The Ultimate Playlist for your Bluegrass Valentine

It’s finally here, fellas: Die Hard 5 hits theaters TODAY!

Unfortunately, for most of you, Bruce Willis takes a backseat to Cupid. If you didn’t know by now, today is Valentine’s Day. How many of you have forgotten until now? And yes, your local Wal-Mart is already sold out of flowers and chocolates. What’s a man to do?

Never fear! I am here to save the day. Here is The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Playlist for your Bluegrass Valentine! (Don’t worry, Pretty Polly did not make the final cut.)

1. I’m Head Over Heels In Love — Flatt & Scruggs

I know we’ve heard it a thousand times, but do Lester and Earl ever get old? I vote an emphatic no. Besides, I’m sure your girl would love knowing that you’d “go across the ocean” for her (unless you’re going across the ocean to get away from her!)

2. Still They Call Me Love — The Grascals

A newer number from The Grascals, this is a standout song off their Grammy-nominated album, Life Finds A Way. Love takes many different shapes and sizes, and can have a variety of results, but no matter what, it is the most powerful thing on earth.

3. My Love Will Not Change — The Del McCoury Band

If you can cuddle up with your sweetheart and listen to Del McCoury together, MARRY HER! That’s a keeper in my book. It’s hard to believe this Del McCoury hit is a decade old already. It still sounds just as fresh as it did ten years ago.

4. I’ll Love Nobody But You — Jim & Jesse/The Gibson Brothers

Reassuring your darling that she’s the only one is always a good thing to do. Whether you have Jim & Jesse or The Gibson Brothers do the reminding for you, you can’t go wrong!

5. A Good Woman’s Love — Bill Monroe

Although The Father Of Bluegrass has some powerhouse vocals on this song, this a good one on which you can share a waltz. Nothing says romance like swaying back and forth to Bill Monroe! Your better half will really feel appreciated if you dedicate this one to her.

6. Love At First Light — Newfound Road

While this song may be lesser known, you and your Valentine will love it! Love At First Light is a great contemporary number, which really highlights Tim Shelton’s vocal style (and shows why Shelton has been a bluegrass heartthrob for the past decade! Don’t believe me, just ask my sister or your girlfriend!) It is a remarkable love song, which tells a great story.

7. Erase The Miles — IIIrd Tyme Out

Erase The Miles is definitely a must-listen for your Valentine, especially if you have to spent today apart. (Hopefully, for a better reason than sneaking off to see Die Hard 5 with the guys!) A breakout hit for IIIrd Tyme Out, Russell Moore’s singing seems to get better with each listen!

8. When You Say Nothing At All — Keith Whitley/Alison Krauss

Whether you decide to have Keith Whitley or Alison Krauss serenade your sweetheart, you really can’t go wrong with this timeless song. In addition to her getting that puppy dog look in her eyes, you have a great line if she starts talking your ear off. You say it best when you nothing at all.

9. It’s Grand To Have Someone To Love You — The Traditional Grass

A hit from the later years of The Traditional Grass, I have heard my dad dedicate this one to my mom countless times both on stage and on the air. You both will be singing along to this one in no time. There is a reason this is Junior Sisk’s ringtone. (Don’t believe me? Ask him! Haha.) Note: If your girl does not think it is grand to have someone to love her, dump her.

10. Ocean Of Diamonds — Jimmy Martin

The chorus says it all…

I’d give an ocean of diamonds, a world filled with flowers
to hold you closely for just a few hours.
Hear you whisper softly, that you love me too
would change all the dark clouds to the bluest of blue.

If your date doesn’t start getting mushy after that, she has a heart of stone. And once again, if you can cuddle up with her and listen to The King Of Bluegrass, either marry her or give me her number.

11. Perfect Love — Ronnie Bowman

Perfect Love was co-written by Ronnie Bowman and Dan Tyminski. The lyrics to this song are simple but powerful. What also makes this song special is that Ronnie has his wife singing with him on the track. Guys, this would be a good one for you and your girlfriend to learn for karaoke night at your nearest Applebee’s. Just an idea!

12. Fine As Fine Can Be — Tony Rice

Last, but certainly not least, you should close your night with Gordon Lightfoot’s Fine As Fine Can Be. I think this is one of the best love songs ever written. The simplicity in its phrasing is what makes it so brilliant. Everyone can understand this song. The one liners from this tune are too many to count, but any one of them could cause your girlfriend to melt. If you close your date with this one, you will definitely be ending the night with a goodnight kiss!

 

With this playlist, you and your sweetheart are sure to have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

What’s your favorite bluegrass love song? Let us know in the comments below.

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About the Author

Daniel Mullins

Daniel Mullins is an IBMA award-winning journalist and broadcaster from southwestern Ohio, with an American Studies degree from Cedarville University. He hosts the Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast and his daily radio program, The Daniel Mullins Midday Music Spectacular, on the Real Roots Radio network. He also serves as the station’s music director, programming country, bluegrass, and Americana music.