Best Campfire Songs of All Time

[@paulroberts6820]

“Nobody’s likes to sing songs about being wasted more than people who’re already wasted.” HOW TRUE! A song I have totally ignored but now you gave me a reason to learn it.

[@iriemon1796]

I have played "campfire" songs on boats and beaches scores if not hundreds of times. Here are some of the songs (* means four chords or less) i play that sound good on an acoustic, check (most) of the boxes, and usually get folks singing along (after a drink or two). In no particular order-- *Have you ever seen the rain - CCR *Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond Rocket Man - Elton *Margaritaville - Buffet Amie - Pure Prairie League City of New Orleans - Arlo Gurthrie Danny's song - Kenny Loggins You've got to hide your love away - Beatles Hey Jude - Beatles *I saw her standing there - Beatles *Hang on Sloopy - McCoys Heart of Gold - Neil Young The night they drove old Dixie down - The Band Country Roads - Denver

[@piperhaser558]

City of New Orleans is one of the best songs of all time ❤

[@iriemon1796]

@@piperhaser558 And a great campfire classic!

[@setmedicsavga]

Never underestimate Country Roads. My buddy played it during a set with a bunch of dudes in the audience from the military base and they begged him to do it over and over. Better than a thousand bucks in the fishbowl that night.

[@richgray5762]

Into the Mystic

[@llw2226]

My fav ❤ you are right

[@TheRayfield77]

By far it's the best song in this list. Joker was second. The others are fine, but just too cliché for me.

[@furthereast6775]

The best, also best for karaoke, that and sweet Caroline are the two that the whole room sings along with

[@UTBanjo]

I was playing(banjo) at a park one day with one of my sons(guitar) just for our own enjoyment, and we ended up with a huge crowd of 8-80 yr olds singing along with Country Roads.

[@opulentlilt455]

Thanks for this list. We lost four wonderful family members over the last few years and our family reunions have been tough. I haven't played for a while but I think I should work on these for the next time we sit out around the fire at the cabin together. Their spirits will be with us.

[@davidmatthews9927]

#1 Country roads , first rock song my Dad liked!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey David. Thanks awesome. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@davidqueen5098]

I do music therapy for a group of women that have dementia and cognitive mental issues. We called them “the happy campers“ I’m always looking for a new campfire songs. It’s a miracle to see these women. Remember these songs and sing to the songs and your resource is very helpful, thank you I love the new 12 string. Let us know. Thanks.

[@tonyengel7124]

Love playing your song selections, Awesome 👌

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Tony. I really appreciate that. I'm on a quick vacation with my family and it's such a great way to start the day to get something positive like this. Thanks for checking out the video. I'm grateful for your time. Have a great Sunday and take care. Mark

[@danwarner4417]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks for not just the list of songs, but the great criteria at the beginning. It's a perfect example of teaching a man to fish and then catching and eating some together around the campfire

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dan. I dont know how I missed this comment but its awesome. I use the fish analogy with my students and I like your spin. A very belated thanks for checking out the video. Take care and be well. Mark

[@scottrobertson9788]

Awesome list! I’m suddenly super motivated to go practice, she has for hosting!

[@dougrowell7817]

The world needs more campfires! Thanks Mark.

[@SirJer]

Amazing video, thanks! A couple that I do that always get people singing 2. Blister in the sun 1. Wagon Wheel - this always surprises me, but it seems everyone know this one.

[@bradfry2259]

Blister in the sun is awesome.

[@VicDumb]

I challenge you to ask your grandma about singing for fun, now it seems like it's all for money. But just ask her to sing for you and watch her face light up, and become the woman she was 30 years ago. Remember she is just as great now as she was then

[@yo-Rowe]

Ask any person when sports and music became all about the money. They will all tell the decade when they approached 30 yrs old. To a 30 yr old that change is happening now. To an 80 yr old it happened 50 years ago. To a child it hasn’t happened yet. Grandma will tell you about Berry Gordy fleecing the Motown stars in a music factory and how it was all about the money now in 1950’s. And it wasn’t even new then - that is just when they were old enough to figure it out. But most professionals still love what they do and still sing for fun today.

[@jimdwyer2249]

Love the campfire song criteria, selections, and humor. When you announced #1, I said ouloud, it has to be. Thanks!

[@stankruger6823]

LOVE the sarcasm. This may be my favorite video of yours ever. Great performances and great idea for a video.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I appreciate your time. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, have a great weekend and take care. -Mark

[@wonkapill]

Country Roads is a must! For fun, I might throw in some Weird Al - I Love Rocky Road!

[@direwolf6234]

my 5 : joni mitchell - big yellow taxi (A) .. beatles - with a little help from my friends (D) .. beach boys - sloop john b (D) .. bob dylan - you ain't goin nowhere (G) .. grateful dead - friend of the devil (G) .. alternate choice: crosby still & nash - teach your children (D) ..

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey DW. All great songs. I usually stay away from open tunings but every Joni Mitchell song is worth the effort. Shes finally getting the recognition she deserves. She's the best lyricist in the history of popular music in my opinion and every album from Clouds to the Hissing of Summer Lawns is amazing. Court and Spark may be my favorite album of all time. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark

[@mixolyde]

I wish more people knew friend of the devil because it is an incredible jam song

[@stankruger6823]

FYI, I shared this one on my social media accounts. I hope this one does well because it really is a great video!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks bro

[@marthakadas2130]

Anyone else like me still coming back to this one nearly a year later for more inspiration?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Martha. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Take care. Mark

[@HahnJames]

There is noting like a good campfire. This is especially true if you're on a weekend camping outing with a group of friends coming together at the end of a day. Your list is a great list of campfire songs.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey James. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. If you can make it, bring that up. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@bookfantastic]

Great choices. I remember when I first visited The Bull Bar in Long Beach, California maybe 12 years ago about 5:30 pm when The Joker started up on the jukebox. Everyone in the place sang spontaneously together at once. I knew nobody. We all laughed at the end. It was magical.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Chris. I LOVE comments like this. I would love to write a book about what I consider the true history of Rock n Roll. How songs, concerts, albums, etc have affected regular peoples' lives. Great that you gave the time and place. I can picture it. I recently read about the making of the Joker. Steve knew he had something good and at the time it was one of the most expensive songs to make. Many many hours in the studio....to come up with something that sounds so spontaneous. I recently did a reboot campfire songs video. The updated one has 10 songs, much better playing, and less talking TOP 10 CAMPFIRE SONGS OF ALL TIME kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4mVo2h9dq2Ynac. If you have time, please check it out and let me know what you think. Either way, please take care and be well. Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

For sure Jimmy. I'm glad you feel the same way. If I write the book I figure at least you and my brother will buy it. :)

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

This is a pretty good list. I was singing with the video the whole time lol. I like how you keep the acoustic guitar relevant in my life.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much brother. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@humpy1980]

Country Roads is a family favorite. My youngest daughter (5) loves it. We will play it every time we get in the car.That song makes you feel something especially if you grew up in a small country town.

[@flylippfantom8425]

I definitely need to expand my play list and I really do need to go through my play list. I started playing one from my list and has forgetting important things like the words. 🤔😳😃✌️❤️🎸🎶

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Phillip, Don't forget I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, have a great weekend and take care. -Mark

[@NDFlyFisher]

Good list Mark. How about an expanded list with more campfire selections.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Rick. I shot the video as a top 10 but when I added performances the running time was too long. Redemption song, the weight, sweet caroline, Let It Be, and Wagon Wheel all in the original video. Maybe I'll use some of the footage for another video. Thanks for joining the chat today. I appreciate your time and support. Mark

[@rocl420]

Great suggestions here Mark, was typing this reply while listening and glad to see you also think Country Roads is probably the best campfire tune - but I'd wager Rocky Mountain High competes! Even more focus on nature, and a final line about sitting round a campfire. :) Also a big fan of Jim Croce in this setting. My go-to: old cowboy ballads. Busting out a Marty Robbins tune pulls people in even if they aren't familiar, it's the storytelling element that keeps people engaged and I usually get a good reaction. Subverts their expectations and just feels right when sitting by the fire under the stars. In the right company: outlaw country (Waylon, Hank, Willie, Merle, DAC etc) always goes over well, and there's a huge catalog of "fun" songs there that people love to hear. EVERYBODY wants to sing along to "Take this Job and Shove It"! Like the cowboy songs, these tend to tell a simple story and keep people listening and engaged, great way to get something not so "mainstream" into the mix and that alone perks ears. Songs like this never fail to get people involved even when hearing them for the first time because they're just plain FUN kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWi7oHp6bMuXhaM We're out here to get away from society and civilization, I personally try to stay away from re-imagined/acoustic versions of radio mainstays to keep that goin a bit. Perfect opportunity to pull out the esoteric and uncommon tunes imo, so I guess I disagree with your point that campfire songs should generally be familiar to everybody you're playing for. Thanks for the solid video and brief covers

[@8MinuteAxe]

What an awesome comment! I really appreciate your time. I cut a lot of the classics because I was picturing the beginner guitarist joining in. American Pie would have made it and coincidentally I just recorded a full version of Rocky Mountain. I'll check out your link in a bit. I hope you have a great weekend. I really appreciate your time and support. Mark

[@NDFlyFisher]

Have to watch again and write down the criteria and use them to make my list.

[@8MinuteAxe]

LOL. Thanks Rick. Just my silly ideas. I appreciate your time. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, have a great weekend and take care. -Mark

[@randycompton5230]

You should get a lot of hits on this one. Everybody needs a set of easy sing alongs. Great list.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much Randy. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@jed1166]

“What’s Up” by Four Non-Blondes… great sing along. I did an acoustic cover show in Chengdu, Sichuan, China tourist bar for a decade, and this is the one song everybody would join in on…Great list

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey JED. What brought you to China or are you from there? My wife and I were discussing traveling and our lack of it, yesterday. I've been to Canada and Mexico many times (grew up in New England and lived in LA) and we've done several cruises to most of major islands in the Caribbean and my wife has traveled a bit in central and South America but that's it. We will probably pick one city in Europe to visit for a couple of weeks and see how we like it. What's Up is a great song. For some reason I always thought that Linda did the record producing first but a quick think on the timeline and obviously that's wrong. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate it. Have a great day. Mark

[@jed1166]

On a side note, every musician in Chengdu had to do Hotel California, (know there as California Hotel), and “Country Roads”, EVERY show! If you didn’t play them, it was your last show at that bar! Seems that these two songs were on a CD released in China after they opened up, and are known by virtually all 1.4 billion people… all the local musicians would jam on Monday nights, and we had one rule… playing either song was grounds for immediate expulsion!

[@jed1166]

@@8MinuteAxe Hey! love makes us do crazy things, like distilling 52 years of life into 1 suitcase, 1 golf bag, 1 guitar, and flying 10,000 miles to start my golf instruction business in a new country! Things worked out fine during my 13 years there, and my wife returned with me in June 2022, to enjoy retirement in Phoenix. As for travel, I would recommend a European trip, focused around the Alps region. In 2019, I flew with clients to Munich, where we rented a car. We drove to Innsbruck, Vienna, Milan, Crans-Montana, Kandersteg, Chamonix, Paris, and back to Munich. Never spent more than 5 hours a day in the car… If you dropped Paris from the itinerary it would really be a small area, and SO beautiful!

[@ksockit2me]

Great list..... I would add...to a longer list.... "Learning To Fly."

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Kenneth. Learning to Fly made my master list. Free Fallin was in my Top 12 or so and then fell out. It's just a bit too much of the same relatively speaking. The chorus is a bit challenging to sing as well. I did a full cover of it if you have any interest FREE FALLIN TOM PETTY kzbin.info/www/bejne/emKnkJhtaayqla8&ab_channel=8MinuteAxe. Either way, thanks for checking this one out. I appreciate your time and your comment. -Mark

[@lollipophead5539]

Great video! Actually, awesome video! Excellent playing and singing and good idea for a video.

[@8MinuteAxe]

:0

[@tomg8888]

Good list, personally never been a fan of Steve Miller. Our group used to play Ripple by the Dead, that got a lot of reaction, along with Brown Eyed Girl.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I'm not a big Steve Miller guy either. The only albums I ever owned were the first two with Boz Scaggs. Thanks so much for the support and the suggestion. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Mark

[@jackhaugh]

The first song I ever learned how to play on guitar was Ripple for the exact same reason.

[@tomg8888]

@@jackhaugh Yes, the crowd seemed like they got transported back.

[@seandunoon]

I'm not sure if KZbin's algorithm still works this way, but when premiers were first added videos always underperformed. This was because the first hour after a video is posted is the most important. And when you premier a video people don't comment or like it as soon as they usually would because they are reading or interacting with the live chat. Idk if this is still an issue in the algorithm for how long premiers have been a feature now, but I'd say it might be worth posting some videos normally to see if there is a performance difference. You got great content, I'm just not sure you are playing the algorithm right. Much love!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I really appreciate that Sean! I'm going to post the next one randomly and see what happens. Have a great day! Mark

[@Charles53412]

This was a fun video, and reminded me of more that could be added ! Thanks Mark !

[@JohnstownJohnny]

Jimmy B is always a great choice! Saw him in concert back in the day, great show. The GD song reminds me of a friend I lost in college. Another great video! Tks! Johnny

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's bittersweet for sure. I am glad you enjoyed the video though. Have a good weekend and take care. Mark

[@floydhelms44]

Enjoyed this very, very much.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Floyd. I really appreciate your time and comment. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

I lived and worked in the Philippines for a time also, travelled in extensively in south Asia and Pacific islands. It’s crazy how popular Country Roads is in that part of the world. It really is universal.

[@guitargygax]

Its no accident and Nixon had a hand in it. When Nixon invited the ruler of China to come over, he wanted to meet John Denver. Denver agreed to go to the White House and do a no notice concert and brought a box of his latest release John Denver hits (Vol 1) and have them the box so all throughout Asian radio across the nation they were listening to JD and he is still extremely popular.

[@alkitzman9179]

I hope you are feeling better Mark. These choices were very solid for around the campfire. Nice playing on all these songs and vocals as you always seem to accomplish

[@myyootube2]

Ring Of Fire is top 5 for sure.

[@dennisratliff4588]

Mark, I was revisiting this one and had a couple of thoughts. What do you think about My Sweet Lord by George Harrison or Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton?

[@anthonyderosa5181]

Sorry I missed the live stream Mark. Good choice of tunes. I played "Time In A Bottle" by Jim Croce at the last campfire . Have a great weekend Mark.

[@rrip1527]

This is a pretty good campfire song list. I had a friend who would always sneak an aerosol can into our campfires so many years ago. With the right timing, the explosion would fit right in with the melody.

[@8MinuteAxe]

LMAO.

[@carmellocuevas3900]

Mark, A you might remember, I'm 72 . I have NEVER played at a campfire. I gotta tell ya though, the songs are great to have in your pocket for jamming! on a different note, add a harp and holder around your neck and Green day becomes Dylan! lol

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Carmello. Dylan made my top 15 and two in my top 20. I tried to stick to the criteria. I've always said that Bringing, Highway, B on B, and JWH are 3rd on my all time list of best 4 albums in a row (after Beatles and Joni) FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@dufusbug]

Great selection of songs my friend! Can you tell me if Good Riddance is originally played fingerstyle?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Bill. He definitely plays it with a pick but you can do it fingerstyle. I bet there are some versions online. Thanks so much for your time and comment. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Also going to have a trivia contest with a $50 gift card and other prizes. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@steveranalli743]

Interesting choices with GD & SM. What just missed the cut at 6-10?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Sweet Caroline, Redemption Song, the weight, let it be, and ....something else. lol. Live show on Saturday. 6pm your time. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick.

[@dbc5048]

Brings back many memories of nights around the Scouts campfire! Great choice.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Much appreciated. Have a great weekend! Mark

[@jamesdixon9110]

Great selection of songs!! Gonna put all in my campfire set(s). Thanks Mark!!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks brother. I'm going live Saturday night. First time. :O Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@tjburr1968]

Thanks for explaining the word Pompatus

[@963Bruninho]

So straight to the point and so didactic at the same time. Brilliant! 👏👏👏

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Great idea for a video, Mark. Unfortunately, out in the West we have too many large "campfires" at this time. Sometimes, I'd just play part of a song like Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude...also, a Country crossover like Don Williams Tulsa Time usually draw the the tipsy crowd in. Take care & ✌

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Michael. Those fires are just devastating. I don't know why they're not taken as seriously as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Terrible. Tulsa Time is a great one or that's how I got to Memphis. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Hi Mark, I'll try and tune in for your live webcast, however, I've had to fly out and help a relative deal with some serious cancer issues. I do enjoy your channel and getting to know you. Keep up the good work; I sincerely appreciate it! Take care and stay well. ✌my friend...Mike.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Michael. Thoughts and well wishes to your friend. Family and friends trumps all else as it should. Safe travels. Mark

[@johnryan4104]

Great and you have and fab voice nice and clear hearings the words. Thanks. 😊🙏♋

[@DavidNewlandz]

Thanks for posting! I found your Top 5 interesting on several levels. Loved the easy-to-play, easy-to-sing elements. I've done many Campfire sing-arounds in my time. I have at my disposal a collection of 300+ song lyrics I often start with Robbie Robinson's The Weight substituting the location I'm at for Nazareth Kelly Clarkson's People Like Us is a particular favourite of mine . I was told at the age of 10 "You're going to have guitar lessons" I hated it, I struggled with reading as it was and all I wanted to do was learn the popular songs of the day. In those early days was stuff like Batchelor Boy by Cliff Richards, but hot on his heels came the music of The Beatles. "You've got to hide your love away" There's a fair few of their material which I find accessible too . The Kinks "Days" I grew up close to where they lived and on occasion would see them in deep discussion ambling their way on through a local park. Dedicated Follower of Fashion, always gets a warm welcome. I'm a fan of Loudon Wainwright's The Thirds material. My favourite band has to be They Might Be Giants and, they do have some not-too-tough to play songs. Miss them live at your peril! I feel sometimes that I am not just a Singer and guitar player, but an educator. My favourite moment around the Campfire was when a woman stepped out of the darkness to say " I love the music but it's 3 A.M. and still trying to get my kids to go to sleep"

[@brendantindall805]

have you thought of putting your top 5 up

[@briannelms158]

Awesome list Mark! Great playing brother! The two songs that I use to get asked to play was Sweet Home Alabama and Wonderful Tonight!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Brian. Both great ones. Thanks so much for your time and comment. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Also going to have a trivia contest with a $50 gift card and other prizes. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@TheVitalEdge]

Good job, Mark! You sure opened up a can o’ worms… or I should say songs. I enjoyed your list, and I took your request to heart to make up my own list, so I dusted off my song books and set lists of yesteryear. I thought, sure, it’ll be a quick 15 minutes - well, an hour later, I’m no closer to my top five, but I had such fun in looking up old stand-bys and forgotten songs. This is a harder task than I thought it would be. It is also complicated by the fact I grew up in an era when almost all songs could be considered a great sing-along ‘campfire’ song. (Probably everyone could claim that) But the singer/songwriters of the 60-70s. Carole King-Gerry Goffin, Dylan, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, John Prine, etc. And the bands? Any Do-Wop group. Anything from CCR, Beatles, Stones, gosh the list goes on and on. How can you pick? I tried to follow your criteria but that really makes this task longer and harder (and I’m not making a video). So, without any more preamble, here’s my list of fun sing-along songs in no particular order. Honorable Mentions - “Wildfire” by Michael Martin Murphey “Stand By Me” Ben E. King “I Fought The Law” By Bobby Fuller Four “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine My Five (with many favorites not here) - “Let It Be” by the Beatles “Danny’s Song” by Loggins & Messina “Come to My Window by Melissa Ethridge (also a good 12 string song) “Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young

[@PeteFolksinger]

Awesome mix...

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Pete. Thanks so much for always supporting. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Also going to have a trivia contest with a $50 gift card and other prizes. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@jah8859]

Love Steve Millar Band...and it looks pretty straight forward chord wise.. Cheers Mark... ☮💗

[@brettjensen994]

Great picks, I think we all need to jot down this entire list of tunes and put the paper in our guitar case, next campfire session we won't be hit with "song amnesia" (I just played house of the rising sun, what else could I possibly play?) That happens to me so often LOL 🤪

[@colincranny5436]

Very good mix. Love it. and will be using

[@8MinuteAxe]

I redid this video. Better performances, less talking and a more logical (and popular) list!

[@lylebarron1153]

Perfect timing, since I’m camping at a music festival 😜👍

[@seabass3373]

Thank you for the list! This is perfect for me, as a young musician and aspiring guitar legend!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Sea Bass. Thanks so much for your time and comment. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Also going to have a trivia contest with a $50 gift card and other prizes. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@seabass3373]

@@8MinuteAxe thank you for telling me! I'll be playing at an open mic on Saturday around 6:30pm, and stay to watch the other performers. I'll try to be on the stream if I can. Have a grest rest of week!

[@piperhaser558]

I love that you made this video! I literally sang along perfectly to every song you played because you sang and played perfectly. I completely agree with your theory as to what constitutes the best campfire songs. I especially appreciate that you disqualified songs that would be terrible to campfire with (namely Oasis). However, I don't completely agree with some of the songs that did make the cut. In my opinion, Time of Your Life, by GreenDay is one of their most annoying songs. And don't get me wrong, I love Green Day. I would be curious to hear your thoughts on GreenlDay's, She. Also, although I agree that John Denver's Country Road is a beautiful song, I feel it's actually pretty hard to sing along with. Regardless, I think your channel is awesome and thank you so much ❤

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Piper. I really appreciate the positivity and it's funny because I actually played a couple of those tunes in the remake which has much better performances and I did 10 songs which was a lot more representative of the different genres. Here's the video if you're interested. TOP 10 CAMPFIRE SONGS OF ALL TIME kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4mVo2h9dq2Ynac either way, I really appreciate you watching this one. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark.

[@rusmedlock9403]

This is Awesome!! You should do a video on the best 5 Gospel/Hymns for around the campfire! That’s be great too!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Rus. Thanks so much. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. It would be great if you could join us and bring that up. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@rusmedlock9403]

@@8MinuteAxe I’ll definitely be there. Thank you for the invite. So 7pm for you would be 4pm for me here in AZ. Sorry, we don’t mess with Daylight Savings time.

[@jamesreardon6819]

I really appreciate your criteria for making this selection. Thanks a bunch, Mark. Cheers.

[@scrumpymanjack]

This is a really well-curated selection. I don't love any of these songs but you persuaded me through well-constructed arguments. These are definitely excellent campfire songs, and I'll make sure I learn them (except for the first one, which I might swap out for a Neil Young song. Thanks very much.

[@mbenabou]

Great list! I enjoyed your humor at the beginning.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey brother. Thanks so much. You're always so supportive and I do appreciate it. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@mikepierson5239]

Good video. You make some very good points about simple and easy to sing along. That’s the meaning of campfire songs👍🏼

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Mike. Thanks so much for checking it out. I touched a nerve with this video so I reconsidered. The updated one has 10 songs, much better playing, and less talking TOP 10 CAMPFIRE SONGS OF ALL TIME kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4mVo2h9dq2Ynac. . If you have time to check it out, please let me know what you think. Mark

[@AirOctivParanormal]

Really good list and I liked your logic about what not to include.

[@freesk8]

Love the campfire songs! :)

[@TheBluesman56]

Some great food for thought with this list, thanks Mark for another superb presentation - top notch as always 👍😎

[@dh2970]

Mark - a great update to the typical lists of long ago when "Michael rowed his boat ashore..." was all the rage!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey DH. I do like that one. LOL. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@scottwolfe7096]

Great list, I like all of those songs. I think a few Nirvana songs/covers would qualify for the campfire list as well.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Scott. I agree. It's those darn Nirvana choruses. Polly is always a good one. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@stevewray1838]

I would have included Wonderwall, great sing along song here in the UK. And no Beatles 😊

[@LifeOfLoveNHappiness]

Mark you are so sweet. What a nice guy. Appreciate this video so much. Happy New Year. 🥳

[@8MinuteAxe]

Great screen name. I appreciate the kind words. I hope your year is fabulous. Please take care, stay healthy, and be well. Mark

[@kenuber4014]

For campfire songs...Eagles, CCR, Willie, and so on. Thanks for the video.

[@kingrobert1st]

Country Roads! BINGO! My Engish students requested this song only last week! (and they're Thai).

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Robert. Great to hear from you. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Love to have you join us...but as I'm typing this I realize that it's going to be very late where you are (actually, very early..oops) Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@kingrobert1st]

@@8MinuteAxe Cheers we are experincing heavy rain over here this week...no chance of a campfire.

[@dennisratliff4588]

Another great video Mark. We actually sang Country Roads when I was an elementary kid in Ohio for a Fall PTA assembly. Brings back fond memories growing up. Would love to see the full list at some point for ideas to add to my "go to" song list. I also thought of a couple of the early Elvis tunes, but may be showing my age.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dennis. Elvis tunes are tough to sing well. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. I hope you can join us and share the great story about singing the song at an assembly. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@dennisratliff4588]

@@8MinuteAxe Mark, sounds awesome! I will keep that time open on my calendar unless the boss adds something to the Honey-Do list.:-)

[@MoviesNStuff]

Pretty Good List, Would definetly agree with most of it

[@jakeminor1967]

I can't argue this list, which is unusual. Good job!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Jake. I do have an opportunity for you to argue. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way thanks so much for supporting the channel. Enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@dcarneald11]

Great list Mark! I think Lola by the Kinks would be a good addition or Sittin by the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. Thanks for the great videos, tips and advice you share!

[@jadm110]

great list, I will add these to my study list

[@8MinuteAxe]

hey Brian. As always, I really do appreciate the support. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@eddarby469]

I play a different stringed instrument and don't care too much about a 4-chord limit. Some of my songs include... City of New Orleans Paradise Waltzing Matilda The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Sounds of Silence 59th Street Bridge Song Let it Be Cat's in the Cradle Scarborough Fair Can't Help Falling in Love Sloop John B The Times are a Changing And Country Roads

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great video Mark, that was awesome 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Adam! The first live stream we're doing is going to be on campfire songs. Next Sat evening at 7pm EDT if you're around. Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick Take care and thanks again for supporting the channel. Mark

[@Bradnick930]

Good list. I'm older so mine trends older. For us true campfire-hacks there is one more criterion: You can play it in G. That way everyone can play along just by watching your hands. Thanks.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Bradlee. That's a great qualifier. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. If you can make it, please bring that up during the discussion. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@davidmatthews9927]

Brown eyed girl 👍

[@8MinuteAxe]

thanks again David.

[@markbishopmusic]

Good list! I don't think you can argue with any of those. I've been especially surprised by the reaction I get from Country Roads, but I'm in Ohio, so I get the local neighbor vibe too. A couple I get good participation with also, and maybe a little surprising, are: Heart of Gold Sister Goldenhair Knocking On Heaven's Door Creep All are easy quick hitters, and there's nothing funnier than a group of people trying to sing Thom Yorke! Laid, Wish You Were Here, Elderly Woman also turn a head.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Mark. FYI all of your songs made my top 20 except Sister Golden Hair. I already had Horse in there so. Creep is a great one and another more modern one for the younger dads. LOL. Just a heads up, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@brettjensen994]

This video is multi purpose. Also an excellent list of tunes easy enough to learn without being excessively hard, so we can expand our catalog of tunes we know. Super handy for new to intermediate players! (Like me)

[@bradleymonroe6443]

These songs are amazing songs I wish I can perform at anytime on my nylon string guitar and my 12 string guitar. Thanks, Mark.

[@dalesearcy5734]

So happy that you picked Country Roads and your #1 Pick. It is also mine.

[@seabass3373]

One day I'll have my own campfire song!

[@AlanBiloski]

Yes I agree for a beginner like me. It sounds like a good choice to work on.

[@orvillegibson188]

Hey there Mark. I've been playing "hookey" from the channel for a few weeks, searching for a new house. I've had little time to spare. The campfire idea is a winner. What makes a good campfire song will vary from place to place but your formula is strong. It encourages the less experienced guitarist to show their wares in a friendly environment. John Denver was not averse to a fireside doob! Here Down Under campfire is dominated by local releases by home grown bands. Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil (Simon Morel has just released a lesson in his 'Aussie' series, 'Blue Sky Mining''; a huge, and easy playing hit here), Crowded House, ACDC, and home grown favorite singer/composer Paul Kelly. Virtually any song by these artists will get the people singing. So, for Aussie campfire crooners my list would be; 1. "From Little Things, Big Things Grow" - Paul Kelly, almost as well known as our national anthem, certainly an anthem of the Land Rights Movement. Easy chorus, 4 chords and an engaging but simple harp part for the adventurous. Popular with everyone. 2. "Khe Sanh" - Cold Chisel, Absolutely everyone knows this song. Even the Prime Minister knows the words, but he's not likely to show up to a campfire. He's not popular around fires. (LOL. Aussies will understand that!) An intricate harp part too, for the really courageous. 3. "Highway to Hell" - ACDC. The chorus would wake the dead. Also incedibly popular at funerals. Believe it! Angus' solo isn't too hard to master, but it can be worked around, and the short solo encourages the choir to take a few swigs on their own road to oblivion. 4. "Read About It" - Midnight Oil. An early Oils hit. Even the blind drunk can manage the chorus and early Oils material isn't too intricate. It has 5 chords but one is Am so well within reach of the less advanced guitarist. 5, "Take the Weather with You" - Crowded House. OK - they're Kiwis, but they've lived in Oz for a long time. This is an easy and engaging song, and this is a great campfire song that is more popular if it happens to be raining. Lead guitarist Neil Finn replaced Lindsay Buckingham at the front of Fleetwood Mac recently. I think every guitarist worth his capo should have a song they can 'bust out' and perform without a choir accompaniment. No chorus, simple progression, maybe a 3 chord ballad, but long; give the choristers time to take a piss and load up. Also helps if it's a sad one. My 'load up' tune is 'Droving Woman' by Kev Carmody, an indigenous singer/songwriter and poet. 22 verses, no chorus, 3 chords, and you know from the opening verse this is a disaster song. 11 minutes and the story is apparently true. Or so Kev told me. He may have been pulling my leg though. For an American campfire I'd suggest a few names, but maybe not a particular song from them. Bob Dylan would be top of the list. Early Bob is notable for simple progressions, (he only knew 12 chords back then) and no matter how bad your voice is, you can pull off some Bob. His last acknowledged influences were Woody Guthrie and 'Blind' Willie McTell. Bob's vocal treatments are a straight out steal from McTell's nasally lyrical presentations. Listen to 'Statesboro Blues' by both and you'll get the picture. My pick would be 'Tangled Up in Blue'. Roy Orbison can't be overlooked. 'Pretty Woman' is a perennial on every rock radio station on the planet. Simple to play and well known, and the chorus is engaging too. You can pick the tune from the well known intro, so the alcohol addled are primed by the time you start to sing. John Fogerty has a huge back catalog and I've never found any Creedence hard to play. And who doesn't know the chorus to 'Proud Mary'? My pick would be 'Bad Moon Rising'. Lynard Skynard's 'Sweet Home Alabama' would qualify as a reasonable campfire song with an easy progression and a simple chorus. 5 chords but 1 is a Cadd9, and it can be skipped, From outside the US throw in Queen's 'Fat bottomed Girls'. Can be played as a 4 chord song though it's simplest tabbed version has 6. (Popular with guys.} As a 'bust out' song, I think 'Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' is a strong pick, and was one of Gordon Lightfoot's finest songs. Simple 3 chord progression, with no chorus and runs about 7 minutes, Plenty of time to take a leak and grab another can of juice. That should keep audiences happy on 2 continents Mark. I'll be watching for the next episode.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Orville. Great to hear from you. I've been under the weather for almost a week and I'm way behind on comments. I really enjoyed yours. I'll catch up with you more when my head isn't so under water. Please take care. -mark

[@rrip1]

Being wasted at a campfire kicks ass. I personally would go with Shambala by 3 Dog Night if I were at a campfire tonight, & if I played and sang at a higher level.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Mike Rotch. The myth the man the legend. Thanks for checking it out. Me being wasted at a campfire would suck big time for everybody around me. Lol. Mark

[@rrip1]

@@8MinuteAxe I don't drink anymore either. But it sure is fun reminiscing about it.

[@BrandochGarage]

Why would anyone dump on Sweet Caroline? It's a great song. It's got some clever musical parts in the build up, and Diamond delivers with the chorus. The Joker is great, though, as with Steve Miller in general. Take Me Home, Country Roads is probably like the number one song in the entire World.

[@thepnkflyd]

Another teacher and I are going to play country roads in the hallway this Friday as the kids leave school for spring break! 😂🎸🤘😎

[@JohnTimothy-m8x]

Schools out forever ask cooper

[@thomasfoss9963]

Lol-- Hard to beat "Schools Out"--- (If you're the student)

[@K_G_1]

​@@thomasfoss9963believe me, the teachers are just as excited, maybe more so than the students, for summer vacation.

[@timzitzelsberger3200]

Thanks you just helped me add some new stuff to my song list I've been in electric guitarist my whole life just started playing acoustic solo about 4 years ago while playing electric songs I never found a shortage of material but the acoustic is much more challenging finding songs for your setlist when you look at the whole picture there's really not too many sometimes the songs we think are old and cheesy are usually the best ones I find the older campfire songs please the young and old alike you get a much broader audience thank you so much for your help

[@daveroach4204]

I just had to rewatch this list again after watching your new 10 song list. Both lists are great. Not many would have included the Joker. Thanks Mark.

[@jaerivus]

I was entertained by this video, and I appreciated the upload (first-time on the channel), but re-keying Joker to F prohibits one from doing the cool little hammer-on fills that *make* the song. At first I thought maybe you were keeping the performance to simple strummers for the general viewer, but then you incorporated the intro to Brown Eyed Girl, so *now* I think you're perhaps avoiding mention of capos, since not everyone (mostly beginners) has them or "gets" them; nonetheless they are very handy for re-keying a song to one's vocal range (without abandoning the fingering one has already learned). That being said, re-keying *lower* is *not* efficient with a capo, unless you're moving it to the upper frets-- at which point the song is noticeably transformed-- which I also get. Anyhow, good content; I just wanted to interject my 2c about excluding The Joker's satisfying fills.

[@arnoldlitke5084]

I'd say wheat kings by tragically hip, Cecilia by Simon& Garfunkel, and maybe puff the magic Dragon, by Peter Paul and Mary.😎😎😎

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Arnold. I'd say that the first one is somewhat obscure. That being said, I'm listening right now and this one will definitely get into my set. Is this a typical song for the Tragically Hip. I never listened to them but by their name imagined a more modern version of the Psychedelic Furs. I have nothing to base it on but my own stupid rational but that's where my mind went. Thanks so much for the reference. I really appreciate it. The other two could easily be in anybody's top 10. Both classics. Have a great day and thanks so much for watching. Mark

[@davidmatthews9927]

Loved margreritaville

[@davidmatthews9927]

Great video

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks again Dave.

[@GBRIMM1]

Okay this just came across my You Tube list. I'm a beginning guitarist and love the list. I'm going to learn these songs and light a fire. I appreciate this greatly. Thanks.

[@randyrowell8048]

Fun video there’s some bands that beg to be campfire songs. CCR is definitely one of them. Norwegian Wood, and many others. I was a little surprised American Pie isn’t in your short list. Oasis’ Wonderwa. Oops I think if you say their name the band appears. The Campfire Song Song by SpongeBob. Another great video, Mark.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Randy. American pie can be a bit tricky for a beginner/early intermediate player. A lot of chords and different chord sequences abound. Great song though and it's in my def list! Mark

[@anthonymoore3570]

Great video! Gotta learn some of these

[@TheGuitarman1968]

Great list, Mark. Honestly though, I was expecting "Row Row Row Your Boat" or "Camptown Races." Just kidding! Two more great acoustic campfire songs are "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Something To Believe In" by Poison. I have played both songs a few times while sitting around a roaring campfire. Both songs are Easy to play and sing along to. They also tell good stories lyrically. Keep up the great work! 👍 👍🎸🎸

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Guitarman. I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. It would be great if you could join us and bring up the old school traditional ones. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark