Best Sugarland Lyrics

Sugarland's first hit is one of their biggest for a reason. The then-trio's song about trying to make it the big city was -- and still is -- a refreshing blast of hope for those scratching and clawing to achieve something great.

'Joey' may not have been as big of a radio hit as some others because it's such a sad story, but the lyrics are as real as anything the group has written. Nettles sings about a man, likely a lover, who was killed in a car accident. She is full of regret and unanswered questions. Her performance feels as intimate as 'Stay' did two years earlier.

That Sugarland was able to build sympathy for the main character in this song is a testament to the brilliant songwriting and even more inspired vocal performance. Nettles plays "the other woman." At first, she's begging for her man to choose her, but by the end she's given up and found the strength to walk away. The final chorus is a goosebumps moment.

The subtle details of this 2006 hit make it very powerful. In contrast to 'Already Gone,' Nettles plays a singer full of vulnerability. It's the beginning of a romance, and the songwriting team work in powerful details to attach the story to the hearts of listeners. These are some of Sugarland's best lyrics.

So many of Sugarland's greatest songs serve life lessons, as 'Already Gone' does. On the surface, this is just a love song that's alive with danger and detail. Deep down, it's the story of one girl trying to come to terms with her gypsy soul. They say so much with so few words.