If you’re a fan of water in any of its forms: oceans, rivers, lakes, raindrops etc, then I’ve got some great music for you. Below are the best country songs about water ever.
1. “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson
Song year: 2015
Many people claim that no amount of money can buy happiness, but Chris Janson, in “Buy Me a Boat,” points out that money could at least buy him a boat.
If he had the money for a boat, he’d then be able to sail on the water with a cold beer in his hand, thus enjoying a new level of freedom and relaxation that people often associate with being on the water.
2. “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson
Song year: 1993
In “Chattahoochee,” Alan Jackson reminisces about the muddy waters of the Chattahoochee River, paying homage to the carefree days spent there.
It’s a spirited country song with an energetic rhythm perfectly capturing the nostalgia and joy of youthful adventures on the river.
3. “Pontoon” by Little Big Town
Song year: 2012
“Pontoon” is another energetic song about hanging out on a pontoon, a pontoon being an isolated platform on a sea or lake.
In the song, Little Big Town talks about partying, drinking, enjoying the sunshine, jumping off the platform into the water, and having a grand old time with friends on said pontoon.
4. “Sparks Fly” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2011
Taylor Swift is the queen of metaphors, and in “Sparks Fly,” she compares her love interest to a rainstorm. She also compares herself to a house of cards – because he easily blows her away.
Swift also illustrates a scene where the two are kissing on the sidewalk in the pouring rain – imagery that seems fitting for a cheesy but beautiful rom-com.
5. “Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band, Featuring Jimmy Buffett
Song year: 2011
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett unite for this lively beach classic, “Knee Deep.”
“Knee Deep” is a fantastic song choice for feeling free and alive, as it perfectly illustrates the image of being knee-deep in summer-warm water. Pour yourself a glass of beer (or champagne if you’re feeling fancy), grab a friend, and get knee-deep in the ocean!
6. “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” by Luke Bryan
Song year: 2017
While “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” is primarily a love song, it also conveys the many joys of summer, including watching the sunset and looking out to the sea.
This is the perfect song for dancing around a beach bonfire in the summer or enjoying a quick dip in the ocean with your special someone.
7. “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood
Song year: 2014
“Something in the Water” is an inspirational song that dives into redemption, transformation, and faith themes.
Underwood sings in this Christian song about getting baptized in the river by a preacher and getting drenched in the rain after calling on God for support.
8. “Rain Is A Good Thing” by Luke Bryan
Song year: 2010
“Rain Is A Good Thing” is a catchy and lively country hit celebrating the positivity rain can bring.
Bryan points out rain is essential for growth and renewal, creating memorable moments with loved ones, and fostering a sense of togetherness.
9. “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney
Song year: 2003
“No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” is one of the happiest songs to play on your way to the beach!
This Kenny Chesney song mentions the sea, the sand, the sun, and many other beautiful aspects of living by the water. If you’re fortunate to be near the ocean this year, add this to the playlist!
10. “Huntin, Fishin, and Lovin Every Day” by Luke Bryan
Song year: 2015
“Huntin, Fishin, and Lovin Every Day” is an upbeat and feel-good Luke Bryan hit that celebrates the simple joys of outdoor activities, including being on the water in hopes of getting a catch!
The song’s catchy melodies and lyrics help listeners embrace a laid-back lifestyle by the water, making it perfect for road trips or summer vacation playlists.
11. “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan
Song year: 2007
‘Redneck Yacht Club” is a humorous, cheeky song that juxtaposes standard, fancy “yacht clubs” with Craig Morgan’s more “redneck” version of boat parties.
This fun song highlights the simple, easygoing, and inexpensive joys of boating with friends, drinking cheap whiskey, and jumping in the water.
12. “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” by Willie Nelson
Song year: 1975
One of the oldest songs on this list of country songs about water is Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.”
This timeless country track uses rain and tears to portray the essence of heartbreak and longing, telling the story of a lost love. It’s a mournful ballad you might resonate with if you’ve lost a romantic partner.
13. “Water” by Brad Paisley
Song year: 2009
“Water” is one of the best country songs about water because Paisley describes it perfectly – in all of its forms and bodies.
From inflatable pools to rivers, lakes, and oceans, this song highlights the delightful impact different bodies of water have made throughout his life. If you adore country music and are looking for a song that celebrates water, you can’t go wrong with this one!
14. “Toes” by Zac Brown Band
Song year: 2009
Zac Brown Band’s “Toes” perfectly depicts the delightful image of sticking your toes in the water and sand at the beach.
This infectious country hit makes listeners feel laid-back, happy, and excited for a beach vacation – or perhaps a full-on move to a beach destination.
15. “Just Fishin’” By Trace Adkins
Song year: 2011
“Just Fishin” by Adkins is an emotive country song highlighting the beauty of spending quality time with loved ones while fishing in the water.
More specifically, it tells the story of a daughter and father bonding as they enjoy a fishing trip, and the lyrics capture the innocence and joy of these simple, precious moments.
16. “River Bank” by Brad Paisley
Song year: 2014
“River Bank” is another Paisley number with a lively and upbeat country feel, and it’s all about the wonders of spending time on the river bank.
With playful, catchy lyrics about fishing, swimming, and enjoying the company of loved ones, this song is ideal for creating a fun and energetic atmosphere, especially on a boating trip.
17. “Jump Right In” by Zac Brown Band
Song year: 2012
“Jump Right In” by Zac Brown Band is an infectious and uplifting country tune encouraging people to embrace life’s adventures and metaphorically (or literally, if you’re near water) dive headfirst into new experiences.
He parallels the notions of freedom and taking risks with jumping into a body of water, which makes this song ideal for jamming out during road trips, beach parties, or on your way to new adventures.
18. “Ocean Front Property” by George Strait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioPa1URjZ_Y
Song year: 1986
Ocean Front Property” is a classic George Strait song that playfully looks at the idea of owning desirable real estate near the ocean, which is many people’s dream!
However, this humorous and ironic song suggests that the narrator has a high-value property by the ocean when they actually don’t.
They claim to have an oceanfront property in Arizona, which is a landlocked state, and say that if his love interest “buys” the idea that he no longer loves her, maybe she’ll also buy this made-up property.
19. “Summer” by Cassadee Pope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w5K75KPIcQ
Song year: 2016
Cassadee Pope’s song “Summer” is one of the more bittersweet tracks on this list, as it’s about having to leave a summer fling when September comes.
This country-pop-rock fusion illustrates different factors about summer we all love, including being near the sea, and parallels these well-loved things with how much she was falling for this man.
20. “Forever & Always (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-41vMWQTUA
Song year: 2021
Originally from Swift’s 2008 Fearless album, “Forever & Always” is a classic country-pop tune in which Swift compares her feelings about the breakdown of her relationship to rain.
Taylor Swift sings that she notices (metaphorical) rain in her bedroom, presumably when she’s crying about the relationship. She also sings about how it rains whether this person is around or not because he caused her so much harm.
21. “Island Song” by Zac Brown Band
Song year: 2012
Another Zac Brown Band song that references water and is perfect for your next beach vacation is “Island Song.”
This country-reggae fusion hit portrays images of the beach, the sea, and having a great time with like-minded folks on the island.
Top Country Songs About Water, Final Thoughts
Water is emblematic of many different emotions and states of being – freedom, flow, sadness, happiness, hope, and beyond.
These top country songs about water have various sounds and meanings, but they all highlight the significance of water in the writers’ lives and stories.