Top 10 Country Line Dance Songs
Today we look at 10 top country songs that packed the dancefloor (in an organised fashion).
For years, people have been filling dance floors across bars and clubs, moving in unison to the rhythm of their favourite tunes. Line dancing, a choreographed group dance where participants perform a sequence of steps together, has had its ups and downs in popularity. Lately, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, it’s experiencing a resurgence.
In the U.S., popular line dances over the years have included classics like “The Madison,” “The Cowboy Boogie,” and “The Electric Slide.” These dances have been set to a variety of musical genres such as pop, disco, rock, swing, R&B, and Latin. However, line dancing is now most closely associated with country music.
The 1980s marked a pivotal moment when country music and line dancing rose in tandem, propelled by the 1980 release of Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta. The movie sparked a renewed interest in country culture, music, and of course, line dancing. In the 1990s, the genre's appeal grew further, with hits like Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” taking center stage, largely thanks to the line dance craze it inspired. The music video for this song, along with programming on Country Music Television (CMT) and The Nashville Network (TNN), played a huge role in popularizing line dancing across America.
The Wildhorse Saloon, which opened in 1994 in Nashville, became a hub for country music fans and line dancers alike. The venue even hosted The Nashville Network’s Wildhorse Saloon Dance Show, bringing line dancing into living rooms across the nation. Although the Wildhorse recently closed its doors, its legacy as a key player in the line dance movement remains.
Despite changes in trends, line dancing remains a beloved pastime in many clubs and dance halls. Below are 10 of the best country songs that have kept the spirit of line dancing alive.
10. Chris LeDoux – "Cadillac Ranch"
LeDoux's 1992 hit is an upbeat track about turning a struggling farm into a lively dance venue. Written by Chuck Jones and Chris Waters, “Cadillac Ranch” reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it a favorite for line dance lovers.
9. Vince Gill – "What the Cowgirls Do"
This 1994 Vince Gill hit, co-written with Reed Nielsen, celebrates the energy of cowgirls across the country. With a fun, lively rhythm, “What the Cowgirls Do” peaked at No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart, becoming a great addition to any line dance playlist.
8. Midland – "Mr. Lonely"
Released as the first single from Midland’s Let It Roll album, “Mr. Lonely” is a classic country tune with a modern twist. The accompanying video, featuring actor Dennis Quaid, highlights the fun and carefree vibe of the song, making it perfect for the line dance floor.
7. Alan Jackson – "Good Time"
Alan Jackson’s 2008 song “Good Time” is all about celebrating the end of a hard workweek. Its lively beat and infectious energy make it an ideal track for line dancing, with the music video even showcasing hundreds of people joining in a massive line dance.
6. Blanco Brown – "The Git Up"
Blanco Brown's 2019 hit “The Git Up” is a catchy track that brought line dancing back into the mainstream. Thanks to a viral dance challenge and tutorial posted by Brown himself, this song became a staple on TikTok and reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Shania Twain – "Any Man of Mine"
Shania Twain’s empowering 1995 anthem “Any Man of Mine” became her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful energy make it a perfect pick for line dancers, especially as Twain encourages listeners to get on the dance floor.
4. Tracy Byrd – "Watermelon Crawl"
Released in 1994, Tracy Byrd’s “Watermelon Crawl” tells the story of a fictional festival where attendees are advised to dance rather than drive after enjoying some local wine. The song reached No. 4 on the Hot Country Songs chart and is a fan favorite at line dance events.
3. Steve Earle – "Copperhead Road"
Steve Earle’s 1988 track “Copperhead Road” became a surprise hit with line dancers, despite its heavy subject matter. With its thumping percussion and rebellious tone, this song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and remains a dance-floor favorite.
2. Billy Ray Cyrus – "Achy Breaky Heart"
Billy Ray Cyrus’ 1992 mega-hit “Achy Breaky Heart” took line dancing to new heights. The simple steps featured in the song’s music video helped spark a nationwide dance craze. It spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and cemented Cyrus as a country music star.
1. Brooks & Dunn – "Boot Scootin' Boogie"
The definitive country line dance song, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn, was released in 1992 and sparked a dance revolution. Originally written by Ronnie Dunn, the track became one of the duo’s most iconic hits, spending four weeks at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart. Its music video, featuring line dancing, made it a timeless staple of the country line dance scene.
These 10 tracks represent the best of country line dancing, combining infectious energy and rhythms that keep dancers moving. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these songs are sure to get you on your feet!