The 10 Best Mel Tillis Songs of All-Time
When it comes to country music, few artists have had as much impact as Mel Tillis. Mel Tillis was an American country music singer and songwriter. He was born in Tampa, Florida, on August 8, 1932, and died in Ocala, Florida, on November 19, 2017. Tillis was a prolific songwriter, penning over 1,000 songs during his career. He also had over 60 top-10 hits as a recording artist. Here are 10 of the best Mel Tillis songs of all time:
10. I Got the Hoss (1977)
Tillis initially recorded this song in 1967, but it was re-recorded and released as a single in 1977. The song is about a man who gets a horse as a gift and then has to figure out how to take care of it. Lyrically, the music is lighthearted and fun, with Tillis’ trademark humor on full display. The lyrics describe the horse as “the biggest, meanest hoss in the county” and Tillis as “the luckiest man alive.” The song was a top 10 hit for Tillis, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles.
9. Memory Maker (1972)
One of Tillis’s most personal songs, “Memory Maker,” is a touching ode to his daughter Pam, born with a congenital heart defect. Tillis has said that he wrote the song to tell his daughter how much he loved her and how proud he was of her courage and strength in fighting through her illness. It was released as a single in 1972 and charted top 10 on the Billboard Country singles chart, making it one of Tillis’ most successful songs.
8. I Believe in You (1978)
I Believe in You was written by Gene Dunlap and Buddy Cannon. It was initially recorded by Waylon Jennings, who released it as a single in 1978. It is a ballad about the power of love and faith. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been through some hard times, but he still believes in the power of love. The song reminds us that no matter what life throws at us, we should never give up on our dreams. The song was a Top 10 hit for Jennings, reaching number one on the Billboard Country charts. Tillis later recorded the song himself, releasing it as a single in 1979.
7. Mental Revenge (1966)
Mental Revenge was released in February 1966 as the first single from the album Stateside. The song is about a man planning to take revenge on his cheating wife and her lover. It clearly describes the betrayal he feels and the anger boiling inside of him. It says that even though he knows that revenge is not the answer, he can’t help but think about it.
6. I’m Tired (1957)
I’m Tired was one of Mel Tillis’ first big hits. It is about a man who is tired of working all the time and wants to relax. It says a lot about the hard-working blue-collar worker trying to make ends meet. The song tells a lot about how hard work can wear a person down. Musically, the music is upbeat and has a catchy melody, and it’s easy to see why it was a hit.
5. Southern Rains (1980)
Southern Rains is a song about loss, heartache, and longing for a simpler time. The lyrics are simple but beautiful, and Tillis’s delivery is perfect. This song will make you nostalgic for a time and place you may have never even experienced. It was released in December 1980 from an album of the same name. The song was the sixth to be first on the charts, and it remained that way for about eleven weeks.
4. Sawmill (1973)
Another great song from Mel Tillis is “Sawmill.” It is a song about a sawmill worker killed in an accident. A true story inspired the song, and Tillis said it was one of the hardest songs he ever wrote. “Sawmill” is a sad but beautiful song, showing Tillis’ talent for storytelling. Its lyrics are simple but effective, and the song has a catchy melody. “Sawmill” is one of Tillis’ most famous songs, and it is an excellent example of his songwriting talent.
3. Good Woman Blues (1976)
The next song on the list is the Good Woman Blues., written by Ken McDuffie and recorded by Mel Tillis in 1976. This song is an excellent example of Tillis’ story-telling ability. It’s a classic country song about a man trying to figure out what he did wrong in his relationship. The song starts with the man asking his friends for advice on what he should do to try and win back his woman. His friends all give him a different direction, but none of it seems to help. He eventually realizes that the only way to win her back is to change himself. He decides to get a job and start taking care of himself. The song is an excellent example of Tillis’ ability to write a catchy country song with a relatable story.
2. I Ain’t Never (1972)
I Ain’t Never is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artists Webb Pierce and Mel Tillis. It was released in May 1972 as the first single from the album I Ain’t Never. The song describes a man who has never done anything wrong. The song was a significant hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot CS chart and becoming a signature song for Pierce and Tillis. It spent two weeks being number two on the chart, which is why it is one of his best songs.
1. Coca Cola Cowboy (1979)
The first song on our list is “Coca Cola Cowboy” from the album “Mr. Entertainer.” The song was a number one hit on the country charts and helped to solidify Mel Tillis as a country superstar. The song is about a cowboy who is down on his luck and turns to drink to forget his troubles. The song is an excellent example of Tillis’ storytelling abilities and humor. The song was also featured in the film “Every Which Way but Loose,” which starred Clint Eastwood, which helped to increase its popularity.
Conclusion
Mel Tillis was a prolific country singer and songwriter with a long list of hits. These are ten of his best songs that showcase his talent for writing catchy country tunes with relatable stories. If you’re a fan of country music, then these songs are a must-listen.