Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Kris Kristofferson Songs That Left Such An Imprint On This World

Kris Kristofferson Songs That Left Such An Imprint On This World
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Did you know that Kris Kristofferson songs are estimated to have been recorded by more than 450 artists?

Kristofferson’s success as a country singer-songwriter is truly beyond comparison. His chart-topping hits helped redefine country music and led to a lengthy career that spanned more than five decades.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of Kris Kristofferson‘s greatest hits through the years.

1. “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”

From: Kristofferson (1970)

Kristofferson’s debut album closed with “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which tells the tale of a man who struggles with loneliness and solitude. He wrote this poignant ballad while living alone in a tiny apartment following his divorce, at the same time losing a job as a pilot for being drunk at work.

The song opened up a whole lot of doors for Kristofferson, especially when it was recorded by Johnny Cash, who took it to the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

2. “Why Me Lord” 

From: Jesus Was a Capricorn (1973)

The country-gospel “Why Me Lord” turned out to be the biggest hit of Kristofferson’s career, which he wrote during an emotionally low period of his life. 

While going through a rough time, he decided to join a spiritual service led by Rev. Jimmie Rogers Snow, inspiring him to compose this song.

3. “Me and Bobby McGee”

From: Kristofferson (1970)

“Me And Bobby McGee” has been recorded by some of the biggest names in country music, with notable versions by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and so much more. Kristofferson recorded his own version for his debut album, which also appeared in the 1971 American road movie, Two-Lane Blacktop.

4. “Help Me Make It Through the Night”

From: Kristofferson (1970)

Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s interview, who said that he believed in “booze, broads, or a bible…whatever helps me make it through the night,” Kristofferson penned this song about a man’s longing for intimacy. “Help Me Make It Through the Night” helped Kristofferson score his first Grammy Award, winning the category for Best Country Song.

5. “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33”

From: The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971)

Kristofferson’s second album is a treasure house of powerful songwriting, and this song stands out among the rest. Inspired by his own experience of living as a songwriter – as well as his often unemployed friends – Kristofferson wrote “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” about a man who has fallen upon tough times. 

6. “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”

From: Natural Act (1978)

In 1978, a year before their divorce, Kristofferson and his then-wife Rita Coolidgejoined forces for a duet album that includes this fascinating ballad. However, it was actually Ronnie Milsap’s recording that brought the song to the mainstream, taking it to the top of country charts.

7. “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)”

From: The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971)

Though it was never released to country radio, the song reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 while ranking No. 4 on Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks.

8. “To Beat The Devil”

From: Kristofferson (1970)

Thousands of aspiring songwriters making their way to Nashville – or even those who are facing apparently unbeatable hurdles to achieving their dreams – would absolutely relate to this song.

9. “When I Loved Her”

From: The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971)

Ray Price also recorded this poignant ballad, but Kristofferson’s ragged vocal style remains very much etched in country fans’ minds – despite its heartbreaking lyrics.

10. “My Heart Was The Last One To Know”

From: Feeling Mortal (2013)

This is one of the first songs Kristofferson wrote while he was still a struggling musician with a helicopter pilot sideline job, and he penned it like how Hank Williams would’ve handled it.

11. “Feeling Mortal”

From: Feeling Mortal (2013)

Kristofferson reflects on his well-celebrated career in country music and the inevitable passage of time in “Feeling Mortal.” 

“I guess when you get to be 76 years old, you start thinking about the shortness of the time left,” he said.

12. “Good Morning John”

From: Closer To The Bone (2009)

Kristofferson wrote the song in response to Johnny Cash’s struggles with addiction. According to the songsmith, everyone was supposed to say something during the celebration of Cash’s sobriety in the 1970s, so he wrote the country ballad.

13. “They Killed Him”

From: Repossessed (1986)

The song is a homage to Kristofferson’s own heroes like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jesus Christ, who died after leading lives of peace and service.

14. “Ramblin’ Jack”

From: Feeling Mortal (2013)

According to Kristofferson, “Ramblin’ Jack” is like Bob Dylan and William Blake, whose life was all about music and “lived for whatever poetry they could come up with.”

15. “Good Christian Soldier”

From: The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971)

Exploring religion, war, and how a man’s faith can often be conflicted – this song is one of the few Kristofferson did not write for his second album. 

Kris Kristofferson Songs That Endured The Test of Time

Kris Kristofferson’s music has indeed become some of the most enduring tracks in American history. Here are some more hits you should know.

  • “Highwayman”
  • “The Taker”
  • “For the Good Times”
  • “Sister Sinead”
  • “Hall of Angels”
  • “Prove It to You One More Time Again”
  • “How Do You Feel About Foolin’ Around”
  • “Nobody Loves Anybody Anymore”
  • “A Song I’d Like to Sing”
  • “Here Comes That Rainbow Again”

Even though the talented artist decided to end his career in 2020 – one thing is for sure, Kris Kristofferson songs will remain in our hearts forever.

Trending

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just ...

Alex Miller performing on stage with his signature cowboy hat, showcasing his classic country charm and journey from American Idol to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alex Miller’s “Silver Wings” Performance Earns Grand Ole Opry Invite

For many artists, the Grand Ole Opry is a stage where dreams are made. It’s where legends are born and where country music’s history comes alive. For Alex Miller, a ...