Like most successful artists, Michael Murphey’s love for music started at a young age. He used to sing cowboy songs during his childhood. As years passed, Michael Martin Murphey became fond of the cowboy lifestyle. At 17 years old, he was playing western music, a talent he beefed up by performing in several clubs in Dallas. Murphey grew to be a successful songwriter, singer, and producer. Many remember him through his iconic hit single ‘Wildfire.’ which charted in 1975. In addition, he has released some of the best-loved songs in history. Let’s explore his 10 best memorable tunes.

10. Don’t count the rainy days

Falling in love and committing to that one person while still young and naive can be a great feeling. Planning your life together and sharing your ambitions makes everything seem achievable and perfect. However, nightmares and pain strike when you expect them to stand with you, but they’re no longer available. Lucky, they recollect themselves and come back, pleading you hold on to your old dreams. This 1983 release by Murphey is an excellent piece of music for those in a tumultuous relationship. As written by Jerry Careaga and Wayland Holyfield, the song’s words urge us to hold on to the memories of love and focus on the purpose of our relationship. This ballad is a lead single from ‘The Heart Never Lies’ album. It charted on the Hot Country Single chart in 1983, peaking at position 9, and on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart reaching number 6.

9. Still Taking Chances

Released in 1982 is ‘Still Taking Chances,’ the third single from Michael Martin Murphey’s album. In 1983, this song ranked position three on the U.S Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also peaked no. 76 on The Hot 100 chart. The song talks about meeting that one person when you’re trying to find balance in life, and they somehow step in and get you on track, and a moment comes when you feel like it’s the right time to reciprocate. It’s a great hit that will always help you recollect the people who’ve helped you achieve a balance in various aspects of your life.

8. A Long Line of Love

Listening to this influential ballad will make you want to trace the love line of your future to be or now spouse. Growing up in an environment where parents dedicate their love to each other explains their children’s devotion towards their spouses. While this is not to mean the absence of mutual love among the married will reciprocate similar results to their generations, to some extent, our roots make us who we are. When we defy our childhood values, principles, and core beliefs, we adopt what defines us as better lovers or spouses. Penned by Paul Overstreet and Thorn Schuyler, ‘A Long Line of Love’ was released in 1987. This single of Murphey’s album, the ‘Americana,’ charted on The Hot Country Singles and on the RPM Country Tracks in Canada the same year of its release, peaking at number one in both charts.

7. Carolina in the pines

Written and released by Murphey in 1975, ‘Carolina in the pines’ talks about taking walks in the pines. This song has many interpretations, meaning it can suit different situations, from loneliness to romantic moments. Whatever form this single from Murphey’s Blue Sky-Night album may take in your life, it is worth adding to your collection. It ranked position 21 on the U.S Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 25 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada, and peaked at the fourth position on the Adult Contemporary Chart. A re-recording by John McEuen also charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in 1985, peaking at number 9 and position 11 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.

6. From The Word Go

‘From The Word Go’ is the fourth and last single from Murphey’s album’ River of time.’ It was written by Chris Waters and Michael Garvin and released in 1988. In this song, murphy talks about having found the kind of love where he’d stay, even though all he would do was to keep on the verge of the highway. It is a song for those who finally find love after long searching and waiting. This single gained enormous popularity peaking at position three on the Hot Country Singles. It was also the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart second hit in 1988/89.

5. I’m Gonna Miss You Girl

Penned by Jesse Winchester is the ‘I’m Gonna Miss You Girl,’ the first single from the ‘River of Time’ album released in 1987. It’s one of the greatest hits that rekindle the memories of the sweet and fun moments we shared with those not within our reach—further advising us of the importance of capturing and preserving those moments. This song charted on the Hot Country Songs chart reaching number 3. It also peaked the fourth position on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart. Listen to it whenever you miss that close friend you treasure and cherish the best moments together.

4. Talking to the Wrong Man

‘Talking to the Wrong Man’ is Michael Martin Murphey’s and his son’s duet. This second ballad from the River of Time album was released in 1988, charting the first position on the Canada RPM Country Tracks Chart and no. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The lyrics are about stepping up your game in your relationship.

3. Geronimo’s Cadillac

‘Geronimo’s Cadillac was co-written by Michael Martin Murphey and Charles Quarto. It is inspired by a photograph featuring Geronimo, a prominent leader and a shaman on a luxurious grand tourer. The song was released in 1972 and charted on the Canada RPM Top Singles, reaching number 30 and the U.S Billboard Hot 100, peaking at position 37. Jeff Stevens and the Bullet charted a rendition of ‘Geronimo’s Cadillac’ in 1987, ranking at position 53 on the Hot Country Songs Chart. The song is one of the Michael Martin Murphey singles with multiple cover versions.

2. What’s forever for

Penned by Rafe Van Hoy, ‘What’s Forever for’ achieved success after Michael Martin Murphey released it in 1982. It is the second song from his Michael Martin Murphey album. The track had been recorded by John Ford Coley and England Dan on their Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive album in 1979. However, Murphey’s re-record seems to have attracted a larger audience, charting number one on the Hot Country chart spending 16 weeks in the top 40. It also claimed position one on the Adult Contemporary and position 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ‘What’s forever for’ is among the most popular songs in the Philippines. It questions the value of love. Hark the lyrics, and you’ll agree that love is important and needs to be treasured. It’s a great song to hark when you feel like you’re falling out of love.

1. Wildfire

The song ‘Wildfire’ was Murphey’s highest-charting hit. It was inspired by a ghost story narrated to him by his grandfather. It is the lead single of his Blue Sky – Night Thunder album, co-written with Larry Cansler and released in 1975. It charted on the Cash Box, peaking at numbers 2, no.3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and position one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. In addition, it sold over two million U.S. copies receiving RIAA platinum certification. Wildfire contributed significantly to Murphey’s commercial success. If you find inspiration in stories, the melodies in this song will make sense to you.

Summing up

Michael Martin Murphey songs are an excellent pick for those with diverse music tastes. Whether you’re a fan of popular music, western music, or country music, this American singer and songwriter has released the best hits of all time. Listen to his top 10 famous tunes above, and you’ll want to play the rest of his songs.

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