Merle Haggard

After all, everyone has a story to tell — and country music has a lot to say.

Some of these songs bring the artist's career full-circle, while others tell a haunting story of a life cut short.

They know the heartbreak they sing about.

They were called Young Country then and, appropriately, looked to the radio for inspiration.

The legendary actor and director has a long association with country music.

Including several delinquent youths, at least two singers battling addiction and one jealous rage that ended in murder.

He got the chance to really help his hero and friend out at the end.

Including the one final concert that we got all wrong.

Dolly, Willie and more had found their voice, while other icons were stuck in transition. 1974 was a very important year in country music.

Grief, regret and hopelessness are three major themes in this countdown of the most depressing country songs of all time.