We all love a good tailgating song, an empowering break-up anthem or a heartbreaking ballad, but the songs we listen to over and over again are the ones that pull at our heartstrings; those songs that simply teach us life lessons. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten times a country song gave us the best advice.

1. It is most important to be a good person.

Tim McGraw’s iconic song “Humble And Kind” is the perfect reminder to mind our manners, but more importantly to have empathy for others. It is a straightforward message from one of country music’s greatest artists to be a good person. “Hold the door say please say thank you / Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie / I know you got mountains to climb but / Always stay humble and kind.”

2. It’s the little things in life that mean the most.

This line is not only a lyric to Zac Brown Band’s hit, “Chicken Fried,” but also great advice. Zac Brown Band reminds us in this song to not sweat the small stuff and to cherish the little things like a “Cold beer on a Friday night / A pair of jeans that fit just right / And the radio up.”

3. Your loved ones are always with you, no matter what you believe.

In “The Journey of Your Life,” Jake Owen reminds us to look to whatever we find strength in to get through the ups and downs that life throws at us.“And no matter what dreams you’re chasing / Never get above your raising / And may the simple things be amazing / On the journey of your life” 

4. Know your worth.

Earlier this year, Maren Morris delivered a girl power anthem in the most vulnerable way with her song “GIRL.” The title track encouraged women (and men) to value themselves, while still empowering others at the same time. “Girl, don’t you hang your head low / Don’t you lose your halo / Everyone’s gonna be okay.”

5. We can always go back home.

Chase Rice honors his North Carolina roots in “Carolina Can,” discussing how when he needs to humble himself and remember his upbringing, he can always go home to the town and people that raised him. We can do the same. It’s awesome to experience life in a new place, but home will always remind us of who we are. “Now that six string dream on a crazy course / Has got my compass losing North / And I need someone to remind me who I am / Oh, Carolina can.”

6. Stay in the moment.

We are all guilty of getting too caught up in future plans or reminiscing about the past, that we forget to stay present. The truth is, time goes fast and we’re never promised tomorrow. This is why it is so important to be present and really take in each and every moment, as Trace Adkins tells us in “You’re Gonna Miss This” “You’re gonna miss this / You’re gonna want this back / You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast / These are some good times / So take a good look around.”

7. Work hard, play hard.

The ever talented country duo, Brooks & Dunn just remastered some of their most popular hit songs, including “Hard Workin’ Man,” with Brothers Osborne. No matter what version you love, the men keep reminding us that it’s both important to play hard, “Come Friday night, I like to party hard,” but still work hard, “Come Monday mornin’ I’m the first to arrive / I ain’t nothin’ but business from nine till five / I’m a hard, hard workin man.”

8. Sometimes you need a drink (or five).

Drinking may not be your vice, but really this piece of advice encourages us to let loose and have some fun, regardless of what that means to us. Sometimes we need a little escape from reality and just need to have a good time. Eric Church reminds us to do just that in “Smoke A Little Smoke.” “Act like tomorrow’s ten years away / And just kick back and let the feelin’ flow / Drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke, yeah.”

9. Everything gets better, so don’t give up.

There’s a ton of country artists that encourage us to never give up, even during trying times, but Rodney Atkins manages to uplift us like no other in “If You’re Going Through Hell.” “If you’re going through Hell / Keep on going, don’t slow down / If you’re scared don’t show it / You might get out / Before the devil even know you’re there.”

10. Love like crazy.

Leave it to Lee Brice to sing one of the most profound and relatable choruses. “Love Like Crazy” reminds us all to love, even when it might be hard. “Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you / Go to work, do your best, don’t outsmart your common sense / Never let your prayin’ knees get lazy / And love like crazy.”

Bonus: Chase your dreams.

Here at New York Country Swag, we encourage you to go after your dreams, just like some of our favorite artists do each and every day through their music careers and just like we’re doing with NYCS.

We pride ourselves on championing rising artists, such as Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Ratcliff, Abby Anderson, and Jimmie Allen, but what they all have in common is they’re chasing their dreams, no matter what the sacrifice.

Take a listen to the complete playlist below, while you crush your goals and follow your dreams, wherever they may lead you.

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