When you think of country music, what comes to mind? Drinking? Fighting? How about killing? These country songs about murder are some of the darkest in the genre, and that’s saying something. It’s not all fun and games when it comes to country music.
Country songs about killing people have been around for as long as the music itself. This list includes modern-era country murder songs and some early hits from decades long past. While many are more country and western, like Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” and “Big Iron,” some are more alt-country, like Steve Earle’s “Billy Austin." A few are even funny – just think of the Dixie Chick's "Goodbye Earl," an alarmingly upbeat ode to a wife's revenge. Revenge is the theme of plenty of country songs about killing someone. Miranda Lambert’s had enough of her abusive man and takes action in “Gunpowder and Lead.” A wife snaps after her husband comes home after cheating (again) in Garth Brooks’ dark “The Thunder Rolls." And, in one of the most memorable and moving country songs of the modern era, Martina McBride’s abused woman takes her revenge on her abuser in “Independence Day.”
Ready to listen to some chillingly catchy songs? Vote up your favorites, and find some new ones on this list.
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Country Songs About Murder
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