Top 20 Country Music Love Songs of the 1980s

Country music in the 1980s was the era of Urban Cowboy - the movie that started the craze, and really brought country music to the forefront. Stars such as Anne Murray, Willie Nelson, Eddie Rabbit, George Jones, Alabama, Dolly Parton and others were heard on the radio. I've combed through several resources of songs that were Number One hits in the 1980s, and picked 20 of my favorites.

20
of 20

"The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" - Juice Newton

Juice Newton - Anthology
Capitol Records

"The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" Romantic Lyric:

I remember all the laughter and the tears we shared last night. And as we lie here, just two shadows in the light before the dawn, the sweetest thing I've ever known is loving you.
19
of 20

"Timber, I'm Falling In Love" - Patty Loveless

Definitive Collection - Patty Loveless
MCA Nashville

Patty Loveless "Timber, I'm Falling in Love" Romantic Lyric:

You're so pretty, look so sweet. Your love's sweepin' me off of my feet. You're the only one I'm dreamin' of. I can't believe that I'm falling in love.
18
of 20

"I Fell In Love Again Last Night" - Forester Sisters

The Forester Sisters - 'Greatest Hits'
Warner Brothers

"I Fell In Love Again Last Night," Romantic Lyric:

When you kissed me the way you've always done, like the first time you were with me, and my heart just came undone. Lying here this morning, boy, I know you're still the one.
17
of 20

"You Look So Good In Love" - George Strait

George Strait - 'Strait Out of the Box'
MCA Nashville

"You Look So Good In Love," George Strait Romantic Lyric:

Oh how you sparkle, and oh how you shine. That flush on your cheeks is more than the wine. And he must do something that I didn't do. Whatever he's doing, it looks good on you.
16
of 20

"You And I" - Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle

Eddie Rabbitt - 'Greatest Hits'
Capitol


Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle sing this beautiful song about a couple that is building their dreams together. They believe that their reward is to have each other. Lovely song.

Romantic Lyric:

Just you and I, sharing our love together. And I know in time, we'll build the dreams we treasure.
15
of 20

"The Closer You Get" - Alabama

Alabama - 'Essential Alabama'
RCA Nashville

In "The Closer You Get," Alabama sings about a couple, where the man tells his lady that he's falling hard for her, the closer she gets to him.

Romantic Lyric:

Could I be dreamin'? Is this really real? 'Cause there's something magic the way that I feel in your arms tonight.
14
of 20

"I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried" - Rodney Crowell

Rodney Crowell - 'Diamonds and Dirt'
Sony BMG

Rodney Crowell sings in "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried" about a man that tells his lady that no matter what he may say or do, he could never leave her. She can trust that he'll always be there.

Romantic Lyric:

Years may come and friends may go but that's OK. Darlin' you're the only one I need to stay. I know I said I never would be satisified. Baby I lied I couldn't leave you if I tried.
13
of 20

"Close Enough to Perfect" - Alabama

Alabama - Livin', Lovin', Rockin', Rollin': The 25th Anniversary Collection
RCA

In "Close Enough to Perfect" Alabama sings about a man that realizes that his lady isn't perfect, but she's close enough to perfect for him.

Romantic Lyric:

Well sometimes she gets down and starts to cry. But then again a lady has a right. She's everything I ever wanted, she's all I'll ever need. She's close enough to perfect for me.
12
of 20

"I Always Get Lucky With You" - George Jones

George Jones - '16 Biggest Hits'
Epic/Legacy

George Jones"I Always Get Lucky With You" Romantic Lyric:

I've had good days, and bad days, but when the day is through, I always get lucky with you.
11
of 20

"Always on My Mind" - Willie Nelson

Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson
Legacy Recordings

"Always on My Mind" Romantic Lyric:

If I made you feel second best, girl I'm sorry I was blind. You were always on my mind.
10
of 20

"I Still Believe in You" - Vince Gill

I Still Believe in You - Vince Gill
MCA Nashville

"I Still Believe in You" Romantic Lyric:

I still believe in you, with a love that will always be standing so strong and true. Baby, I still believe in you and me.
09
of 20

"Love in the First Degree" - Alabama

In The Mood: The Love Songs
RCA Nashville

"Love in the First Degree" Romantic Lyric:

Now babe, I'm not beggin' for mercy. Go ahead and throw the book at me. If lovin' you's a crime, I know that I'm as guilty as a man can be.
08
of 20

"I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton - Love Songs
Sony Legacy

"I Will Always Love You" Dolly Parton Romantic Lyric:

Oh, I do wish you joy, and I wish you happiness. But above all this, I wish you love.
07
of 20

"My Only Love" - Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers - 'Greatest Hits'
Mercury Nashville

Romantic Lyric:

You and I were meant for one another. Today we'll join our hearts eternally. And this moment I'll always remember all the words that mean so much to me.
06
of 20

"When You Say Nothing At All" - Keith Whitley

Keith Whitley - '16 Biggest Hits'
Legacy Recordings

In "When You Say Nothing At All", Keith Whitley sings that his lady shows him she loves him, even without her saying a word.

Romantic Lyric:

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me. The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all.
05
of 20

"Forever and Ever, Amen" - Randy Travis

Very Best of Randy Travis - Randy Travis
Rhino

"Forever and Ever, Amen" Romantic Lyric:

If you wonder how long I'll be faithful. I'll be happy to tell you again. I'm gonna love you forever & ever, forever & ever, amen.
04
of 20

"Could I Have This Dance" - Anne Murray

Anne Murray - 'The Best, So Far'
Capitol

Urban Cowboy "Could I Have This Dance" Romantic Lyric:

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Could you be my partner, every night? When we're together, it feels so right. Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
03
of 20

"I'll Still Be Loving You" - Restless Heart

Restless Heart - 'Greatest Hits'
RCA Nashville

"I'll Still Be Loving You" Romantic Lyric:

Never before, did I know how loving someone could be. Now I can see you and me, for a lifetime.
02
of 20

"Feels So Right" - Alabama

Alabama - 'For the Record: 41 Number One Hits'
RCA Nashville

"Feels So Right" Romantic Lyric:

Your body feels so gentle and my passion rises high. You're lovin' me so easy. Your wish is my command.
01
of 20

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" - George Jones

George Jones - 'Hits I Missed, and One I Didn't'
Bandit Records

George Jones'"He Stopped Loving Her Today" Romantic Lyric:

He stopped loving her today. They placed a wreath upon his door. And soon they'll carry him away. He stopped loving her today.