The Ten Most Controversial Songs in Country Music History
TasteOfCountry.com ranked the 30 most controversial country songs of all time. They claim everyone’s afraid of to get CANCELLED now, so not a lot of new songs made the list. But it’s not all old stuff either. Here are the top ten . . .
1. “The Pill” by Loretta Lynn (1975) Released shortly after birth control pills became widely available.
2. “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley (2003) About September 11th. It was criticized for being pro-war.
3. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X (2018) Controversial because it mixed country and hip-hop. Billboard even removed it from its Hot Country chart for not having enough “country” elements.
4. “Accidental Racist” by Brad Paisley (2013) It was an attempt to help people see eye-to-eye, but some thought it fell flat.
5. “Red Ragtop” by Tim McGraw (2002) About a young couple who decided NOT to have a baby.
6. “Am I the Only One” by Aaron Lewis (2021) Some fans love it. Some think it’s overly pessimistic.
7. “Fancy” by Reba McEntire (1990) About a desperate mom who has to pimp out her own daughter.
8. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith (2002) Another one about September 11th. It was a huge hit though, and he still plays it live.
9. “Indian Outlaw” by Tim McGraw (1994) It’s been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes.
10. “Okie from Muskogee” by Merle Haggard (1969) It went after hippies and Vietnam War protesters.
The Top 30 also include “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks . . . “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich . . . “Wait in the Truck” by Hardy . . . “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town . . . and “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” by Willie Nelson. (Taste of Country)
