Bobby Bare is a name synonymous with country music, and his contributions to the genre have made him a legendary figure. With a career spanning over six decades, Bare has managed to craft songs that capture both the heartache and humor of life. From heartfelt ballads to cheeky narratives, Bare’s music often combines storytelling with his unique voice, making his songs stand out. His influence on the country music landscape is undeniable, with many of his hits remaining timeless classics that resonate with both old and new listeners. In this article, we will take a look at some of Bobby Bare’s top hits and why they are still highly recommended for anyone who loves authentic country music.
Bobby Bare’s Top 15 Hits: A Definitive List
1. “Detroit City” (1963)
“Detroit City” is one of Bobby Bare’s most iconic songs, capturing the loneliness and disillusionment of a Southern man who has moved to the industrial north in search of a better life. The song’s melancholy tone, combined with Bare’s earnest delivery, tells a story of longing for home. Its theme of homesickness and the American dream gone awry resonated deeply with listeners in the 1960s, leading to its widespread popularity. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1963 and remains a defining track in Bare’s career.
2. “500 Miles Away from Home” (1963)
Another song that taps into the theme of homesickness is “500 Miles Away from Home.” The song is a poignant tale of a man who finds himself far from the place he once called home, reflecting on the choices that led him there. Bare’s gentle, yet expressive voice conveys a deep sense of regret and nostalgia. The song’s relatable lyrics and heartfelt melody helped it become one of his biggest hits, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It has since become a classic in his discography.
3. “Marie Laveau” (1974)
“Marie Laveau” is one of Bobby Bare’s more lighthearted and fun songs, showcasing his ability to tell a quirky story through music. Written by Shel Silverstein and Baxter Taylor, the song is about a voodoo queen named Marie Laveau who puts a curse on a man. The humorous narrative and catchy rhythm made this song stand out, and it became Bare’s only song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its blend of humor, folklore, and country sound has made it a fan favorite over the years.
4. “Four Strong Winds” (1964)
Originally written by Canadian folk duo Ian & Sylvia, “Four Strong Winds” was covered by Bobby Bare and became a significant hit. The song is a melancholic ballad about love lost and moving on, perfectly suited to Bare’s storytelling style. His rendition adds a layer of emotional depth, with his voice evoking the sorrow of parting ways. It charted in the top 10 on the country charts and remains one of the most beloved covers of this folk classic. Bare’s version is often praised for its simplicity and emotional resonance.
5. “The Streets of Baltimore” (1966)
“The Streets of Baltimore” is a beautifully crafted narrative about a man who moves to Baltimore for the sake of the woman he loves, only to find himself alone when she leaves him for the city lights. Written by Harlan Howard and Tompall Glaser, the song’s bittersweet storyline and Bare’s soulful delivery made it an instant classic. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remains one of the best examples of Bare’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple storytelling.
6. “Dropkick Me, Jesus” (1976)
One of the most unique songs in Bobby Bare’s catalog is “Dropkick Me, Jesus.” Written by songwriter Paul Craft, this song humorously combines football metaphors with Christian themes, making it one of the most unconventional gospel songs ever recorded. Bare’s performance of the song adds to its charm, as he delivers the quirky lyrics with sincerity. The song reached No. 17 on the country charts and has since gained a cult following for its blend of humor and religious themes, often being called the only Christian football waltz.
7. “Come Sundown” (1970)
“Come Sundown” is a heartbreak song that tells the story of a man discovering his lover has left him for another. The song’s somber tone and Bare’s understated delivery create a poignant and reflective mood. Written by Kris Kristofferson, “Come Sundown” showcases Bare’s ability to convey emotional depth without over-sentimentality. It became a top 10 hit on the country charts and remains one of Bare’s most moving performances, illustrating the simplicity and power of his vocal style.
8. “The Winner” (1976)
“The Winner,” written by Shel Silverstein, is a humorous spoken-word country song where Bare narrates a series of encounters between a braggart who claims to always win and those he’s bested in various fights. The twist, however, is that the so-called winner is left with broken bones and scars, questioning the true value of his victories. Bare’s deadpan delivery and Silverstein’s clever lyrics made this song a standout in his career. It reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and is beloved for its wit and narrative style.
9. “That’s How I Got to Memphis” (1970)
“That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a heartfelt ballad written by Tom T. Hall that Bobby Bare turned into a hit. The song tells the story of a man who travels to Memphis in search of a lost love, retracing her steps in the hopes of finding her. Bare’s tender vocals add to the emotional weight of the song, making it one of his most enduring recordings. Though it didn’t top the charts, it became a favorite among country music fans and is still considered one of his best songs.
10. “Tequila Sheila” (1980)
“Tequila Sheila” is a fun, lighthearted song about a man who seeks solace in tequila and the company of a woman named Sheila. The song’s playful nature and catchy chorus made it a hit in the early 1980s. Bobby Bare’s delivery of the tongue-in-cheek lyrics adds to the song’s charm, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Though it may not have reached the heights of some of his earlier hits, “Tequila Sheila” is a prime example of Bare’s ability to mix humor with country storytelling.
11. “All American Boy” (1959)
Before Bobby Bare achieved fame as a country artist, he recorded the novelty hit “All American Boy” under the pseudonym Bill Parsons. The song is a humorous take on the rock and roll craze, telling the story of a young man who dreams of becoming a rock star only to be drafted into the Army. Though Bare didn’t receive immediate recognition for the song, it became a hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a quirky and notable part of Bare’s early career.
12. “Numbers” (1978)
“Numbers” is another Shel Silverstein-penned song that Bobby Bare brought to life with his unique style. The song is a comedic look at a man’s obsession with numbers, from age to weight to measurements, and how they define his relationships. Bare’s playful delivery of the humorous lyrics made “Numbers” a memorable hit, reaching the top 40 on the country charts. The song’s witty approach to the subject matter is a testament to Bare’s versatility as a performer.
13. “Daddy What If” (1974)
“Daddy What If” is a tender duet between Bobby Bare and his son, Bobby Bare Jr. Written by Shel Silverstein, the song features a father and son exchanging a series of hypothetical questions about life. The innocence of the lyrics, combined with the heartfelt interaction between father and son, made the song a sentimental favorite. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became one of Bare’s most beloved family-oriented songs.
14. “Alimony” (1966)
“Alimony” is a humorous song that takes a light-hearted look at the frustrations of paying alimony after a divorce. The song’s playful tone and witty lyrics made it a favorite among fans who appreciated Bare’s ability to tackle everyday issues with humor. Though not one of his biggest hits, “Alimony” stands out as a fun and relatable song in Bare’s extensive catalog.
15. “Ride Me Down Easy” (1973)
“Ride Me Down Easy” is a reflective ballad written by Billy Joe Shaver that Bobby Bare recorded in the early 1970s. The song is about a man who has lived a hard life and asks to be remembered kindly when he’s gone. Bare’s sincere and understated delivery perfectly matches the song’s themes of mortality and acceptance. It became a top 10 hit on the country charts and is considered one of Bare’s best performances.
See Also: Rock N Roll vs Blues, Jazz and Country Music: What’s the Connection?
Conclusion
Bobby Bare’s top hits represent the richness of his contributions to country music. His ability to blend humor, heartache, and storytelling has made him a beloved figure in the genre. With hits like “Detroit City,” “Marie Laveau,” and “500 Miles Away from Home,” Bare has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans. Each song showcases his unique voice and ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes and emotions. As we look back on his impressive catalog, it’s clear that Bobby Bare’s music continues to resonate, proving that great songs never truly fade away. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, these recommended hits are a great way to appreciate the artistry of this country music legend.
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