Three memorable country songs from 1973 remain closely associated with the era, according to American Songwriter. The selection highlights their chart success, personal backstories and enduring singalong appeal.

– Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me”, from Jesus Was a Capricorn, was his first and only No. 1 single; he wrote it after an emotional church service.
– George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “We’re Gonna Hold On”, written by Jones and Earl Montgomery, was the title track of their fifth duets album, though the couple divorced in 1975.
– Tom T. Hall’s “I Love” was a two-week No. 1 and a crossover success, reaching the Adult Contemporary Top 15; it later appeared on Country Songs For Children.