13 Best Country Songs About Boats

There's something special about spending a lazy summer day out on the water with good company. And for country music fans, why not enjoy a boat-themed song while sailing along the lake or river?

We’ve compiled a list of the best country songs about boats to help you create the perfect playlist for your next cruising adventure.

1. “If I Had a Boat” by Lyle Lovett

Song Year: 1987

“If I Had a Boat” explores a man's imagination and his longing for something more. Lovett sings about everything he would do if he had a boat, such as sailing the high seas.

The song's nostalgic melody perfectly captures the feeling of daydreaming and the simple pleasure of enjoying life. Lovett's smooth vocals and clever lyrics make “If I Had a Boat” a timeless classic that remains relevant today. The song is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates country music. Its catchy tune will surely inspire you to take on new adventures.

2. “Boats” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2008

“Boats” is about the joys of being on the water in a, you guessed it, boat. The song perfectly captures the carefree spirit of spending a day on the water with its upbeat melody and catchy chorus.

The lyrics describe the feeling of freedom and adventure that comes with cruising across the waves and the comradeship that can develop between boaters. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of taking a break from daily hassles to unwind.

3. “Boats to Build” by Guy Clark

Song Year: 1992

Guy Clark's “Boats to Build” is one of the most popular country songs about boats. It’s a beautiful ode to simple life centered around the image of a boat. The song tells the story of a man who has given up on the rat race and is now focused on building a boat to sail away on.

Clark sings of the peace and freedom of being out on the water, away from the world's chaos. It captures the longing to escape our everyday lives and find something more meaningful. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simple things in life can bring us the most joy.

4. “Buy Me A Boat” by Chris Janson

Song Year: 2015

Chris Janson's “Buy Me A Boat” is a fun and catchy tune about dreaming of a better life on the water. The song's protagonist describes his humble life and the various things he wishes he had, including a boat.

The track’s humorous tone and relatable lyrics make it a hit with country fans, becoming one of Janson's most popular songs. Janson's distinctive voice blends perfectly with the catchy melody.

5. “Sailin' Around” by John Prine

Song Year: 1986

The charming tune is about a couple's nautical adventures. The lyrics describe the freedom that comes with sailing around the world. It features a soothing melody and a simple yet effective acoustic guitar, complementing John Prine's vocals.

The song evokes a sense of escapism, and the idea of sailing into the unknown is captivating. It perfectly captures the dreamy feeling of being on a boat, sailing across the vast expanse of the sea.

6. “Sea Stories” by Sturgill Simpson

Song Year: 2016

The hauntingly beautiful song speaks of a sailor's life at sea. It captures the emotions of a man who has spent most of his life sailing the seas and is contemplating his return to land. The lyrics describe the sailor's experiences and yearning to return to his family on shore.

The chorus is particularly memorable as Simpson sings about how the sailor has lived his life on the waves, but now he wants to go home. The song also expresses the universal longing for home, family, and belonging. The track’s soothing melody and Simpson's emotive vocals make it more poignant.

7. “Same Boat” by Zac Brown Band

Song Year: 2021

The lively country song is about the issues that all people struggle with. The song's protagonist appeals to listeners to approach life positively, offer a helping hand and be empathetic toward others. The song passes the message of love and kindness. It celebrates the simple joys of life, such as singing songs with friends and soaking up the sunshine.

Zac Brown Band's unique style is on full display in the track, blending country music with pop and reggae elements. It's a perfect song for summertime road trips or for dancing the night away with friends. The song resonates with listeners from all walks of life since it highlights the universal experiences we all encounter, irrespective of where we come from.

8. “Something ‘Bout A Boat” by Jimmy Buffett

Song Year: 2013

As one of the most iconic beach and boat culture artists, Jimmy Buffett has multiple country songs about boats, but “Something ‘Bout A Boat” is a standout in his repertoire. The laid-back tune is about how a day on the water can wash away life's troubles and stresses, making everything feel better.

It captures what makes being out on the water so special and why it's worth all the effort it takes to get there. The artist talks about forgetting all his problems when sailing in a boat. Unsurprisingly, this song has quickly become a staple in the playlist for many boaters across the country.

9. “Tequila On A Boat” by Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane

Song Year: 2022

“Tequila On A Boat” is a lively, upbeat tune that will get you in the mood for a party on the water. The song's catchy lyrics paint a picture of a carefree day spent soaking up the sun on a boat with friends and plenty of tequila.

The song invites listeners to make the most of their time on the water, enjoy the company of good friends, and live in the moment. The track features an infectious beat and a memorable chorus, making it perfect to sing along to as you cruise across the lake.

10. “I Was On A Boat That Day” by Old Dominion

Song Year: 2021

The song perfectly captures the laid-back, carefree feeling of spending a day on the water. It creates a clear picture of a perfect day spent soaking up the sun, laughing, drinking tequila, and simply enjoying life.

The track’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it the perfect addition to any summer playlist, while the relatable lyrics make it easy to sing along to. Whether you have a boat or enjoy spending time on the water, the song captures the magic of those lazy, hazy summer days.

11. “Fast Boat To Sydney” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

Song Year: 1967

The song’s lyrics describe a fun and exciting adventure on a boat ride to Sydney, Australia. The song has a catchy melody and showcases the incredible harmonies between Johnny and June's voices. The lyrics evoke the feeling of adventure and wanderlust that often accompanies travel by boat.

The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a perfect addition to any summer playlist. As a testament to the timeless appeal of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's music, the song will surely put a smile on your face.

12. “Boat Names” by Brian Kelley

Song Year: 2021

The lighthearted song celebrates the tradition of naming boats. The lyrics embrace the joy and freedom associated with life on the water. The song captures the essence of carefree boating culture, where boat owners express their individuality and create a sense of identity through the names they give to their boats.

Brian Kelley talks about a sunny day out on the water with friends enjoying life's simple pleasures. It explores the various creative and often humorous names that boat owners choose, reflecting their personalities, interests, and experiences. The song highlights the unique stories behind these names, evoking a sense of comradeship among boating enthusiasts.

13. “Drunk on A Boat” by Jake Owen

Song Year: 2021

Drunk On A Boat” is a fun and catchy song that perfectly captures the feeling of being out on the water with friends and drinks. The singer implores listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment.

The track’s upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus make it a perfect addition to any summer playlist, and it's easy to imagine yourself living it up on a boat while listening to this song. Jake Owen's smooth vocals blend with the catchy melody, making it many people's favorite.

Top Country Songs About Boats, Final Thoughts

Whether cruising on a pontoon, fishing in the dark, or just enjoying a drink on a boat, country music has always been the perfect soundtrack for boating adventures. From classic hits to modern anthems, the genre is filled with catchy tunes about the joys of life on the water.

So, next time you're out on your boat, remember to bring your favorite country playlist and let the music improve your boating experience. We hope you enjoyed reading our list of the best country songs about boats.