10 Songs About Montana

Welcome to “Songs About Montana,” a carefully curated playlist that celebrates the breathtaking beauty, rugged spirit, and unique charm of Big Sky Country. 

From the sweeping landscapes to the vibrant culture, Montana has inspired countless artists to capture its essence through music. Whether you’re a native Montanan or someone who dreams of visiting, these songs will transport you to the heart of this magnificent state. Each track offers a different perspective on Montana, weaving stories of love, adventure, and the timeless allure of its wild skies and open plains. 

So sit back, relax, and let these melodies take you on a musical journey through the Last Best Place.

1. “Montana Song” By Hank Williams Jr.

“Montana Song” by Hank Williams Jr. is a heartfelt country ballad that captures the essence of Montana’s natural beauty and the emotional landscape of its people. The song features Williams Jr.’s distinctive country vocals, which bring the lyrics to life with warmth and authenticity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Montana’s vast open spaces, majestic mountains, and serene beauty, making listeners feel as if they are journeying through the state themselves. The song is a tribute to the state’s allure and the sense of freedom it offers, making it a favorite among country music fans and those who appreciate Montana’s rugged charm.

2. “Montana Lullaby” By Ken Overcast

“Montana Lullaby” by Ken Overcast is a soothing and evocative song that captures the tranquility and beauty of Montana. Written by Overcast and Wylie Gustafson, the song became the official state lullaby of Montana in 2007. The lyrics tell the story of a lonesome cowboy out on the range, missing his sweetheart Jenny who is waiting for him at home. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke the serene landscapes of Montana, with references to the wind in the pines and the sun setting in the west. Overcast’s performance, characterized by his country style and yodeling, adds an authentic touch to the song, making it a beloved piece that embodies the spirit of the West and Montana’s cowboy heritage.

3. “Montana Sky” By White Heart

“Montana Sky” by White Heart is a song that beautifully captures the expansive and awe-inspiring nature of Montana’s skies. White Heart, a Christian rock band, brings a unique blend of rock and inspirational music to this track. The song’s lyrics reflect on the grandeur of the Montana sky, using it as a metaphor for freedom, hope, and the vast possibilities that life offers. The powerful instrumentation and emotive vocals create a sense of wonder and admiration for the natural beauty of Montana. “Montana Sky” stands out as a song that not only celebrates the physical landscape but also inspires listeners to dream and reach for the sky.

4. “Montana On My Mind” By Shane Clouse

“Montana On My Mind” by Shane Clouse is a song that expresses a deep longing and affection for the state of Montana. Clouse’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance convey a sense of nostalgia and love for the state’s landscapes and way of life. The song reflects on the memories and experiences that make Montana special, from its majestic mountains to its peaceful valleys. Clouse’s country style and genuine emotion make “Montana On My Mind” a touching tribute to the state, resonating with anyone who has ever felt a strong connection to Montana. The song is a reminder of the state’s enduring charm and the lasting impact it has on those who call it home.

5. “Big City” By Merle Haggard

“Big City” by Merle Haggard is a classic country song that delves into the themes of urban fatigue and the longing for a simpler life. Released in January 1982 as the second single and title track from his album Big City, the song quickly became Haggard’s 27th number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The inspiration for the song came from a remark by Haggard’s friend and tour bus driver, Dean Holloway, who expressed his weariness of city life and his desire to be “somewhere in the middle of damn Montana.” This sentiment is captured in the song’s chorus, which speaks to the desire to escape the “dirty old city” for the wide-open spaces of Montana. The song’s critical reception highlighted its focus on the plight of the working man and the complexities of urban life, themes that are recurrent in Haggard’s best work.

6. “Goodnight Montana” By David Walburn

“Goodnight Montana” by David Walburn is a folk song that beautifully encapsulates the serene and picturesque landscape of Montana. Featured as track #12 on his album Montana Life Under The Big Sky, the song has a length of 3:39 and falls within the folk genre. The lyrics of “Goodnight Montana” serve as a tender farewell to the day, painting a vivid picture of Montana’s natural beauty and tranquil environment. Walburn’s heartfelt performance and evocative songwriting make it a perfect song to end a day with, capturing the essence of Montana’s peaceful nights and the deep connection one feels with the state’s majestic surroundings.

7. “Meet Me In Montana” By Dan Seals and Marie Osmond

“Meet Me In Montana” by Dan Seals and Marie Osmond is a celebrated country duet that became a significant hit in the mid-1980s. Written by Paul Davis, the song was released in 1985 and quickly climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard country charts. The song tells the story of two individuals who dream of reuniting in Montana, a place symbolizing hope, love, and the beauty of the natural world. The lyrics reflect the struggles of pursuing dreams in Hollywood and Tennessee, and the desire to escape to the tranquility and grandeur of Montana’s mountains. The duet’s success helped revive Osmond’s career and solidified Seals’ status in the country music scene. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and harmonious blend of voices make it a timeless tribute to Montana’s allure and the promise of new beginnings under its vast sky.

8. “Wild Montana Skies” By John Denver

“Wild Montana Skies” by John Denver, featuring Emmylou Harris, is a celebrated country song from Denver’s 1983 album It’s About Time. The song is a tribute to the rugged beauty and spirit of Montana, capturing the essence of the state’s natural landscapes and the people who inhabit them. The lyrics tell the story of a man born in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, who grows up connected to the land and its wild, untamed spirit. The song’s chorus, “Oh Montana, give this child a home / Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own / Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes / Give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana skies,” reflects a deep yearning for belonging and a connection to Montana’s majestic environment. The song has been highly acclaimed, being rated as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time by the Western Writers of America and winning a poll as the best song about Montana by the Great Falls Tribune.

9. “Montana Rodeo” By Chris LeDoux

“Montana Rodeo” by Chris LeDoux is a lively and energetic country song that captures the excitement and spirit of rodeo life in Montana. LeDoux, a former rodeo champion himself, brings authenticity and passion to the song, which is featured on his 1983 album Thirty Dollar Cowboy. The song’s lyrics and upbeat tempo reflect the thrill of the rodeo, the camaraderie among cowboys, and the rugged lifestyle associated with Montana’s rodeo culture. LeDoux’s performance is characterized by his distinctive country style and storytelling ability, making “Montana Rodeo” a vivid portrayal of the state’s rodeo scene and a tribute to the cowboys who participate in it.

10. “Montana” By Frank Zappa

“Montana” by Frank Zappa is a unique and eclectic rock song from his 1973 album Over-Nite Sensation. Unlike the other songs on this list, “Montana” takes a more humorous and satirical approach to its subject matter. The song tells the quirky tale of a man who dreams of moving to Montana to become a dental floss tycoon. Zappa’s lyrics are filled with whimsical and surreal imagery, such as “Raisin’ it up, waxin’ it down / In a little white box that I can sell uptown.” The song’s complex musical arrangement and Zappa’s distinctive vocal style make it a standout track that showcases his innovative approach to rock music. While “Montana” may not capture the state’s natural beauty in a traditional sense, it offers a playful and imaginative take on the idea of starting anew in the wide-open spaces of Montana.

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