor of the song. The lyrics idealize how much women love tractors and the classic farm lifestyle and get every man thinking about how great this fantasy is.

The song brings pride to the work of farmers and a sense of sex appeal to their hard work. “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney is a fun, humorous song, with fantastic lyrics that take it to another level. It even has a touch of metaphorical idea referring to sex as Chesney says, “She’s always staring at me – While I’m chugging along.” There is no doubt some sexual reference here, but whether or not that was intentional is debatable. However, the songwriters who came up with the song had a good sense of humor, and that was very likely intentional.  

Overall, I believe the song was aimed to be more comical, but it really hit home for a lot of people living life on the farm. The farmer lifestyle is so different from the city lifestyle and this song points out the perks of being a rugged and hardworking farmer. It also idealizes this dream for males who would be thrilled to have a woman who is so interested in riding along on their tractor.

The song lyrics do a great job covering many aspects of the farming lifestyle while capturing the humor, some metaphorical ideas, and the idealization of women finding their hardworking farmers sexually appealing.  

Farmer’s Daughter by Rodney Atkins

The song, “Farmer’s Daughter” by Rodney Atkins is a highly popular song single from his fourth album. The song was written and when Atkins first heard it he says he played it for his wife. She told him to hurry up and cut that song before someone else does and that is what they did. 

The song describes a young farmhand who falls in love with the farmer’s daughter. It is a country classic that describes what every young farmhand dreams of achieving, a beautiful country girl, in this case, the farmer’s daughter. 

The song starts off strong by describing the way that deals are made by the shake of a hand and the commitment of a man’s word in the world of farming. The song lyrics say, “Well, I heard he needed some help on the farm – Somebody with a truck and two strong arms – Not scared of dirt and willing to work till the sun goes down – So I pulled up and said I’m your man, I can start right now, and we shook hands…” These lyrics signify the unbreakable trust of a man’s word and his handshake. This is really showing the ‘country lifestyle’ to its core.

The lyrics further discuss how he is hauling hay, feeding the hogs, and a variety of other farm duties. The song really kicks off when Atkins says, “’…just when I thought it couldn’t get no hotter – I caught a glimpse of the farmer’s daughter.” Suddenly all of the hard work he put in makes it worth it when he sees the farmer’s daughter.

Following those lyrics, Atkins describes the days of working on the farm and the relationship between him and the farmer’s daughter growing closer. He realizes the hard work pays off with more than just the cash when he finds love. 

It is obvious in the lyrics he is risking his job for this girl he cannot get off his mind, but when love strikes, he pulls it off and says that “There ain’t no better life for me.” All his hard work seems to pay off again.  

Looking at the song, it is quite straightforward in the lyrics. However, the part that is not necessarily assumed is something that could be deeper. The man does sneak around with the daughter, yet eventually, they become close, get married, and he comes home to her. 

All the hard work at the farm created the best life for him and he also gained a family. This compliments the hardworking lifestyle of farming and focuses on the benefits of the lifestyle. It also idealizes the idea of an attractive farmer’s daughter that he gets to watch and get close to because of his job. 

Overall, the song is really preaching hard work, family, love, accomplishment, and a hint of pride and cockiness from the man who risks what he has for the farmer’s daughter. There are few farming songs that are better than this.

Here’s to the Farmer by Luke Bryan

The song, “Here’s to the Farmer” by Luke Bryan is a very down-to-earth song praising farmers. Luke Bryan started his “Farm Tour” in 2009, and this was his way of giving back to local farming communities. 

Luke Bryan said, “Growing up in a farming family in rural Georgia, I know how hard farming can be even on a good year, and how those families work from sun-up to sundown.” Inspiration struck Luke Bryan after a challenging year with so many lost jobs and hungry families. He states that the farmers are really the “backbone of our country.”

The lyrics begin by saying, “Talk about an uphill battle – Two thousand acres of beans and cattle – But he don’t ever get rattled – He just goes till the sun goes down.” These lyrics set the basis for the song. The hardworking farmers who have to be to support their families, communities, and the entire countryside is glorified in this song.

Luke Bryan continues to sing, “Here’s to the farmer that plants the fields in the spring,” “Here’s to that farmer’s wife that loves him every night, and “Here’s to the farmer.” This song praises the farmers who work hard for all that we have, not only our food and products but our lifestyle and freedom. 

The lyrics of this song are literal and directly discuss the struggles of many farmers and their families. It also touches on what they go through to accomplish their goals, such as maintaining the land even when the subdivisions come in and refusing to sell land when they could double their money by doing so. This song speaks to the roots and morality of the farmers. These critical moments are glorified in the song, which also discusses the importance of a handshake as it references “handshake money.”

This song really speaks to all the farmers out there, no matter where they are. The song is thanking the people who work hard for us all year and never quit. Overall, it is a tribute to farmers and their families and it is a way of thanking them for all they do. 

This song was inspired by good intentions and an understanding of the farming lifestyle. It is touching, inspiring, and motivating. It is a newer country song, but one that makes the list by far due to Luke Bryan’s clear understanding of the farming lifestyle. 

Daddy Won’t Sell the Farm by Montgomery Gentry

The song “Daddy Won’t Sell the Farm” by Montgomery Gentry has a strong start and continues to hold its strength as Gentry states, “…City’s growin’ around him, but Daddy won’t sell the farm.” 

The lyrics ensure listeners understand the depth of loyalty that the father has for his farm. Gentry further says, “You can’t roll a rock up a hill that steep – You can’t pull the roots when they run that deep – He’s gonna live and die in the eye of an urban storm – Daddy won’t sell the farm.” These lyrics ensure that listeners understand the importance of the farm and the lengths he will go to in order to ensure his farm will be a farm until the day he dies and beyond.

Gentry continues to push the point of how tough of a farmer he is, “He worked and salved in ’68, he bought these fields and trees – He raised his corn and a big red barn and a healthy family – He learned to love the woodlands, he can’t stand to do ‘em harm – There’s concrete all around him, but Daddy won’t sell the farm.” 

Gentry continues to attest to how strong of a farmer the man is and the backbone it takes for him to continue farming throughout the destruction of the open fields and country that used to surround him, which is now becoming a city. 

The song aims to inform listeners just how challenging it is to be a farmer, in every sense. It is hard work, but it is also hard to maintain and keep what is yours in a world made out of plastic and concrete.

The lyrics on their own describe the literal situation happening, and the sense of pride of the farmer is blatantly obvious, as he never backs down.

This song is about the strength of a man, both mentally and physically, who refused to sell his farm. He is a true farmer, and the song clearly describes every way in which he ensures the farm is his. 

There is a comical sense to the song and a clear sense of pride in the way it was written. Overall, the song is about family, farming, fighting for what you love, and hard work that never ends. This is truly what farming is about, and the song connects the ties between the stubborn ways of farmers with their love for what they do in an entertaining and emotional manner. The song reaches farmers, families, hard workers, and good ole country folk alike. 

Where Corn Don’t Grow by Travis Tritt

The song “Where the Corn Don’t Grow” by Travis Tritt provides an in-depth perspective of the emotions and connection to the farm. In the beginning verses of the song, a few lines capture the point of the song. 

Tritt says, “Daddy, there’s a lot that I don’t know – But don’t you ever dream about a life – Where corn don’t grow?” As his son asks him about life outside of farming, it is clear that this is not all that is on the farmer’s mind. He has a good understanding of his son’s young perspective, but he informs him why the life they have is of such value.

The lyrics that answer the son’s question come when Tritt says, “Oh, the weeds are high where the corn don’t grow.” These lyrics contain a metaphorical essence as the “weeds” are the challenges in life that the son will find no matter where he is, as described by the farmer.

Throughout the song, the farmer explains to his son about the hard times he’ll encounter away from the farm, just as he will experience challenges on the farm. The examples throughout the song about the weeds growing high where the corn doesn’t grow metaphorically tell us that life is still hard outside of the farming lifestyle.

The song makes a strong presence that resonates with many young men growing up on the farm and taking over their father’s farms, as they are passed down. It also has a simple metaphorical meaning describing that the challenges of life are found everywhere. 

It does not even have to relate to farming. It is relatable to any situation, anywhere. It does specify farming more in the literal sense of the lyrics, but the feeling of a shared challenge between farmers and even city folks is heard in the song lyrics. The overall goal of the song is to understand that life is challenging, and running away from those challenges doesn’t mean more won’t come up.

Thank a Farmer by James Wesley

The song Thank a Farmer by James Wesley directly hits the point of the title. The beginning lyrics of the song state, “From the fuel that fills your truck – To the coffee in your cup – Don’t thank that corner store – For that early morning rush – Thank a farmer.” These lyrics directly tell us farmers are the ones behind all of the work that gets us our necessities and even those things that we don’t need but enjoy, such as coffee.

Wesley further goes on to tell us, “I still believe in amber waves of grain – Man on his knees praying for rain – That grew this country strong – And keep us moving on – They get tougher as their lives keep getting’ harder – Oh I think it’s time – We all thank a farmer.” He continues to inform us that farmers have responsibilities beyond the local differences they make.

The song describes how farmers have grown the country strong and helped to keep us moving on. This references how farmers impact the entire world.

The song is quite literal in the lyrics and Wesley honors farmers in the words he sings. Wesley discusses his beliefs about how farmers continue to grow tougher as their lives get harder, and this reaches out to everyone that is strong in their beliefs and love for those who provide for our country and our communities. 

The overall meaning of this song is that we should all reflect on what is provided for us and where it originates from, followed by the bluntest part of the song that tells us, “It’s time that we all thank a farmer.” The inspiration in this song is just as it says, the inspiration of someone grateful for farmers. 

Hard Way to Make an Easy Living by Toby Keith

The song titled, “Hard Way to Make an Easy Living” by Toby Keith discusses how, “Some people say he’s a wealthy man – But he built his house with his own two hands – On a piece of land that’s as far as you can see.” This informs listeners that what you see is not always what is true.

Toby Keith further says, “They call him lucky, but they don’t know – He’s up and running when the rooster crows – And he’s still in the fields with his supper cold – But if you ask me, it’s a hard way to make your way…” These words directly address the thoughts of outsiders versus the thoughts of someone who understands the value of hard work and pride.

The lyrics describe how difficult it is to make a living farming in a world that makes it harder, and how it is a “hard, hard way to make an easy living.” 

It further discusses that in town, “They take for granted what he’s planted in that stubborn ground – But the cattle and cotton know that they don’t know in town.” This statement indicates that people do not understand the work and struggle that farming entails, nor the value and importance of a farmer’s duties. It also hits on the point of how farmers impact society as it describes the history of the twister that “…laid everything flat.” This indicates that no matter what a farmer faces, they still push through for the sake of others.

The song tells us that it is not an easy way to make an easy living, which directly informs listeners that a farmer’s hard work and the little he has is often overlooked. 

People like to see the side of things that don’t impact them, and this song pulls listeners in to try and understand the value of hard work and the value of a man’s dedication to providing for his family and community. 

Why I Farm by The Henningsens 

The song “Why I Farm” by The Henningsens directly describes the reasons for farming. There is no country song about farming more literal than this song. 

The lyrics describe how farming is passed down through generations. The lyrics also describe how the blood runs through her veins, how it is who she is meant to be, and who she’s always been. The Henningsens sing, “It’s more than just a living – It’s my way of life. – It grows like seed inside my heart, that’s why I farm.” The partial verse here has a metaphorical touch of the seed growing in her heart, but the meaning behind it is clear in the sense that farming runs in her blood. 

The earlier lyrics state that “The land has his heart,” which ties together the lyrics regarding how it is a way of life and how it runs through blood like a family tradition, “Living on, long after I depart…” This simple line in the song firmly plants the tradition of farming in a category of its own. 

The song is both relevant to farmers and anyone with strong family ties and family traditions that carry on throughout generations. It further expresses the importance of love for more than oneself. The takeaway from this song is the importance of tradition.

Where the Green Grass Grows by Tim McGraw

The song, “Where the Green Grass Grows” by Tim McGraw is a traditional country song that can be held dear to the heart by many people who relate. It can also open up a perspective to those who do not understand the value of pride and peace to the extent that many people from the countryside value so highly.

The chorus of the song says, “But I’m gonna live – Where the green grass grows – Watch my corn pop up in rows – Every night be tucked in – Close to you…” which defines McGraw’s lifestyle goal. McGraw further says, “Raise our kids – Where the good Lord’s blessed – Point our rocking towards the west and plant our dreams where the peaceful river flows – Where the green grass grows.” 

It is evident McGraw’s ideal goal is to be a man of a simple life with a loving family. He indirectly refers to pride and strong roots from where he grew up. This is his sense of home and McGraw describes the only things he feels he needs in simple terms.

He goes on to say, “But all this glitter is gettin’ dark – There’s concrete growin’ in the city park – I don’t know who my neighbors are and there’s bars on the corners and bars on my heart.” This is a metaphorical portion of the song that digs into his life personally. He is a county star, a famous man, someone millions of people look up to. However, he describes this need for a simple life, “Where the green grass goes.” He doesn’t seek fame and fortune. He seeks what feels like home to him.

The main point of this song is to follow your heart but not let those dreams take away from what feels right to you. For him, this is a battle between his stardom and living a simple life. It is highly relatable to people who have multiple things pulling them apart. However, the song can relate to people of all backgrounds with many lifestyles.

The message that McGraw seeks listeners to understand is to focus on what you love, what means a lot to you, and hold onto the roots you are proud of and never let them go.

The Last of a Dying Breed by Neal McCoy

The song “The Last of a Dying Breed by Neal McCoy is unique in more than one way. The lyrics state, “He’s a cold beer drinker, a buck ‘n’ bear hunter – The best friend a dog could have – A post hole digger, a man skoal dipper – A John Deere cap Sportin’ man.” These lyrics are describing the “dying breed” McCoy discusses. 

McCoy further says, “With a house on a hill and a pond in the field – Surrounded by a mess of cornrows – Makes a livin’ from his labor, a credit to the maker – He’s somebody everybody knows – Last of a dying breed who tend the fields and mend the fences – Heaven knows, I’d hate to think that generation might be ending – But if he goes, he will go down in history.” This stretch of lyrics string together the bond between this type of man and the feelings McCoy has towards this “dying breed” of human.

The dying breed is referring to a farmer, somebody who lives off the land and gives up what has to protect that land. It is referring to somebody who would not let cities take over their land and someone who values his word more than money. That is what the “dying breed” is.

This song literally tells us the type of man known as a “dying breed.” Overall, this is a good man who has seen few and far between within the generations ahead of him. The song idolizes the “dying breed” and has a subtle suggestion about keeping this type of person amongst us.  

High Cotton by Alabama

The song titled “High Cotton” by Alabama is one many people in the younger generations may not know, but it is also one that should not be left off of the list of songs about farming life. 

People may not immediately think of the relation between the word cotton and farming, but it is simply another version of farming, cotton farming. Alabama jumps into the song with lyrics regarding how the family grew up and how they felt about it. They say, “We didn’t know that times were lean – Round our house the grass was green – It didn’t seem like things were all that bad – I bet we walked a thousand miles – Choppin’ cotton and pushin’ plows.”

The song continues to hint at the point that cotton farming was seen as bad by the family, as Alabama continues, “And learnin’ how to give it all we had – As life went on and years went by – I saw the light in Daddy’s eyes – And felt the love in Mama’s hands – They kept us warm and kept us fed.” This portion of the song indicates strength and love and reveals the heart of a close farming family. 

The song further indicates this in the lyrics, “Taught us how to look ahead – Now lookin’ back I understand. We were walkin’ in high cotton – Old times that are not forgotten – Those fertile fields are never far away,” followed by “Leavin’ home was the hardest thing we ever faced.” This country classic makes it clear that the family did not think the grass was greener on the other side. 

Overall, the song is about good memories and the good ole days when families felt like they had it all. This may contradict many people today as more and more people continue to want more, whether it be fame, fortune, or another desire. The song is made of humble and gracious lyrics that explain the farming and countryside lifestyle.

Conclusion

When it comes to songs about farming, these eleven songs explore the good, neutral, and bad sides of being a farmer (or living the farming and countryside lifestyle). Each song possesses a level of understanding that is open to various listeners to not only inform them of the meaning of the songs, but to reach out to those who understand the struggles of farming life and the day-to-day work that never ends until the next generation takes it over. 

These songs all have strong ties with family, strength, tradition, love, and hardship. They are fantastic songs for those who relate to them, and they are informative and entertaining songs for those who aim to learn and understand a bit more about the farming lifestyle.

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