About the song
“John Deere Green” by Joe Diffie is a quintessential country song that captures the essence of rural life and the simple joys of love and nostalgia. Released in 1990 as part of his album *A Thousand Winding Roads*, this song is one of Diffie’s most beloved hits, showcasing his unique storytelling ability and his knack for creating songs that resonate deeply with fans of traditional country music.
The song was written by Joe Diffie himself, along with Randy Boudreaux. “John Deere Green” tells the charming and sentimental story of a young couple whose love blossoms in the backdrop of a picturesque countryside. The song’s title refers to the iconic green color of John Deere tractors, which serves as a metaphor for the enduring and steadfast nature of the protagonist’s love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of rural life, capturing the essence of a time and place where love and simple pleasures were paramount.
Upon its release, “John Deere Green” achieved notable success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This high placement underscored Diffie’s growing popularity and his ability to connect with a wide audience through his heartfelt and relatable music.
Musically, the song features a classic country arrangement with a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly complements Diffie’s warm and engaging vocals. The instrumentation, with its distinctive country flavor, enhances the song’s nostalgic and joyful feel, making it a favorite for both radio play and live performances.
The music video for “John Deere Green” further enriches the song’s narrative, showcasing scenes of rural life and the enduring love story at its core. This visual representation adds an extra layer of depth to the song, helping listeners and viewers connect more deeply with its message and emotional tone.
In summary, “John Deere Green” is a timeless country classic that highlights Joe Diffie’s talent for storytelling and his deep connection to rural Americana. Its catchy melody, vivid lyrics, and Diffie’s heartfelt performance make it a standout track in his illustrious career. Whether you are a longtime fan of country music or new to Joe Diffie’s work, “John Deere Green” is sure to transport you to a simpler time and place, filled with love and the beauty of the countryside.
Video
Lyrics
They were farm kids way down in Dixie
Met in high school in the ’60s
Everyone knew it was love from the start
One July, in the midnight hour
He climbed upon the water tower
Stood on the rail and painted a ten-foot heart
In John Deere green
On a hot summer night
He wrote, “Billy Bob loves Charlene”
In letters three-foot high
And the whole town said that he should’ve used red
But it looked good to Charlene
In John Deere green
They settled down on 80 acres
Raising sweet corn, kids, and tomatoes
They went together like a hand and a glove
On a clear day from their front yard
If you look and know what to look for
Up to the east, you can still read his words of love
In John Deere green
On a hot summer night
He wrote, “Billy Bob loves Charlene”
In letters three-foot high
And the whole town said, “The boy should’ve used red”
But it looked good to Charlene
In John Deere green
Now more than once the town has discovered
Painting over it ain’t no use
There ain’t no paint in the world that’ll cover it
The heart keeps showing through
In John Deere green
On a hot summer night
He wrote, “Billy Bob loves Charlene”
In letters three-foot high
And the whole town said, “The fool should’ve used red”
But it looked good to Charlene
In John Deere green
Aw, paint it green, boy
In John Deere green
On a hot summer night
He wrote, “Billy Bob loves Charlene”
In letters three-foot high
And the whole town said, “The boy should’ve used red”
But it looked good to Charlene
In John Deere green
John Deere green