The 10 Best John Hiatt Songs of All-Time
John Hiatt is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has been writing and performing songs for over 40 years. He is known for his bluesy, roots-rock style, and has released over 20 albums in his career. His songs have been covered by a variety of artists, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Bonnie Raitt. He has been nominated for Grammy Awards and has won the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. Hiatt has also been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Hiatt’s songs are often story-like, with characters and narratives that paint a picture of small-town life, love, and loss. Here are ten of his best songs that have stood the test of time.
10. Take Off Your Uniform
Take Off Your Uniform is one of Hiatt’s best songs of all time. It is a song that is about the struggles of blue-collar workers. The song is told from the perspective of a man who is working in a factory. He is tired of working long hours for little pay. He is also tired of the company’s rules and regulations. The man in the song decides to quit his job and take off his uniform. According to Culture Sonar, this is a song that speaks to the working class and their struggles. This song displays Hiatt’s incredible ability to tell a story through his songwriting. The lyrics are full of emotion and paint a picture of the struggles that many people face. The song is also catchy and easy to sing along to.
09. Angel Eyes
Angel Eyes is a song off of Hiatt’s 1987 album Bring the Family. The song was co-written by Ry Cooder and features his slide guitar playing. The song is about a man who is looking back on his life and regrets not being able to spend more time with the woman he loved. It is a song that has been covered by many artists including Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Emmylou Harris. The song is powerful and emotive, and it is one of Hiatt’s best-known songs.
08. Cry Love
Another spectacular track by John Hiatt is Cry Love, which is off of his 1995 album walk on. Cry Love is a heart-wrenching ballad about a man who is trying to come to terms with the loss of his wife. The song is filled with emotion and passion, and it is one of Hiatt’s most beautiful songs. The beats of the song are simple and the lyrics are straightforward, but they pack a powerful punch. Hiatt’s voice is full of raw emotion, and it is clear that he is singing from the heart. Cry Love is a song that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
07. Riding With The King
Riding With The King is the perfect example of Hiatt’s songwriting prowess. The song is about a man who is down on his luck and decides to hit the road with his dog. The song is simple, but the lyrics are powerful and heartbreaking. You will get to feel the power of Hiatt’s voice in this song as he belts out the chorus. This is one of Hiatt’s most popular songs and it is easy to see why.
06. Memphis In The Meantime
We cannot do a countdown of Hiatt’s best songs without mentioning Memphis In The Meantime. It is one of the sweetest and most soulful odes to the city of Memphis that you will ever hear. According to Classic Rock History, the lyrics are dripping with nostalgia and love for a city that Hiatt clearly has a lot of affection for. “I miss the grassy hills of home, where the cottonwoods grow tall” he sings with such longing and yearning in his voice. It is a song that will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Memphis immediately.
05. Drive South
Hiatt’s song “Drive South” is a perfect example of his storytelling ability. The song is about a young man who leaves home to find his fortune but ends up finding love instead. The song is full of imagery and emotion, and Hiatt’s voice conveys both the young man’s excitement and his longing for home. The lyrical prowess of Hiatt is showcased well in “Drive South”, with the song telling a tale that is both universal and personal. The young man in the song could be any one of us, and his journey is one that we can all relate to. Hiatt’s voice is the perfect vehicle for this story, and the song is one of his best.
04. Walk On
Another great track by Hiatt is “Walk” On. This song is about a man who is struggling to keep up with the demands of life. The lyrics are very relatable and the song has a great message. Again, the powerful voice of Hiatt is on display in this song. The lyrics are very moving and the song is sure to touch your heart.
03. Thing Called Love
Ultimately one of the best by John Hiatt, “Thing Called Love” is a song about the never-ending pursuit of happiness. The lyrics are hopeful and the music is upbeat, making it the perfect choice for anyone who’s had their heartbroken. The melodies of the song are catchy and will stay with you long after the song is over. It’s a great representation of John Hiatt’s talent as a songwriter and musician.
02. Perfectly Good Guitar
Just like the song’s title, “Perfectly Good Guitar” is a perfect example of John Hiatt’s musical abilities. According to Ranker, the song is about a guitar that has been through a lot but is still perfect. You will find the song to be very relatable if you have ever had a favorite instrument that you have played for years. The song is also very catchy and will stay with you long after you listen to it.
01. Have a Little Faith in Me
“Have a Little Faith in Me” is John Hiatt’s most popular song and for good reason. The lyrics are beautiful and the melody is perfect. The song is about having faith in someone, even when they don’t have faith in themselves. You will enjoy this song if you are looking for a song to inspire you.
