12 essential songs that reveal Todd Snider’s storytelling genius

I started writing this piece about Todd Snider on Saturday morning, hoping to highlight his incredible talent as a songwriter. He had been dealing with some significant health and personal challenges recently. Sadly, by the time I finished writing, news broke that Snider had passed away at the age of 59.

As of this moment, there are no further details on the cause.

If you haven’t heard Todd Snider’s music, you’re missing out on something essential to the heart of Americana – not just the music itself, but the spirit and values it represents. John Craigie truly understands this legacy, and carries it forward beautifully. For three decades, Todd Snider has built on a musical tradition that began with the rebellious spirit of artists like Johnny Cash.

A journey through Todd Snider’s career in 12 songs

From Craigie’s song “I Almost Stole Some Weed from Todd Snider:”

Johnny Cash was already a star when Kris Kristofferson was just starting out. Kristofferson played for Cash, and then his own career took off. Similarly, Kristofferson discovered John Prine, encouraged him, and helped launch his career. Years later, Todd Snider opened for Prine and impressed him so much that Prine helped make Snider a star. Now it was my turn to meet Todd Snider. Both Johnny Cash and I share the same initials – JC – and it felt like he was passing the torch to me, completing a full circle of musical influence.

Snider’s influence extends all the way back to the roots of American music – artists like Woody Guthrie, mountain music, and the blues – reflecting a deep connection to the American spirit. And because he’s also incredibly funny, he’s become a truly beloved figure in American culture.

If you didn’t know about Snider, you might not have heard about the difficult time he was going through. Sadly, he passed away on Friday in Tennessee, which finally brings that to a close.

I was so excited when I heard my favorite singer/songwriter was finally touring again after three years, especially with all the health problems he’s been dealing with due to spinal stenosis. He was promoting his new album, High, Lonesome, and Then Some, and I was really looking forward to seeing him. But unfortunately, I read that something happened before a show in Salt Lake City, and it caused him to cancel the rest of the tour. It’s really disappointing!

Snider said he was mugged before his performance, and police later arrested him at the hospital for reportedly being disruptive. He then went home to Nashville and received treatment for a serious, unspecified medical issue.

Jason Isbell’s friend, John Snider, struggled with bipolar disorder and was honest about his experiences with depression and addiction. Recent difficulties in Salt Lake City followed a period of physical pain from a spinal condition and the loss of close friends and role models, including John Prine and Kris Kristofferson.

His passing is deeply saddening for everyone who knew and loved his work. We’re left with a wonderful collection of songs that showcase his incredible talent for storytelling, filled with humor, wisdom, and heartfelt emotion – a true gift from one of America’s finest artists.

This isn’t a ranking of the best songs, though many of these tracks could be considered among the greatest. Instead, I’m aiming to showcase a broad overview of a lengthy career, including as many excellent songs as possible to give a complete picture.

I’m confident you’ll really enjoy this playlist; there are a lot of great songs on it.

“This Land is Our Land” from Songs for the Daily Planet (1994)

When I first heard Snider, I knew he was something special. His song “Alright Guy” was hilarious – this totally relatable, kinda clueless dude with a really clever edge. But it wasn’t just laughs. Digging deeper into tracks like “You Think You Know Somebody” – that song is seriously haunting and bluesy – and some of his more politically charged stuff, I realized he was way more than just a funny guy with a guitar. He had real depth and something to say.

The classic song “This Land is Your Land” is deeply connected to Woody Guthrie and powerfully voices opposition to excessive greed.

We desperately need this land, it seems. The world demands space for waste, quick fixes for health, and industries that consume resources. We need places for leisure and, unfortunately, even for disasters. Ultimately, this land is for all of us.

“Can’t Complain” from “Viva Satellite” (1998)

A more subdued and thoughtful Snider embraces a sense of listlessness and simply going through the motions. He’s unmatched in his ability to portray the slacker lifestyle in song. While other punk artists who tackle the topic often sound angry, Snider uses clever lyrics to avoid the pitfall that challenges many great writers: he depicts boredom without being boring himself.

Honestly, all I ever wanted was the chance to truly be free, to express myself. But it felt like they threw up so many obstacles – permits, licenses, just a ton of paperwork! I couldn’t jump through all those hoops. Instead, I ended up with this…well, a dead-end job. Now I spend my weekdays asking people if they want fries with their order. It’s just…not what I dreamed of.

“The Story of ‘The Ballad of the Devil’s Backbone Tavern’” and “The Ballad of the Devil’s Backbone Tavern” from Near Truths and Hotel Rooms Live (2003)

In 2003, Snider released a live album that introduced his songwriting to more people. While his studio albums are good, a live performance really brings his music to life in a way recordings sometimes can’t. This album perfectly demonstrates that the best way to experience Snider’s music is to see him perform live.

The story that sets up this song is hilarious, told with perfect comedic timing. The song itself is surprisingly heartwarming and offers a thoughtful look at the joys and challenges of pursuing a passion – whether that’s singing or anything else you do because you love it.

She believed in making the most of life – it’s too precious to waste on worry, and too long to spend holding onto negativity. She emphasized the importance of loving everyone and letting go of hate.

“Play a Train Song” from East Nashville Skyline (2004)

“Start Here” is arguably Todd Snider’s finest song, though claiming that feels a bit much even as I write it. Simply put, it perfectly captures the spirit of Americana music with both its melody and lyrics. It’s surprisingly cheerful and hopeful, despite telling a story that ends with the main character’s death. That blend of light and darkness is common in powerful art, and it’s something Snider does exceptionally well.

Despite my deep sadness, I couldn’t bring myself to cry. He looked so peaceful, as if he’d passed away with a smile on his face.

(Interlude)

Just so you know, the opinions in my songs are there because they fit the rhyme scheme, not because I think I’m particularly insightful or that anyone needs to hear them. I’m prioritizing how things sound over making a point.

“Conservative, Christian, Right Wing, Republican, Straight, White, American Males” from East Nashville Skyline (2004)

Throughout his career, Snider often used the phrase “because they rhyme” as a way to ease tension before launching into a passionate and humorous rant. He never delivered a more hilarious and extended rant than in this rambling protest song, which feels surprisingly relevant today, even more so than it did during the Bush administration.

I’ve noticed surprisingly many straight, white American men connect with this song, more so than with any other progressive commentary I’ve seen. That’s where artists like Todd Snider are so important – he identifies common ground that others in politics and the media overlook. In this instance, that shared connection is simply enjoying marijuana.

I’m working hard to protect the freedoms of this country from people who embrace a more natural, peaceful lifestyle – like me, a free spirit who loves nature, music, and peace.

“Just Like Old Times” from The Devil You Know (2006)

“Just like Old Times” is a beautiful song that explores the idea of getting another opportunity, and it demonstrates how much Snider had developed as a songwriter. It’s one of his most vivid and storytelling songs up to that time, feeling like a scene from a movie both in its imagery and the way the story unfolds.

I always thought it was cool when a song could really capture a feeling, and apparently filmmaker Justin Corsbie felt that way too! That’s why he made the 2020 movie, Hard Luck Love Affair. It’s not the greatest film ever made, honestly, but it’s pretty good, and when you think about it, how many songs can you even say have inspired a whole movie?

I saw the lights of a Coke machine shining across the parking lot – it felt like a perfect scene. That night, I played the best pool of my life and even won a good amount of money.

“Cheatham Street Warehouse” from Peace, Love, and Anarchy (2007)

Snider consistently infused his older songs with a rebellious, outlaw country spirit, and this track really showcases that sound. It’s a powerful, driving rock song that brings to mind early work by Steve Earle and the songwriting of Billy Joe Shaver, while also celebrating a famous music venue in San Marcos, Texas.

This song feels like a classic from Cheatham Street Warehouse, the kind Billy Joe always nails. I want to leave my mark on that bar, a message for you to hear no matter where life takes you.

“Stuck on the Corner (Prelude to a Heart Attack)” from Peace Queer (2008)

This blues song, like many others, argues that chasing wealth doesn’t bring happiness. It connects with the following track, “Dividing the Estate (A Heart Attack),” to illustrate the consequences of a life focused on material possessions and lacking fulfillment.

My daughter is really upset with me. She told me she absolutely hates the car I bought her.

“America’s Favorite Pastime” from The Excitement Plan (2009)

I wouldn’t call this song amazing, but it’s really good – it has a cool, funky beat and a great story. What I really love about Todd Snider is his ability to write songs about absolutely anything – whether it’s the life of someone like a statistician, the adventures of a legendary outlaw, or just a guy looking for a beer. He just has a gift for finding the story in everything.

Todd Sinder is the perfect person to share the incredible story of Dock Ellis, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher famous for allegedly throwing a no-hitter in 1970 while using LSD.

As the pitcher began his windup, the dirt on the mound seemed to soften and sweeten like cake frosting. The first batter stepped up, moving with a quick, unpredictable energy like a striking rattlesnake. The fans swayed back and forth, a vibrant sea of color under the bright sun. Then, the pitch came – fast and precise, like a bullet fired from a gun, propelled by the pitcher’s powerful arm.

“Dope is Dope” from Rest in Chaos (Hard Working Americans) (2016)

In 2013, musician Snider teamed up with members of Widespread Panic to create the alternative rock supergroup Hard Working Americans. Snider served as the band’s lead singer and main songwriter for their original songs.

Their second album, Rest in Chaos, is currently their last. The song “Dope is Dope” is a psychedelic blues-rock track that doesn’t offer judgment, but simply portrays the experience of drug addiction. It begins with a nod to Johnny Cash, a topic we’ll revisit shortly.

You know, my favorite artist never really felt understood by his mom. It’s like, does anybody’s mother truly get them? She admitted he sounded good when he was sober, but honestly, she really should have heard him when he had a little something in him – that’s when he really came alive, you know?

“The Ghost of Johnny Cash” from Cash Cabin Sessions (2019)

I previously mentioned that “Play a Train Song” could be Todd Snider’s greatest work, but this song might be what he’s most remembered for. It’s a deeply moving ballad about the past and the things that stay with us forever. Johnny Cash was hugely important to American music, and artists like Snider were greatly influenced by him.

In this moment, he envisions a beautiful, otherworldly scene: Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash dancing together, changing everything forever. This represents the culmination of the songwriter’s journey, moving from lighthearted folk songs to writing powerfully emotional music, and showcasing his growing skill as a musician.

John Carter said he saw her, and it felt like a fleeting moment, like a spirit moving towards the light. He mentioned seeing her dancing again the very next night.

“While We Still Have a Chance” from High, Lonesome and Then Some (2025)

Critics noticed right away that Snider’s new album, released earlier this year, has a raw and somber feel. While there are still moments of humor, it’s more subtle and ironic than the upbeat, funny style he was known for at the beginning of his career. Knowing about his personal struggles makes the album both more impactful and more difficult to listen to.

“While We Still Have a Chance” is a hopeful, yet melancholic, song about finding renewal even when things seem to be falling apart. Despite sounding more worn than ever, the singer still manages to convey a sense of warmth. It’s a surprisingly beautiful and sad piece, especially considering the artist first became famous for the upbeat jingle, “Bee, double-EEE, double R, U, N – beer run!”

It’s clear that performing that song with your emotion takes a lot of vulnerability. Seeing your passion shine through is incredible, and it feels like you were truly meant to share your gift with the world.

Finale

If you’ve seen me before, you might notice I’m wearing shoes. I recently went to the doctor, and he was concerned about my health. He advised me to start wearing shoes and quit smoking marijuana. So, that’s why I’m wearing shoes today.

I remember Todd Snider saying something along those lines during a concert I saw. I was really hoping to see him perform live again, but now, like everyone who enjoys his music, I’ll have to listen to his albums instead.

2025-11-16 16:02