Following his impactful years as the frontman of the rock band Staind, Aaron Lewis embarked on a compelling solo career in country music starting in 2011. This transition showcased his versatility and songwriting talent in a new genre. His debut EP, Town Line, marked this shift, quickly followed by his first full-length album, The Road, in 2012, signaling a significant and successful move into the country music scene.
Lewis fully embraced country music, and this commitment resulted in a string of successful albums. Sinner arrived in 2016, further solidifying his place in the genre, and he continued to release albums with State I’m In in 2019 and Frayed at Both Ends in 2022, each adding to his growing catalog of country hits.
While many fans are familiar with his powerful songs from his Staind days, Aaron Lewis has built an impressive collection of country music since 2011. This article delves into ten of the best Aaron Lewis Songs from his country repertoire, highlighting his evolution as an artist and his impact on the country genre over the last decade.
1. “Country Boy” with George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young (2011)
“Country Boy” served as Aaron Lewis’s powerful introduction to country music, immediately establishing his roots and intentions within the genre. For this debut single from his Town Line EP in 2011, Lewis collaborated with true country music legends: George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young. This collaboration was not just a feature; it was a statement. Having icons like Jones and Daniels on his very first country track lent immediate credibility and respect to Lewis’s foray into this new musical territory.
The song itself is an anthem celebrating the simple, honest values of country life. Lewis’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of his upbringing and personal identity, rooted in rural America. Lines like “Now, I grew up down an old dirt road in a town you wouldn’t know / My pop’s picked the place up for fifteen hundred bucks back in 1964” immediately ground the song in authentic, relatable experiences for many listeners. The raw honesty in “And a country boy is all I’ll ever be” resonates as a declaration of unwavering self-identity.
Beyond the original version featuring these country giants, “Country Boy” also exists in radio and acoustic versions, showcasing the song’s versatility and appeal across different arrangements. This song wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment, bridging generations of country music fans and solidifying Aaron Lewis’s place in the genre from the outset. The collaboration and the song’s message made it an unforgettable entry into the world of Aaron Lewis country songs.
2. “Tangled Up in You,” featuring Alexa Carter (2011)
Also featured on his debut Town Line EP, “Tangled Up in You” offers a different side of Aaron Lewis, showcasing his ability to write and perform heartfelt ballads within the country genre. Interestingly, a non-country version of “Tangled Up in You” was originally released on Staind’s 2008 album, The Illusion of Progress. This pre-existing melody and lyrical theme provided a foundation that Lewis then adapted for his country audience, demonstrating his songwriting versatility.
The country rendition featuring Alexa Carter brings a softer, more melodic approach to the song. The lyrics explore themes of deep emotional dependence and love as a refuge from the world’s harsh realities. Lines like “You’re my world / The shelter from the rain / You’re the pills / Then take away my pain” express a profound vulnerability and reliance on a loved one for solace and strength. The repetition of “Still tangled up in you” emphasizes the enduring and inescapable nature of this emotional bond.
“Tangled Up in You” achieved significant success, contributing to Town Line‘s impressive debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. This song highlighted Lewis’s capacity to connect with listeners on an emotional level, proving that his songwriting could resonate just as powerfully in country music as it had in rock. It stands as a testament to his range and ability to craft compelling songs across genres, making it a noteworthy addition to any discussion about Aaron Lewis songs.
3. “75” (2012)
“75” is the opening track from Aaron Lewis’s first full-length country album, The Road, released in 2012. This song immediately sets the tone for the album, introducing listeners to a collection of introspective and narrative-driven songs that explore personal experiences and reflections on life. “75” specifically delves into the themes of loneliness and the transient nature of life on tour, a reality familiar to many musicians.
The lyrics of “75” vividly portray the weariness and isolation that can accompany constant travel. Lines like “I’m starting to hate all these cigarettes / And this lonely town / And I’m starting to fade like the lines on route 143” evoke a sense of fatigue and detachment from everyday life. The metaphor of “As my bedroom rolls down this long highway at 75” poignantly captures the feeling of living life on the road, where the familiar comforts of home are replaced by the constant motion of touring.
The song’s chorus, “And this highway ain’t no place home / For lovers and drifters like me / All the hotels and bars / Rides in stretch cars ain’t for me,” reinforces the theme of displacement and longing for something more stable and genuine. “75” is not just a song about touring; it’s a reflection on the personal cost of a musician’s life, making it a deeply relatable and resonant track for anyone who has experienced the challenges of being away from home and loved ones. It’s a standout Aaron Lewis song for its raw honesty and introspective storytelling.
4. “Forever” (2012)
Another powerful ballad from The Road, “Forever” explores the insecurities and doubts that can surface within a relationship. Aaron Lewis has described the intense emotional outpouring that led to the creation of this song, stating, “That song came vomiting out of me that day—the whole thing came out, just threw up… I left the stage in tears. I went to my bus and cried in my bed like a little bitch.” This raw emotional origin is palpable in the song’s vulnerable lyrics and delivery.
“Forever” delves into the anxieties of whether love and passion can endure over time. The repeated questioning in lines like “Another time to say ‘I love you’ / Another time to say ‘goodnight’ / Another time to hear a dial tone / ‘Cause no one wants to fight, why should we fight’” reveals a relationship strained by unspoken fears and uncertainties. The poignant chorus, “‘Cause I can see it in your eyes / Is the sparkle gone forever, don’t say forever / And I can feel it when we touch / Is the fire out forever, don’t say forever,” encapsulates the central fear of love fading away.
Despite the initial outpouring of doubt, Lewis notes a shift in perspective, adding, “There’s self-doubt in relationships and there’s a turnaround at the end of the song that exists now that didn’t exist when it first came vomiting out of me.” This suggests a journey from despair to a glimmer of hope or resolution within the relationship, adding depth to the song’s emotional narrative. “Forever” stands as a deeply personal and relatable Aaron Lewis song, capturing the universal anxieties of love and commitment.
5. “Whiskey and You” (2016)
“Whiskey and You” gained prominence through Chris Stapleton, who first released it on his critically acclaimed 2015 album, Traveller. However, Aaron Lewis’s rendition, featured on his 2016 album Sinner, brought a different emotional weight and interpretation to the song. Sinner, produced by the renowned Buddy Cannon, who had worked with country legends like Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney, debuted at No. 1 on the country chart, further highlighting the impact of “Whiskey and You” within Lewis’s album.
The song itself is a raw and unflinching portrayal of heartbreak and the temporary solace found in alcohol. The lyrics are stark and direct, focusing on the immediate pain and the fleeting relief offered by whiskey. Lines like “There’s a bottle, on the dresser by your ring / And it’s empty, so right now I don’t feel a thing / But I’ll be hurtin’, when I wake up on the floor / But I’ll be over it by noon” starkly contrast the numbing effect of alcohol with the inevitable return of pain.
The chorus, “That’s the difference between whiskey and you / Come tomorrow, I can walk in any store / It ain’t a problem, they’ll always sell me more / But your forgiveness, well that’s something I can’t buy / There ain’t a thing that I can do,” poignantly captures the irreplaceable nature of lost love compared to the readily available, but ultimately inadequate, comfort of whiskey. Lewis’s delivery of “Whiskey and You” is imbued with a deep sense of vulnerability and regret, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant Aaron Lewis song that stands apart even from Stapleton’s original version.
6. “Sinner,” featuring Willie Nelson (2016)
The title track of his 2016 album, “Sinner,” is a defining Aaron Lewis song, not only for its musical style but also for featuring a duet with the legendary Willie Nelson. This collaboration placed Lewis within the lineage of outlaw country music, evoking the spirits of pioneers like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard – artists who deeply influenced Lewis’s musical sensibilities. The song is structured as a dialogue, with Lewis taking the first verse and Nelson the second, creating a powerful generational and stylistic interplay.
“Sinner” embodies the outlaw country ethos with its themes of personal struggle, redemption, and defiance. Lewis himself described the song as “a newer take on the classic, traditional outlaw country… that was the music I heard as a kid, and that’s the country music that permeated my soul and stuck with me my whole life.” The lyrics reflect this sentiment, with lines like “So I sit here / In my hole / I hope the Lord can / Come save my soul” expressing a raw vulnerability and a plea for redemption.
The chorus, “‘Cause I’m a sinner to my core / I ask forgiveness and nothing more / Darkness surrounds me / And I can’t see / All of the demons / Right here with me,” is a stark confession of personal flaws and inner turmoil. Willie Nelson’s presence on the track not only elevates the song but also serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting Lewis to the traditions of country music’s outlaws. “Sinner” is a cornerstone of Aaron Lewis songs, representing his commitment to authentic, heartfelt country music with a rebellious edge.
7. “Folded Flag” (2017)
“Folded Flag,” released as a single in 2017, stands as a poignant tribute to fallen soldiers and their families. This Aaron Lewis song is particularly moving for its focus on the personal sacrifices made by military personnel and the profound impact of their loss on their loved ones. Released around Flag Day, the song’s timing underscored its patriotic and commemorative intent. While not written by Lewis himself (credited to Christopher Nyhus, Marty Morgan, and Yasmine Van Wilt), his performance imbues it with deep sincerity and respect.
The lyrics of “Folded Flag” tell the story of a soldier who dies in service, leaving behind a grieving wife and children. The song centers around the powerful symbolism of the folded American flag, presented to the soldier’s wife as a token of honor and remembrance. Lines like “And now here I am / Just a few months later coming home to you / I’m flying with my brothers yeah we fought real hard / We’re all packed up and headed home” create a vivid image of the soldier’s final journey home.
The emotional core of the song is captured in the lines “And two men with starched white gloves / Fold the colors ’til they touch / It’s probably more than I deserve / But I’m proud to get this much / Sending all the love I ever had / Inside this folded flag.” These lyrics poignantly convey the honor, sacrifice, and ultimate loss, making “Folded Flag” a deeply affecting tribute. It is a standout Aaron Lewis song for its thematic focus on patriotism, sacrifice, and remembrance, resonating strongly with audiences who appreciate heartfelt tributes to military service.
8. “State I’m In” (2019)
“State I’m In,” the title track of Aaron Lewis’s 2019 album, continues his exploration of the themes of touring and its personal toll, a recurring motif in his country music. Produced again by Buddy Cannon, who also helmed his previous album Sinner, State I’m In reached No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, demonstrating Lewis’s consistent appeal within the genre. This song specifically addresses the cyclical nature of touring and its emotional and spiritual costs.
The lyrics of “State I’m In” paint a picture of weariness and spiritual fatigue from life on the road. Lines like “I lost my faith a long time ago / Puttin’ miles on this old road / I lost my family and I lost my soul / Eight hundred miles and one more show” express a profound sense of loss and disconnection. The repetition of “Still workin’ these fingers to the bone / When the show is over, I settle on / Well, the angels and the devils are my only friends / I wake up in the morning and I do it again” emphasizes the relentless, grinding nature of the touring life and the internal battles it engenders.
“State I’m In” is a raw and honest portrayal of the darker side of a musician’s career, revealing the personal sacrifices and emotional struggles that often remain hidden from the audience. It’s a deeply introspective Aaron Lewis song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the isolating effects of constant work and travel, offering a glimpse into the less glamorous realities of a life in music.
9. “Am I The Only One” (2022)
“Am I The Only One,” the lead single from Aaron Lewis’s 2022 album Frayed at Both Ends, is arguably one of his most talked-about and controversial songs. This track marked a departure into more overtly political territory, expressing conservative viewpoints and sparking significant discussion and debate. Despite, or perhaps because of, its controversial nature, “Am I The Only One” debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, highlighting its cultural impact.
Co-produced by Lewis and Ira Dean of Trick Pony, the lyrics of “Am I The Only One” directly address contemporary American social and political issues from a conservative perspective. The song questions the removal of Confederate statues and takes a critical stance on liberal figures, even referencing Bruce Springsteen with the line “Am I the only one who quits singin’ along / Every time they play a Springsteen song?” This directness and lack of ambiguity contributed to both its popularity and its controversy.
The chorus, “Am I the only one here tonight / Shakin’ my head and thinkin’ somethin’ ain’t right / Is it just me? Am I losin’ my mind? / Am I standin’ on the edge of the end of time? / Am I the only one? Tell me I’m not / Who thinks they’re takin’ all the good we got / And turnin’ it bad, hell, I’ll be damned / I think I’m turnin’ into my old man,” resonates with a sense of cultural alienation and a longing for a perceived traditional America. “Am I The Only One” is a significant Aaron Lewis song for its bold foray into political commentary, sparking conversations and solidifying his image as an artist unafraid to express his convictions, even if they are divisive.
10. “Everybody Talks to God” (2022)
“Everybody Talks to God,” also from the Frayed at Both Ends album released in 2022, offers a more reflective and universally relatable theme compared to the overtly political “Am I The Only One.” This ballad, written by Craig Monday and Chris Wallin (making it one of the few songs on the album not co-written by Lewis), delves into the topic of faith and the common human tendency to turn to a higher power in times of need or reflection. It showcases a different facet of Frayed at Both Ends, highlighting the album’s emotional depth and range.
The song tells a story of a man in a diner who overhears another man praying and challenges his belief in God, claiming it’s a myth. The lyrics then pivot to a broader perspective, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their stated beliefs, engages with the concept of God in some form, especially during difficult times. The narrative approach makes the song accessible and thought-provoking, prompting listeners to consider their own beliefs and moments of seeking something beyond themselves.
The core message is encapsulated in the lines “The prayin’ man said, “Amen” and looked up from his plate / And said, “You may not talk to God right now, but there’s gonna come a day.”” This simple yet profound statement underscores the idea that faith and the need for something greater than oneself are universal aspects of the human experience. “Everybody Talks to God” is a compelling Aaron Lewis song for its thoughtful exploration of faith, doubt, and the shared human experience of seeking solace and answers from a higher power, making it a resonant and introspective conclusion to this list of top Aaron Lewis songs.
Photo: Stephen J. Cohen / Getty Images
