27 Best Garth Brooks Songs

Garth Brooks is one of the most iconic country musicians ever. He's made several top-charting hits and deservingly has a very loyal fanbase. Here are the top Garth Brooks songs you need in your collection.

“The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1991

Garth Brooks' “The Thunder Rolls” uses the rain as a symbolic image in its lyrics. The lyrics describe a woman waiting for her man to return home during a storm. After he arrives, she smells an unknown perfume off him, implying that he's cheated on her. The rock-inspired guitar solo towards the end and the rain and thunder sound effects enhance the piece.

“Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1990

“Friends In Low Places” is a classic country song with a moderate tempo, enhanced by Brooks' dynamic vocals and guitar and fiddle accompaniment. The lyrics describe a man crashing his ex's party, expressing his happiness without her, and enjoying drinking the night away with his friends. It's a great song for anyone who's moved on from a failed relationship.

“Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1994

“Callin' Baton Rouge” has an upbeat, bouncy sound, enhanced by its fiddle and banjo instrumentation. In this song, the narrator tries to contact a woman through a payphone after meeting her in Baton Rouge. It's a relatable song that resonates with anybody trying to find someone.

“If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1989

“If Tomorrow Never Comes” is Garth Brooks' first chart-topping single, featured on his self-titled debut album. The lyrics describe the narrator wondering if his daughter will ever know how much he loves her if he dies. The soft guitar accompaniment and slow tempo enhance this heartfelt track.

“The Beaches of Cheyenne” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1995

If you're looking for quality Garth Brooks songs embodying country folk tales, “The Beaches of Cheyenne” is one song worth listening to at least once. The song tells the tale of a woman losing her mind after losing her husband to a bull-riding accident.

Although the woman disappears after running towards the ocean, the song's speaker states she might be alive, leaving tracks along the titular beach.

“The Dance” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1990

One of Garth Brooks' most emotional tracks on his debut album is “The Dance.” The song's lyrics are about a man who's lost his love, remembering the nights they would dance together. He reiterates that if he knew their relationship would fall apart, he'd do anything to change the outcome. Its melancholy piano accompaniment emphasizes its bittersweet tone.

“Shameless” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1991

Initially recorded by Billy Joel, Garth Brooks' take on “Shameless” is a song about a proud man in love. Although he doesn't give in to temptations, the man expresses how he's more prone to making a fool of himself whenever he's near her. Its slower tempo and relaxing vocals don’t overstay their welcome.

“Rodeo” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1991

If any Garth Brooks' track has an authentic country vibe, it's “Rodeo,” featured on the album Ropin' the Wind. The lyrics tell the story of a man who enjoys the rodeo lifestyle. Although he gets injured many times and leaves his love behind, he keeps returning to it.

“The River” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1991

Can't find a motivational song to cheer you up after a rough week? “The River” is a ballad about following your dreams. The song's speaker compares life to a river, expressing how although things can feel rough, it's worth taking a few risks to live life to the fullest.

“She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1995

Heartfelt and slow, Garth Brooks' “She's Every Woman” is the perfect song to dedicate to any special woman in your life. The song's narrator describes the defining traits of a woman he loves, both positive and negative. He reflects upon these traits as being similar to others he dated but declares her to be different from everyone else.

“That Summer” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1993

“That Summer” is one of the many chart-topping hits Garth Brooks has released throughout his career. It's a song about a teenager working on an old widow's farm, who he eventually begins a sexual relationship with. Years later, the narrator reflects on this moment as his transition into maturity, never forgetting the experience.

“Ask Me How I Know” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 2016

“Ask Me How I Know” delivers a straightforward message to its audience about how some romantic relationships might fail and that it's a part of life. The narrator has experienced heartbreak continuously but has learned to move on, hoping the listener takes his advice.

“We Shall Be Free” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1992

Another one of the most iconic Garth Brooks songs is “We Shall Be Free.” This song is about love and acceptance. He believes the world will become more peaceful once they put aside their differences. The song has a spiritual vibe, enhanced by the choir accompanying Brooks during the chorus.

“Ireland” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1995

Garth Brooks' “Ireland” is an uplifting tribute to the people of Ireland and his heritage, featured on his album Fresh Horses. The lyrics reference the Irish Rebellion of 1798, highlighting the strength of the Irish people fighting for freedom. Although the speaker is outnumbered, he continues fighting.

“Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1990

“Unanswered Prayers” is a song about a man encountering his old flame from high school, remembering how he used to want her. During this encounter, he understands how much has changed between them. He thanks God for not answering his prayers back then, expressing his gratitude to be with the wife he loves.

“Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1998

If there's one thing you can find in many popular country songs, it's drinking. Garth Brooks' “Two Piña Coladas” is about a man going to the beach and buying a few drinks after experiencing heartbreak. After drowning his sorrows, he starts to feel happy.

This song resonates with anyone moving on from unsuccessful love. Its guitar accompaniment gives the song a tropical vibe.

“That Ol’ Wind” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1996

“That Ol' Wind” tells the tale of a woman reuniting with her lover at a concert after ten years. Their love remains strong, despite being away for so long.

The narrator reveals that the man has some money left over from his music career and is the father of the woman's son. It’s a heartwarming song for anyone who’s a fan of rekindled love.

“The Cowboy Song” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1993

Most people associate cowboys with action-packed Western movies, but Garth Brooks' “The Cowboy Song” describes a more realistic take on the life of a cowboy. The lyrics describe cowboys' hardships, from losing sleep on cold nights to flooding rivers that wash away their livestock.

Its slower tempo and fiddle instrumentation give the track a bittersweet tone.

“She’s Gonna Make It” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1998

Another bittersweet track recorded by Garth Brooks is “She's Gonna Make It,” a ballad from the album Sevens. The song's narrator tells the tale of a man seeking freedom after a seven-year marriage. A few months after ending his relationship, he feels more pain than her.

The lyrics incorporate imagery of a mountaintop, describing the woman as living her life to the fullest without the man while the man can barely hold on.

“Wrapped Up In You” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 2001

“Wrapped In You” is a country love song about a man expressing his unconditional devotion to the one he adores. He appreciates her support throughout the years, helping him through the hardest times, stating how the world would feel sadder and lonelier without her.

Its upbeat country sound can lift anyone’s spirits, especially once the song’s fiddle and harmonica solo starts.

“Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1989

Garth Brooks' debut single “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” is a classic country song about a seasoned rodeo cowboy. Although he drives to his next rodeo, he feels the pressure of newer, younger rodeo stars entering the scene, making him question his purpose as his enthusiasm fades.

This track might resonate with anyone doubting their worth and purpose in the world.

“American Honky-Tonk Bar Association” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1993

If there's one thing you can associate many Garth Brooks songs with, it's their catchy melodies. “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association” is an ode to the American blue-collar workers who spend their time at the bar. The narrator describes the bar as a community for those feeling down or looking for a place to celebrate.

“Ain't Goin' Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1993

This Garth Brooks classic is about teenagers sneaking out at night and having the time of their lives. The song's uptempo harmonica and rock-inspired guitar solo enhance its rebellious edge. It’s the perfect song to play during any road trip.

“Good Ride Cowboy” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 2005

Garth Brooks recorded “Good Ride Cowboy” as a tribute to country music and rodeo icon Chris LeDoux. Many of the song's lyrics reference LeDoux's songs and albums. The song radiates positive energy when listening to it, embodying the signature country music sound you'll hear in most songs about cowboys.

“Learning to Live Again” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1993

“Learning to Live Again” is about a man struggling to move on from his wife's death. His friends invite him on a double date, where he meets someone new. Although he asks if he can see her again, he knows healing from his mourning will take a while.

“One Night a Day” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1994

Garth Brooks‘ “One Night a Day” is the perfect song to play on a lonely, quiet night. In this song, the narrator laments about his lover leaving him. He tries many things to take his mind off her, from listening to the radio to calling his friends late at night. Its piano and saxophone accompaniment make it stand out from his other country hits.

“Wild Horses” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 2000

“Wild Horses” tells the story of a man struggling to choose between the woman he loves and his rodeo lifestyle. He promises his woman he'll leave the rodeo behind, but it draws him back in, breaking his promise to her. He compares this feeling to being dragged by horses.

Top Garth Brooks Songs, Final Thoughts

Many Garth Brooks songs incorporate a signature country-inspired sound, regardless of each track's tone. His music has an essence that's hard to replicate, making it stand out from other popular country artists. We hope this list encourages you to check out his albums and add them to your collection.