2011 is about to end, and so I’m here again to count down the top 40 international songs that we enjoyed this year. Do take note that I don’t have airplay stats or record sales stats as bases for the rankings. I based my rankings on how popular I think the songs have become, and on how likely these songs will stay on my playlist without being skipped regularly. In short, the more popular and more replay-friendly the song is, the higher it would rank in the countdown.

40 – If I Die Young by The Band Perry

If I Die Young was originally released as early as mid-2010 but only peaked in 2011 when it crossed over from the realm of country music to mainstream territory. This song from The Band Perry won in the CMAs (Country Music Association Awards) as the Single of the Year and as the Song of the Year. It was also nominated in the 53rd Grammy Awards for Best Country Song.

What made If I Die Young really attractive to me wasn’t so much the melody. Although the melody proves to be very easy to the ears, it was the lyrics that got to me. Overall, the lines don’t seem to flow very smoothly from one image or point to the next, but I just can’t help but admire a few choice lines.

Memorable lines:

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I’ll sell ‘em for a dollar
They’re worth so much more after I’m a goner
And maybe then you’ll hear the words I been singin’
Funny when you’re dead how people start listenin’

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