Behind The Hits: Famous Songwriters Who Gave Their Best Work Away
The stars you hear might not be the ones who wrote those unforgettable country hits. Some legendary songwriters stay out of the spotlight, crafting tunes for others. Interested in discovering these hidden talents? Here are 10 country songs written by famous songwriters who aren’t always front and center.
I Will Always Love You
Written in 1973, Dolly Parton composed this emotional song while parting ways with longtime collaborator Porter Wagoner. Her original version topped the country charts twice, while Whitney Houston’s 1992 cover transformed it into a global hit, earning multiple Grammys. It remains a timeless ballad embraced by all generations.
Whiskey Lullaby
This song reveals the deep pain that follows a broken relationship, told through powerful lyrics and a haunting melody. Bill Anderson and Jon Randall crafted a narrative of heartbreak and regret that resonated strongly when Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss brought it to life in 2004. It also earned the CMA Song of the Year award.
Crazy
Willie Nelson wrote “Crazy” in 1961 for Patsy Cline, who made it a huge hit that shaped her career. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics express deep longing. It helped launch Nelson’s songwriting fame. “Crazy” remains one of the most covered country songs, admired for its timeless emotional impact.
The House That Built Me
Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin wrote this nostalgic song inspired by stories of returning home. Miranda Lambert’s 2010 recording brought it to No. 1 on the country charts. These heartfelt lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their past, earning the song CMA Song of the Year for its emotional depth.
Tennessee Whiskey
“Tennessee Whiskey” wasn’t written by David Allan Coe or Chris Stapleton. Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove penned it, with Coe recording it first in 1981. George Jones gave it more exposure in 1983, but it was Stapleton’s bluesy 2015 cover that turned the song into a chart-topping hit.
Mama’s Broken Heart
Written by Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and Shane McAnally, this fiery anthem was originally intended for Musgraves. Instead, Miranda Lambert recorded it in 2013, turning it into a breakout hit. Its raw rejection of post-breakup “ladylike” behavior resonated widely, soaring to No. 2 on the country charts.
You Should Be Here
Performed by Cole Swindell, “You Should Be Here” was co-written with hitmaker Ashley Gorley, known for writing chart-toppers for Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Swindell channeled raw grief over his father’s passing, while Gorley helped shape its emotional depth. Together, they created a No. 1 country anthem that still resonates with those in mourning.
Better Man
Taylor Swift wrote “Better Man” about the pain of walking away from someone who couldn’t change. Rather than record it herself, she gave it to Little Big Town, whose 2016 version earned wide acclaim. The song even won CMA Song of the Year, standing out for its honest reflection on love, regret, and growth.
Blue Ain’t Your Color
Released in 2016, Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” blends smooth country soul with themes of heartache and compassion. Written by Steven Lee Olsen, Hillary Lindsey, and Clint Lagerberg, it became one of Urban’s most recognized hits, earning major chart success and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance.
More Hearts Than Mine
Though Ingrid Andress sang it herself, “More Hearts Than Mine” owes part of its emotional depth to co-writer Sam Ellis. Known for working with artists like Lady A, Ellis helped craft this introspective song about how breakups impact entire families. It marked Andress’s debut on the charts and became a standout track in modern country storytelling.
