Most of us first got our musical taste from our parents. Somewhere in between lullabies and being old enough to control the radio, we had our parents playing us their favorite tracks. Though we usually grow into our own tastes, there’s no shaking the nostalgic draw of the songs they recommended. Below, find three country songs that were likely staples in your household growing up post ’80s. Do you remember hearing these songs coming from your mom’s radio back in the day? If so, revisit them for a dose of nostalgia.
“Mama He’s Crazy” (The Judds)
The Judds earned a legion of female country fans back in the ’80s. Your mom may have even been one of them. This mother-daughter duo’s harmonies are so nostalgic these days that they’ll bring you to tears, especially after the death of Naomi Judd in 2022.
“Mama He’s Crazy” was one of their biggest ’80s hits. The lyrics see a daughter telling her mother about the new man in her life. Though he may have some rough edges, the important thing to remember is that he loves her. Mama, he’s crazy / Crazy over me, the lyrics read. Many of us heard our mothers singing along to this country classic. It’s the kind of core memory that isn’t easily shaken in adulthood.
“Fishin’ in the Dark” (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band‘s “Fishin’ in the Dark” offers the kind of escapism we all need from time to time. It’s easy to imagine a woman looking back on her youthful indiscretions fondly while this song plays in the background. It’s been known to happen.
This narrative track tells the story of a couple sneaking off in the middle of the night under the guise of a fishing trip. It’s a wealth of innuendo, and it is instantly catchy to boot.
“Forever and Ever, Amen” (Randy Travis)
No one sings about domestic bliss better than Randy Travis. He makes a lifelong commitment sound as fun and adventurous as any one-night fling. In “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Travis promises to give his whole life to the one he loves. It’s a notion we all hope to hear from our partner at some point.
On top of the message being universal, this song is endlessly nostalgic. Travis’ warm vocals soothe the soul in a way few others can.
