The 17 Best Cody Johnson Songs, from Til You Can't to The Painter
Cody Johnson went from riding bulls and working as a prison guard in Texas to filling arenas with traditional country music that sounds like it could have come from George Strait's heyday. Here are his 17 best songs, from the independent albums that built his following to 'Til You Can't, The Painter and Dirt Cheap, plus the story of his rise, his albums and picks for a wedding, a road trip and a rodeo weekend.
What is Cody Johnson's most famous song?
"'Til You Can't" is Cody Johnson's most famous song, a 2021 number one about not putting off the people and moments that matter, which won major awards at the 2022 CMA Awards. "The Painter" is his best-loved love song, and "Dirt Cheap" is a moving story song about what really has value in life.
Cody Johnson's early Texas favorites
- "Cowboy Like Me", 2014: the title track of the independent album that grew his Texas following.
- "Wild as You", 2016: a fan-favorite love song from Gotta Be Me.
- "With You I Am", 2016: a tender ballad from the same album.
- "Diamond in My Pocket", 2016: a sweet song about planning a proposal.
- "Gotta Be Me", 2016: an anthem about staying true to yourself.
Songs from Ain't Nothin' to It
- "On My Way to You", 2019: a love song about how every wrong turn led to the right person.
- "Dear Rodeo", 2019: a farewell letter to his bull-riding past.
- "Nothin' on You", 2019: an upbeat love song.
- "Doubt Me Now", 2019: a defiant answer to the people who said he would never make it.
- "Me and My Kind", 2019: a fan favorite from his major-label debut.
- "That's Texas", 2019: a tribute to his home state.
Songs from Human: The Double Album
- "'Til You Can't", 2021: his breakthrough number one.
- "Human", 2021: the title track of his double album.
Songs from Leather
- "The Painter", 2023: a love song about the person who brought color to his life.
- "Leather", 2023: the title track of the album.
- "Dirt Cheap", 2023: a story song about an old man selling his belongings and the memories behind them.
A Cody Johnson collaboration
- "Long Live Cowgirls", Ian Munsick featuring Cody Johnson: a Western anthem celebrating cowgirls.
Who is Cody Johnson?
Cody Johnson grew up in Sebastopol, a small community in East Texas near Huntsville. Before music became his full-time job, he rode bulls on the rodeo circuit and worked as a corrections officer at a Texas prison, experiences that still shape his songs. He spent years building a fan base independently in Texas dance halls and rodeos, releasing his own albums and selling out venues long before major labels took notice.
In 2019 he signed a partnership with Warner Music Nashville that let him keep creative control, and his album Ain't Nothin' to It debuted at number one on the country albums chart. A documentary, Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story, followed his journey in 2021.
The story behind 'Til You Can't
"'Til You Can't" urges listeners not to wait to say the important things or chase their dreams, because the chance may not come again. It became his first number one on country radio and won major honors at the 2022 CMA Awards, turning him from a Texas favorite into a national star.
The story behind The Painter
"The Painter" describes a man whose life was gray until the woman he loves brought color into it. It became one of his biggest hits and a popular choice for weddings and anniversaries, sung with the warm, traditional style that has become his trademark.
The story behind Dirt Cheap
"Dirt Cheap" tells the story of an older man selling his belongings, explaining that each item is worth far more than its price because of the memory it holds. Its gentle storytelling recalls the country classics of the 70s and 80s, and it has moved many fans to tears.
Cody Johnson's albums
- Cowboy Like Me (2014) and Gotta Be Me (2016): the independent albums that built his Texas fan base.
- Ain't Nothin' to It (2019): his major-label debut, which opened at number one on the country albums chart.
- Human: The Double Album (2021): home of "'Til You Can't".
- Leather (2023): featuring "The Painter" and "Dirt Cheap".
Why Cody Johnson's music stands out
In an era of pop-flavored country, Cody Johnson has built a career on fiddle, steel guitar and story songs, drawing comparisons to George Strait and the traditional country of the 90s. His rodeo background, Texas roots and plain-spoken lyrics about faith, family and hard work have earned him a loyal audience that stretches from small-town dance halls to stadiums.
Cody Johnson songs for a wedding
"The Painter" and "On My Way to You" are two of the most popular country first dances of recent years, and "With You I Am" and "Wild as You" are sweet choices for a slow dance. See our country wedding songs for more first-dance ideas.
Cody Johnson songs for a rodeo or road trip
For a rodeo weekend or a long drive, play "Dear Rodeo", "That's Texas" and "Long Live Cowgirls", then slow it down with "'Til You Can't" as the sun sets. For more, see our songs about Texas and songs about horses.
More country artists
If you love Cody Johnson's traditional sound, explore our Brooks and Dunn songs, Dwight Yoakam songs and 90s country songs.
A country song about your story
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Everything you want to know
What is Cody Johnson's most famous song?
"'Til You Can't" is Cody Johnson's most famous song, his first number one on country radio. "The Painter", "Dirt Cheap" and "On My Way to You" are other favorites.
Was Cody Johnson a bull rider?
Yes. Cody Johnson rode bulls on the rodeo circuit before music became his full-time career, and he also worked as a corrections officer in Texas. His song "Dear Rodeo" looks back on those years.
What is a good Cody Johnson song for a wedding?
"The Painter" and "On My Way to You" are popular Cody Johnson first-dance songs, and "With You I Am" and "Wild as You" are sweet choices for a slow dance.
Can I get a personalized country song?
Yes. With Cantarova you add a name and a few memories, choose country or another style, review the lyrics and listen to 4 free previews. The full song is ready within minutes.
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