Coronavirus has taken the world by storm – a storm nobody saw coming in a million years – the last couple of months and we are finally starting to see the other side. Even though this virus changed the way we had to live our lives for a little while, putting a stop to all live music events, musicians took this time to do what they do best; channel inspiration and create music.

Here are five country music songs that have been recorded and released during the quarantine.

“Six Feet Apart” – Luke Combs

Co-written by Brent Cobb and Rob Synder, Combs depicts the state of how uncomfortable we all feel as well as the sadness he was feeling at the beginning of the lockdown stages. The song captured the universal feeling of uncertainty as everybody tried to piece together the shift. He sings, “I miss my mom, I miss my dad // I miss the road, I miss my band // Giving hugs and shaking hands // Well, it’s a mystery I suppose just how long this thing goes // But they’ll be crowds and they’ll be shows // There will be light after dark someday when we aren’t six feet apart.”

“Between Me and the End of the World” – Adam Hambrick

This song is a tribute to all of the frontline workers who step up and step in during times of trouble. Hambrick’s wife is a physician assistant and was fighting on the frontlines of COVID and he offered his perspective. He sings: “Facing all the fire the devil can’t hurt // It’s a hell of a thing // Watching you stand in between // Me and the end of the world”

“The Optimist” – Kelleigh Bannen

Bannen describes her transformative love with her husband and their continued story throughout quarantine with “wine drunk kitchen dances.” At the time of the release, the singer + songwriter shared on her Instagram, “I could use a little extra optimism right now, and maybe you could too. I sang this in my kitchen a few weeks back….it was only ever intended to be a little home demo, but this season has a way of reframing everything in its path, even simple songs. So I thought I’d share it with you, maybe it will bring you a little extra hope and human connection today.”

“Stay Home” – Big & Rich

One of the first acts to bring music into the situation, Big & Rich brought some comedy in the style of music talking about homeschooling, the persistent search for toilet paper, crazy kids, and staying home in your underwear.

“We’re all about half crazy // Kids are bouncin’ off the wall // Yoga’s done got canceled // Mama’s pacin’ down the hall // Homeschool’s now in session // And I’m pullin’ out my hair // It’s halfway through the mornin’ // I’m still in my underwear”

“When Life Is Good Again” – Dolly Parton

Dolly always provides comfort when you need it. During this time, she shared her talent with the world and also donated one million dollars to Nashville’s Vanderbilt Hospital for a Coronavirus cure. At the end of May, the songstress released the official music video for “When Life Is Good Again.” Parton has continuously shared her support for the frontline workers on her Instagram page. Lastly, during this difficult time, the singer + songwriter started a weekly series Goodnight with Dolly where she virtually read bedtime stories to children.

“Since our world was forever changed by the COVID virus, I have felt a deep respect and appreciation for all of our frontline responders,” says Parton. “This video is to pay respect to them and to remind all of us that this too shall pass. If we pull together as a community, we can rise above and look forward to more beautiful days on the horizon.”

Music will continue to inspire us as we face the end of our lockdown situations and slowly but steadily we will finally have live events again.

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