Ashley McBryde has carved a unique space in country music, celebrated for her songwriting that is both deeply thoughtful and strikingly original. Her discography, featuring major label albums like Girl Going Nowhere and Never Will, and the conceptual Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, showcases this blend perfectly. McBryde’s journey to mainstream success was paved through years of relentless work as an independent artist, honing her craft in intimate clubs and at county fairs, making her eventual breakthrough all the more rewarding.
[RELATED: Behind the Song: “Bible and a .44” by Ashley McBryde]
Here, we delve into 10 Ashley Mcbryde Songs that stand out as some of her finest, essential listening for anyone wanting to understand her artistry.
1. “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
While “Bible and a .44” initially turned heads, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” propelled Ashley McBryde into the spotlight. The song’s powerful origin story stems from a teacher’s dismissive remark about McBryde’s aspirations to be a singer-songwriter. Instead of being defeated, McBryde transformed those discouraging words into an inspiring anthem. Delivered with her distinctive, heartfelt vocals and a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” is a deeply personal narrative of triumph over adversity and a defining Ashley McBryde song.
But when the lights come up
And I hear the band
And where they said I’d never be is exactly where I am
I hear the crowd
I look around
And I can’t find an empty chair
Not bad for a girl goin’ nowhere
2. “Bible and a .44”
“Bible and a .44” is arguably the Ashley McBryde song that first solidified her place in contemporary country music. Her unforgettable performance of this track with Eric Church in 2017 instantly signaled the arrival of a significant songwriting talent. A tribute to her father, the song paints a vivid picture of his character, culminating in the poignant lines of the chorus: he carried a Bible and a .44/And they just don’t make ’em like that no more. As Ashley McBryde’s catalog grows, “Bible and a .44” remains a cornerstone, a testament to her early brilliance and a fan favorite.
He’d see through a lie like an old screen door
He taught me how to hunt and how to love the Lord
He carried a Bible and a .44
And they just don’t make ’em like that no more
3. “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”
Released in 2017 as her major label debut single, “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” is an Ashley McBryde song that resonates with themes of resilience and finding unexpected joy in difficult times. Inspired by co-writer Jesse Rice’s true story of meeting his wife in a Dahlonega, Georgia bar after a car breakdown, the song celebrates the silver linings in life’s setbacks. Lyrics like here’s to the breakups that didn’t break us and makin’ the best of the worst day kinda night encapsulate this optimistic outlook. “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” was instrumental in establishing McBryde’s unique voice in the country music scene, marking her territory with authenticity and heart.
Here’s to the break ups that didn’t break us
The break down, wrong turn that takes ya
To a little dive bar in Dahlonega
Hear a song from a band that saves ya, man
It’s hittin’ rock bottom smoke ’em if you got ’em
Nothing’s going right
Makin’ the best of the worst day kinda night
4. “Never Wanted to Be That Girl”
The collaboration between Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” resulted in a Grammy and CMA Award-winning hit that made country music history. It became only the second duet by two female artists to reach the top of the country charts in 30 years. Co-written with Shane McAnally, this Ashley McBryde song explores the painful perspectives of two women unknowingly involved with the same man. The lyrics powerfully convey their shared heartbreak and realization. While technically Carly Pearce’s single, “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” is a signature Ashley McBryde song in its impact and artistry, showcasing a timeless country sound with contemporary relevance.
I never wanted to be that girl
I never wanted to hate myself
I thought this kind of lonely only happens to somebody else
Bein’ the other one when there’s another one
God, this feels like hell
Thought I knew who I was, but it’s gettin’ hard to tell
I never wanted to be that girl
5. “Stone”
“Stone” is a deeply personal Ashley McBryde song that offers listeners a glimpse into her heart. Written following the tragic loss of her brother Clay, a veteran who died by suicide in 2018, McBryde, alongside co-writer Nicolette Hayford, crafted a poignant tribute. In “Stone,” McBryde vulnerably reveals her grief while celebrating her brother’s enduring strength. The gentle melody and introspective lyrics, noting shared traits like a nervous sway and inherited shyness, create an intimate atmosphere. The lines I’m just now findin’ out, now that you’re gone/We were cut from the same stone resonate with a lullaby-like tenderness. McBryde described writing “Stone” to American Songwriter in 2020 as “saving years of therapy,” transforming profound sadness into a message of enduring connection.
Yeah, there’s a lot of things
That should be written in one
But your name
Ain’t one of ’em
So I carry one
And it’s a heavy one
6. “Sparrow”
With “Sparrow,” Ashley McBryde provides an honest portrayal of life as a touring musician. This Ashley McBryde song captures the bittersweet reality of constant travel, from phone calls home from hotel bars to infrequent days off. She doesn’t shy away from the loneliness that accompanies life on the road, poignantly summarized in the closing lyrics: higher than you’ve ever been/Lonely like you never been/Waiting on the wind to take you home. “Sparrow,” a hidden gem from her Never Will album, offers a raw and reflective glimpse into the touring artist’s experience.
Sparrow, oh, it wouldn’t trade nothing for the way it feels to fly
It ain’t fair though, how you miss the ground when you’re out here in the sky
Higher than you’ve ever been
Lonely like you never been
Waiting on the wind to take you home
7. “Gospel Night at the Strip Club”
Choosing a standout track from Ashley McBryde’s concept album, Lindeville, is a challenge, but “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” is certainly a strong contender. Notably, Ashley McBryde doesn’t sing on the studio version; co-writer Benjy Davis takes the lead vocals. Set in the fictional, quirky town of Lindeville, the song depicts a strip club that uniquely hosts a gospel music night. Balancing humor with unexpected poignancy, particularly in lines like Jesus loves the drunkards and the whores and the queers, “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” is a standout Ashley McBryde song that touches on themes of acceptance and community in unexpected places.
It’s gospel night at the strip club, I’ve been sleepin’ in my car
I lead the singin’ service with a half-ass tuned guitar
And Brandy’s singin’ backup while Lonnie’s tendin’ bar
Just waitin’ for more sinners to show up
8. “Brenda Put Your Bra On”
“Brenda Put Your Bra On” is a concise yet impactful Ashley McBryde song, clocking in at just two minutes. In this track, McBryde, alongside duet partners Caylee Hammack and Pillbox Patti, delivers a riotous narrative of infidelity and its chaotic aftermath. Lindeville showcased McBryde’s versatility, proving her ability to craft both concept albums and traditional three-chord country songs with equal sharpness. “Brenda Put Your Bra On” exemplifies her storytelling prowess in a compact, explosive package.
Brenda, put your bra on, there’s trouble next door
Grab a pack of cigarettes and meet me on the porch
Marvin baby mama ’bout to catch him with a whore
Brenda, put your bra on
9. ”Bonfire at Tina’s”
From its opening lines, small-town women ain’t built to get along/But you burn one boy, you burn us all, “Bonfire at Tina’s” establishes itself as a powerful Ashley McBryde anthem about female solidarity. The song transforms a narrative of women wronged into a celebration of sticking together through thick and thin. This message of unity resonates deeply in her live performances, where female fans enthusiastically respond to the song’s title refrain. “Bonfire at Tina’s” is both fun and meaningful, carrying a message of female empowerment that resonates widely.
Small town women ain’t built to get along
But you burn one boy, you burn us all
We’ll be here drinking ’til the smoke is gone
Bonfire at Tina’s
10. “Hang in There Girl”
“Hang in There Girl” demonstrates Ashley McBryde’s empathetic songwriting. This Ashley McBryde song is an encouraging message of hope, urging the listener to pursue their dreams and resist settling for a limited life in a small town. With lines like I know too well that look in her eyes / Yeah I’ve been right there at the end of that drive, McBryde connects with listeners on a personal level. “Hang in There Girl” serves as a much-needed note of encouragement, made even more impactful by McBryde’s sincere delivery and relatable perspective.
Hang in there girl
Hang in there girl
Hang in there girl
You’re gonna be alright
In conclusion, these 10 Ashley McBryde songs represent a diverse and compelling introduction to her artistry. From powerful anthems to intimate ballads and quirky story-songs, McBryde’s music consistently showcases her exceptional songwriting and vocal talent, making her a vital voice in contemporary country music. Explore these tracks and discover the depth and breadth of Ashley McBryde’s remarkable musical journey.
