15 Country Songs Every Queer Liberal Will Love
Country music often gets a bad rap for being conservative. But there’s a vibrant scene of queer and progressive artists shaking things up. For queer liberals, finding top country songs that reflect your identity and values can feel like a treasure hunt. This guide highlights must-listen tracks that celebrate love, identity, and social justice. Whether you’re driving through open fields or hosting a Pride party, these songs will hit home.
Top 15 Country Songs for Queer Liberals
Enjoy the Gems we hope you will love this list.
“Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves
This anthem encourages living your truth. Co-written by queer songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, it celebrates love in all forms. Its playful vibe makes it a Pride playlist staple.
- Why it resonates: Embraces diverse desires and personal freedom.
- Key lyric: “Kiss lots of boys, or kiss lots of girls, if that’s something you’re into.”
“The Joke” by Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile, an openly queer artist, delivers a powerful ballad about overcoming adversity. It’s a love letter to marginalized communities, including queer folks.
- Why it resonates: Uplifts those who feel like outsiders.
- Key lyric: “Let ‘em laugh while they can, let ‘em spin, let ‘em scatter in the wind.”
“Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” by Willie Nelson
This Willie Nelson classic, covered with Orville Peck, is a bold gay love story. It challenges stereotypes with humor and heart.
- Why it resonates: A mainstream ally singing about queer love.
- Key lyric: “What did you think all them saddles and boots was about?”
“Loving Her” by Katie Pruitt
Katie Pruitt’s soulful track is about embracing her lesbian identity despite religious guilt. It’s raw and relatable for queer liberals raised in conservative spaces.
- Why it resonates: Tackles faith and queer love head-on.
- Key lyric: “If loving her’s a sin, I don’t want to go to Heaven.”
“Black Myself” by Amythyst Kiah
This protest song by queer Black artist Amythyst Kiah confronts racism and capitalism. Its banjo-driven sound packs a punch.
- Why it resonates: Speaks to queer liberals who care about racial justice.
- Key lyric: “I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna fight, I’m gonna love with all my might.”
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s genre-blending hit broke barriers. As an openly gay artist, he brought queer visibility to country charts.
- Why it resonates: Defies genre norms and celebrates individuality.
- Key lyric: “I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road.”
“What Mattered Most (Reimagined)” by Ty Herndon
Ty Herndon, a gay country star, rerecorded his 1995 hit with male pronouns. It’s a touching nod to his authentic self.
- Why it resonates: Shows courage in rewriting a classic.
- Key lyric: “His eyes are blue, his hair is long.”
“The Dress” by Madison Violet
This haunting song addresses sexual assault’s emotional toll. It’s a powerful pick for queer liberals who value survivor stories.
- Why it resonates: Authentically portrays trauma and resilience.
- Key lyric: “The dress still hangs in my closet, but I don’t wear it anymore.”
“Younger Me” by Brothers Osborne
TJ Osborne, openly gay, wrote this song to his younger self. It’s about self-acceptance and hope.
- Why it resonates: Offers comfort to queer youth.
- Key lyric: “Youth ain’t wasted on the young.”
“Lavender Country” by Lavender Country
Patrick Haggerty’s 1973 song is a queer country pioneer. It’s a bold declaration of gay pride.
- Why it resonates: A historic anthem for queer visibility.
- Key lyric: “Come out singing, let your voices ring.”
“Breathe Again” by Joy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun’s folk-country track is a heartfelt ode to freedom. As a queer Black artist, she brings depth to the genre.
- Why it resonates: Connects with queer liberals seeking hope.
- Key lyric: “I can finally breathe again.”
“Hometown” by Gabe Stansell
This song captures the pain of growing up queer in a small town. It’s relatable for many queer liberals.
- Why it resonates: Reflects the struggle of rural queer life.
- Key lyric: “Hometown, you’re a heavy weight to carry.”
“Y’all Means All” by Miranda Lambert
Written for Queer Eye, this upbeat track promotes inclusion. It’s a fun, progressive anthem.
- Why it resonates: Allies like Lambert amplify queer voices.
- Key lyric: “Y’all means all, from the big to the small.”
“Blueneck” by Chris Housman
This satirical song celebrates “liberal rednecks.” It’s a witty pick for queer liberals with a sense of humor.
- Why it resonates: Mocks stereotypes with pride.
- Key lyric: “George Straight or George Gay, there’s no difference.”
“Mercy Now” by Mary Gauthier
Mary Gauthier’s classic calls for compassion. As an out queer artist, she speaks to universal struggles.
- Why it resonates: Appeals to queer liberals’ empathy.
- Key lyric: “Every single one of us could use a little mercy now.”
How to Discover More Queer Country Music
Want to dive deeper? Here’s how to find more songs that vibe with queer liberal values:
- Follow queer country playlists: Check out Spotify’s “Gay Cowboys and They’re Gay” or Country Queer’s curated lists.
- Support queer festivals: Events like the Outlaw Festival feature LGBTQ+ artists.
- Read Country Queer: This site highlights new queer country releases.
- Explore NPR’s playlists: NPR’s queer country playlist is a goldmine.
Why Queer Country Matters
Queer country music isn’t just about great tunes. It’s a movement. Artists like Brandi Carlile, Lil Nas X, and Joy Oladokun are breaking barriers. They’re proving country music can be inclusive and progressive. For queer liberals, these songs offer representation and hope. They show that even in a genre known for tradition, change is possible.
Why Queer Liberals Love These Country Songs
Queer liberal country fans want music that speaks to their experiences. They crave lyrics about love, freedom, and fighting for equality. These songs stand out because they’re authentic, inclusive, and bold. Many come from LGBTQ+ artists or allies who challenge country music’s traditional norms. Here’s what makes them special:
- Diverse voices: Songs by queer, trans, and BIPOC artists.
- Progressive themes: Lyrics tackle equality, love, and social change.
- Emotional connection: Stories resonate with queer liberal struggles and joys.
What makes a country song queer-friendly?
Queer-friendly songs embrace diverse identities, love, or social justice. They’re often by LGBTQ+ artists or allies.
Are there queer country artists on mainstream radio?
Some, like Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves, get airplay. But many queer artists thrive in indie scenes.
Where can I find queer country playlists?
Spotify, Apple Music, and Country Queer have great playlists. NPR also curates queer country tracks.
Final Thought
Country music is evolving, and queer liberals are at the heart of this change. These 15 songs celebrate love, identity, and justice. They’re perfect for road trips, parties, or quiet moments of reflection. Dive into these tracks, share them with friends, and support queer country artists. Let’s keep the twang inclusive and proud.
You might also enjoy our latest article on Queer Country Artists or Canada’s Country Queers happy reading.
