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For those nights in the wilderness, surrounded by good company and without a care in the world, when the most important thing you should be worrying about is with which songs you should play to soundtrack the night, here’s a list of nine great, campfire-ready tunes that should make even that quandary easy to solve.
It’s not all “Home on the Range” and classic cowboy songs (though that song’s on there), but the perfect picks blend a bit of nostalgia, beauty and shared experience to make for an instant sense of community.
Review, consider peeping the tablature for playing easy tips, and enjoy! These should carry your expedition perfectly long into the night.
“Wonderwall” – Oasis
One of greatest pop rock songs of the 1990s, whether you’re a fan of the Oasis or Ryan Adams version (or both)
“Home on The Range” – David Guion
Such a cliche, it’s great comedy. Plus, everyone knows the words. Go ahead and belt it!
“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
This soul classic will have everyone signing along.
“Redemption Song” – Bob Marley
Unlike most of Marley’s many great works, this piece was originally recorded strictly as an acoustic track. Later covered by Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer, you’ll be surprised how many people know the lyrics to this moving song of protest and mortality.
“Hurt” – Johnny Cash version
A little darker fare that’ll bring the tone down, but not depress.
“Thirteen” – Big Star
Maybe a little more obscure than some of these other song selections, this will please all the sentimental power pop fans to there.
“Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show
Darius Rucker made this song a hit in 2013 but it was originally recorded as an incomplete piece by Bob Dylan and then finished years later and released in 2004.
“Brand New Key” – Melanie
Something fun and upbeat from this ’60s songstress.
“The Suburbs” – Father John Misty version
If you can pull off this modern classic, give it a go like Father John Misty, who released a cover this year that breathed some new life into this 2010 track. And don’t shy from the whistling!
