Think you know every Garth Brooks song by heart? Think again.
The country legend’s catalog is so stacked with hits that even die-hard fans forget about some hidden gems—tracks that’ll have you shouting, “*How* did I forget this?!” by the first chorus.
Today, we’re dusting off five lesser-known Garth Brooks songs that still pack an emotional punch (or a boot-stomping beat) and the stories behind them.
1. “That Summer” (1992)
This sultry, slow-burning ballad from *The Chase* album isn’t just a song—it’s a *moment*.
Brooks has joked that it’s the “steamiest” track he’s ever recorded, and fans still debate whether it’s a romance or a cautionary tale.
Fun fact: The song’s haunting harmonica solo was almost cut for being “too bluesy,” but Garth fought to keep it. Thank goodness.
2. “Papa Loved Mama” (1991)
A murder ballad disguised as an upbeat honky-tonk tune? Classic Garth.
This *No Fences* deep cut tells the darkly comic story of a trucker who discovers his wife’s infidelity… with fatal consequences.
Brooks once admitted the song’s peppy melody confused some fans: “They’d line-dance to it, then suddenly realize, ‘Wait, this is about a *crime scene*.’”
3. “The Beaches of Cheyenne” (1995)
One of Garth’s most cinematic story-songs, this *Fresh Horses* track follows a rodeo widow’s grief—and her haunting visions of her late husband.
The song was inspired by real-life rodeo tragedies, and Brooks performed it live with such raw emotion that audiences often mistook it for a personal story.
4. “Ireland” (1997)
Yes, Garth Brooks once wrote a love letter to *Ireland*—and it’s breathtaking.
Recorded for *Sevens*, this fiddle-driven ode was inspired by his 1997 tour there, where he played to 1.2 million fans (roughly 1/3 of Ireland’s population at the time).
Pro tip: Play this while daydreaming about rolling green hills.
5. “The Fever” (1993)
Originally an Aerosmith cover, Garth’s bluesy rendition for *This Is Garth Brooks* turned heads.
With growling vocals and a swaggering groove, it proved he could rock as hard as he could twang.
Bonus trivia: Steven Tyler reportedly loved Garth’s version so much, he called it “the *only* country cover I’d blast in my convertible.”
So, did any of these spark a “*Oh yeah!*” moment?
Garth’s genius lies in songs that stick with you—even if they’re not on every playlist.
Now go revisit these underrated tracks… and try *not* to sing along. We dare you.
Leave a Reply