Most country songs are told as a narrative: There are characters, a plot and often a twist at the end. Each verse sets up a different part of the story, and the chorus is often a summary of that experience. Although they often take a first-person perspective, many country artists will often tell a story about another person, real or fictional, that reveals an important lesson about life or love.
Instrumentally, most country artists use a similar combination. The majority of country songs are guitar-driven. Few artists don't actually play the guitar, but it's becoming more and more acceptable. In addition, folk instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, mandolin and pedal steel may be used in a band. And in modern country music, rock instruments such as the electric guitar, electric bass and drums are used in an artist's band.
There are common threads that show up in country songwriting. Love, of course, is a prominent one: finding it, keeping it and losing it. Under that category would be the "cheating song" that has become a country signature. Faith is also a significant theme in country-western music. Because of the genre's Southern roots, many people who write, play and listen to country music have some Christian beliefs. Another theme in country music is the song of the outlaw, prominently found in the work of artists such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
Many country-western songs have a simple chord-, verse- and chorus structure and are easily singable. Thematically, artists write songs that many people can identify with. Most of us have experienced love, even unrequited. Most of us have experienced loss, through death or the death of a relationship. Even though people may either love or hate country music, it speaks to a loyal audience of listeners who can resonate with the stories these artists tell.