30 Heartbreaking Country Songs About Divorce, Ranked
Separation, spelled out as D-I-V-O-R-C-E, is a painful experience that lingers, whether you are currently "Goin' Through the Big D" or have already reclaimed your original name after the split. These country songs capture the raw emotions and lasting effects of divorce.
Luckily, there is an abundance of excellent country music that can assist you in getting through such a situation.
Country musicians have been incorporating divorce themes into their songs for many years, even before divorces became as prevalent and accepted in society as they are now. As early as 1955, Patsy Cline addressed this subject in her first released single.
However, there was still a significant amount of shame associated with this occurrence, particularly for women. Loretta Lynn, a prominent figure in the music industry, challenged this stigma by releasing the song "Rated X" in the same year that she became the first woman to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year award.
In recent years, divorce has remained a popular subject for female country music artists. Starting from 2020, Carly Pearce, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kelly Clarkson have all released albums that draw inspiration from their personal divorces. These albums have been groundbreaking and transformative, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Grammys, CMAs, ACMs, and many others.
It is evident that when country music artists openly express their genuine and specific experiences of heartache, their audience reacts strongly.
When it comes to songs that discuss divorce from a male point of view, the subjects (and emotions) covered are quite varied. These songs often touch on heartbreak, anger, and the love they have for the children who are caught in the middle. However, a particularly common theme is the financial impact that many of these men have experienced, with their ex-partners hitting them where it hurts the most: their wallets.
Continue reading for a detailed compilation of the best divorce songs in country music history. Interestingly, the top two artists on this list were once married to each other but have since divorced.
30 Intense Country Songs About Divorce, Ordered by Ranking
Image Attribution: Carena Liptak
Top 50 Breakup Songs in the Country Music Genre
Additional Content from Taste of Country
Details
Stay Connected with Us