There are tons of good songs about sisters. That should come as no surprise, as the bond between two sisters or lifelong best friends spawns the sort of inspiration that drives singers and songwriters.
We're not talking about Elvis Presley's lusty "Little Sister," Carly Simon's "Older Sister" or any number of rock and pop hits, such as Aretha Franklin and the Eurythmics' "Sisters are Doin' It for Themselves," The Rolling Stones' "Dance Little Sister," Chvrches' "The Mother We Share," Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," Rufus Wainwright's "Martha," Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire," Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" or Sister Sledge's "We Are Family."
Instead, here's a playlist of country songs that celebrate sisterhood in some sense of the term, be it family ties or heartfelt friendship.
1. "Sister Oh Sister," Rosanne Cash
Cash sang this poetic song about learning from older siblings back in 2012. It was co-written by her longtime collaborator Rodney Crowell and one of Texas' finest authors, Mary Karr.
2. "I'll Take Care of You," The Chicks
This one doesn't directly mention family, but it describes the sort of selfless love many of us receive from a big sister. Think of it as a bluegrass-flavored version of Bruno Mars' "Count on Me."
3. "Sister," Mickey Guyton
One of the most captivating voices in Nashville today uses the term "sister" to promote uplifting peers in a business that pits women against each other.
4. "Highwomen," The Highwomen
Just as the Allman Brothers Band had metaphorical brothers and sisters, this country supergroup uplifts other women by telling their untold stories in this updated take on Jimmy Webb's "Highwayman."
5. "There You'll Be," Faith Hill
Hill's own multi-purpose sentimental tune works for a graduation, wedding reception, or any other moment when a sister experiences a major life change.
6. "This One's For the Girls," Martina McBride
Here's another instance where a broad celebration of women's lives doubles as a broader definition of the word "sister."
7. "My Sister," Reba McEntire
McEntire leaves her sister a heartfelt, rambling voice mail about remembering the old times and creating new memories.
8. "My Wish," Rascal Flatts
One of the best songs to blare at a close relative's graduation also works as a dose of sage advice from an older sibling.
9. "I Gave My Wedding Dress Away," Kitty Wells
In this sister song, the incomparable Kitty Wells gave her wedding dress away because her sister clicked better with an ex-fiancee.
Read More: Flashback: Garth Brooks' Incredible Cover of Bob Dylan's 'To Make You Feel My Love'
10. "Come Some Rainy Day," Wynonna
Wynonna dedicated the first few lines of this song to her baby sister, actor and University of Kentucky basketball superfan Ashley Judd.
This article was originally published on September 4, 2020.
