30 Heartbreaking Country Songs About Divorce, Ranked
When it comes to the painful experience of divorce, whether you're currently "Goin' Through the Big D" or have already gone through the process of changing your name back, the emotional pain that accompanies this type of breakup is guaranteed to linger for a considerable amount of time.
Luckily, there is an abundance of excellent country music available to assist you during this challenging time.
Even before divorce became a widespread and accepted phenomenon, country musicians have been addressing this subject in their songs. Patsy Cline, for instance, broached the topic in her very first single released in 1955.
However, there was still a considerable amount of negative judgment attached to this trend, particularly towards women. Singers like Loretta Lynn challenged this judgment by releasing the song "Rated X" in the same year she became the first woman to win CMA Entertainer of the Year.
In recent years, divorce has remained a significant theme in country music, particularly for female artists. Starting from 2020, Carly Pearce, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kelly Clarkson have all released albums that were directly influenced by their personal experiences with divorce. These albums have had a profound impact on their careers, breaking barriers and earning nominations for prestigious awards such as the Grammys, CMAs, ACMs, and more.
It is evident that when country music artists express genuine and specific emotional pain in their lyrics, their audience connects with it in a profound way.
When it comes to songs that depict divorce from a male point of view, the subjects and emotions explored vary greatly. Common themes include heartbreak, anger, and a deep concern for the children affected by the separation. However, a prevailing theme in many of these songs is the financial impact that their ex-partners have inflicted upon them, which continues to greatly affect these men.
Continue reading to discover a complete compilation of the most notable divorce songs in country music history. Interestingly, the top two artists mentioned in this list are not only divorced but also divorced from each other.
30 Heart-wrenching Country Songs About Divorce, in Order of Ranking
Credit for Gallery: Carena Liptak
The top 50 breakup songs in the country music genre have been curated. For more content related to country music, visit Taste of Country. Stay updated