George Strait, known as the “King of Country,” has crafted numerous hits throughout his illustrious career. His music often evokes imagery of wide open spaces, small-town life, and coastal scenes. Many of Strait’s songs feature references to oceans, beaches, and seaside locations.
These ocean-themed tracks showcase Strait’s ability to transport listeners to sun-soaked shores through his masterful storytelling and smooth vocals. From laid-back beach tunes to heartfelt ballads set against oceanic backdrops, Strait’s discography includes several gems that capture the essence of coastal living and maritime adventures. This collection of songs demonstrates the versatility and enduring appeal of George Strait’s music.
1) Ocean Front Property
“Ocean Front Property” is one of George Strait’s most iconic songs. Released in December 1986, it became his tenth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The song’s clever lyrics use irony to describe a man trying to convince his lover he doesn’t care if she leaves. He claims he has oceanfront property in Arizona to sell her, highlighting the absurdity of his statements.
Written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter, “Ocean Front Property” showcases Strait’s signature smooth vocal delivery. The track became the lead single and title song of his seventh studio album.
The song’s popularity helped the album debut at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. This marked the first time one of Strait’s albums achieved this feat.
“Ocean Front Property” remains a fan favorite and concert staple for George Strait. Its memorable chorus and witty wordplay have solidified its place in country music history.
2) Seashores of Old Mexico
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” is a notable George Strait song that prominently features ocean imagery. Released in 2006, it appeared on Strait’s album “Somewhere Down in Texas.”
The song tells the story of a man who escapes to Mexico’s beaches to start a new life. Its vivid lyrics paint a picture of coastal scenery and carefree living by the sea.
Originally written by Merle Haggard, Strait’s rendition brought new life to the tune. His version reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, was filmed in Tulum, Mexico. It showcases Strait against a backdrop of pristine beaches and azure waters, perfectly capturing the song’s essence.
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” resonates with listeners through its themes of escape and new beginnings. It exemplifies Strait’s ability to convey powerful stories through his music.
3) Living and Living Well
“Living and Living Well” is a George Strait song that paints a picture of coastal life. The lyrics describe a simple existence with a boat, a beach, and an ocean view.
Strait sings about the freedom to go with the flow and travel anywhere he desires. The ocean serves as a backdrop to this carefree lifestyle.
The song’s protagonist experiences a turning point when someone new enters his life. This arrival changes his perspective on what it means to truly live well.
While the ocean imagery sets the scene, the heart of the song lies in the contrast between solitary living and sharing life with someone special. Strait emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from companionship.
The blue ocean view mentioned in the lyrics symbolizes the beauty and vastness of life. It represents the possibilities that open up when one shares experiences with another person.
Through this song, Strait conveys that even a seemingly perfect life by the ocean can be enhanced by the right companionship. The beach setting provides a romantic backdrop for this realization.
4) Somewhere Down in Texas
“Somewhere Down in Texas” is the title track from George Strait’s 2005 album. While the song itself doesn’t directly mention the ocean or beaches, it’s worth noting in this context due to its connection to another track on the same album.
The album “Somewhere Down in Texas” features a notable ocean-related song: “The Seashores of Old Mexico.” This Merle Haggard cover became a hit for Strait, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2006.
Strait’s rendition of “The Seashores of Old Mexico” captures the essence of coastal living and escapism. The song paints a vivid picture of Mexican beaches, perfectly aligning with the ocean theme.
Although “Somewhere Down in Texas” doesn’t specifically reference beaches, its inclusion on an album featuring a prominent seaside-themed track makes it relevant to Strait’s ocean-related repertoire.
5) Easy Come Easy Go
“Easy Come Easy Go” is a popular song by George Strait, released in 1993 as the title track of his fourteenth studio album. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention the ocean or beaches, it uses nautical-inspired language to describe a relationship ending.
The song’s title and chorus employ the phrase “easy come, easy go,” which has origins in sailors’ slang. This nautical connection subtly evokes images of tides and coastal life.
Strait’s smooth vocals deliver lyrics that compare a fading romance to something as natural and effortless as the ebb and flow of ocean tides. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Though not directly about the sea, “Easy Come Easy Go” incorporates maritime-inspired phrases. This approach aligns with Strait’s knack for weaving subtle coastal themes into his music, even when not writing explicitly about beaches or oceans.
6) Marina Del Rey
“Marina Del Rey” is a classic George Strait song that paints a vivid picture of a romantic beach encounter. Released in 1982, it became one of Strait’s early hits, reaching number 6 on the country charts.
The song tells the story of a passionate love affair set against the backdrop of Marina Del Rey, a seaside community in Los Angeles. Strait’s smooth vocals bring to life the imagery of a hidden beach and golden sun.
Written by Frank Dycus and Dean Dillon, the lyrics capture the intensity of a fleeting romance. The song describes two lovers spreading a blanket on the sand and getting lost in each other’s eyes.
Strait’s delivery perfectly conveys the bittersweet nature of the encounter. The chorus compares the relationship to ocean tides, acknowledging that love can come and go like the waves.
“Marina Del Rey” remains a fan favorite, showcasing Strait’s ability to blend romantic themes with coastal imagery. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s emotional resonance and Strait’s masterful interpretation.
7) The Seashores of Old Mexico
“The Seashores of Old Mexico” is a country song originally written by Merle Haggard. George Strait recorded his version for his 2005 album “Somewhere Down in Texas.”
Strait’s rendition was released as the final single from the album. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2006.
The song tells the story of a man who flees to Mexico after a run-in with the law. He finds solace and a new life along the picturesque seashores.
A music video accompanied the release, directed by Trey Fanjoy. It was filmed in February 2006 in Tulum, Mexico, showcasing the beautiful coastal scenery described in the lyrics.
The track exemplifies Strait’s ability to bring vivid storytelling to life through his music. It paints a captivating picture of the Mexican coastline and the freedom it represents for the song’s protagonist.
8) Blue Clear Sky
“Blue Clear Sky” is the title track from George Strait’s 1996 album of the same name. While the song doesn’t directly mention oceans or beaches, it evokes imagery of clear skies often associated with coastal settings.
The song’s title was inspired by a line from the movie Forrest Gump. It captures the unexpected joyous moments in life that arrive suddenly, much like a clear blue sky after a storm.
Released as a single, “Blue Clear Sky” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It became one of Strait’s most successful hits of the 1990s.
The album Blue Clear Sky was a commercial success, achieving 3x Multi-Platinum certification. It produced three number-one singles, including the title track.
At the Country Music Association Awards, the album won Album of the Year. It also received accolades at the Academy of Country Music Awards and American Music Awards.
9) By the Light of a Burning Bridge
“By the Light of a Burning Bridge” is a song recorded by George Strait for his 2005 album “Somewhere Down in Texas.” Written by Walt Aldridge and Michael White, the track was released as the album’s second single in January 2005.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, showcasing Strait’s continued popularity and chart success. While the title suggests a fiery image, the lyrics do not directly reference the ocean or beaches.
Instead, the song uses the metaphor of a burning bridge to describe a moment of clarity and courage. The narrator speaks of stumbling through darkness before finding illumination in the flames of a burning bridge.
This track demonstrates Strait’s ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances, even with songs that don’t explicitly fit his coastal-themed repertoire. It highlights his versatility as an artist and his skill in connecting with listeners through various lyrical themes.
10) Living for the Night
“Living for the Night” is a country song co-written and recorded by George Strait. It was released in May 2009 as the lead single from his album Twang.
The song marks a special milestone in Strait’s career as his first co-writing credit. He collaborated with his son Bubba Strait and longtime songwriting partner Dean Dillon to create this track.
While “Living for the Night” doesn’t directly mention oceans or beaches, it evokes imagery of neon lights and nighttime escapism. The lyrics describe someone seeking solace in the night after experiencing heartbreak.
The song’s narrator finds comfort in the darkness, using it to hide their tears and pain from daytime visibility. They venture out each evening, embracing the nightlife as a temporary reprieve from their emotional turmoil.
“Living for the Night” showcases Strait’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music. It resonated with fans and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
11) Coastal Breeze
“Coastal Breeze” is a track from George Strait’s 2011 album “Here for a Good Time.” The song captures the relaxing atmosphere of a beachside getaway.
With its laid-back melody and breezy lyrics, “Coastal Breeze” transports listeners to a tranquil seaside setting. Strait’s smooth vocals paint a picture of swaying palm trees and gentle ocean waves.
The song celebrates the simple pleasures of beach life, from feeling the sand between your toes to watching the sunset over the water. It embodies the carefree spirit often associated with coastal living.
“Coastal Breeze” showcases Strait’s ability to evoke a sense of place through his music. While not as widely known as some of his biggest hits, the song resonates with fans who appreciate its easy-going vibe and vivid imagery.
Thematic Elements in George Strait’s Music
George Strait’s music often incorporates coastal imagery and ocean references, adding depth and symbolism to his songs. These elements resonate with listeners and contribute to his signature sound.
Exploration of Coastal Imagery
George Strait frequently uses coastal imagery in his lyrics, painting vivid pictures of beaches, waves, and seaside towns. Songs like “Ocean Front Property” and “Seashores of Old Mexico” showcase this theme prominently.
The coastal settings in Strait’s music often serve as backdrops for love stories or personal reflections. They create a sense of escapism and relaxation, appealing to listeners’ desires for adventure and tranquility.
Strait’s use of coastal imagery also reflects his Texas roots and connection to the Gulf Coast. This authenticity resonates with fans who appreciate his genuine approach to songwriting.
Significance of Ocean References
Ocean references in George Strait’s music carry deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretations. They often symbolize freedom, change, and the passage of time.
In songs like “Carrying Your Love with Me,” the ocean represents the vastness of love and devotion. The sea becomes a metaphor for the distances people will go for their relationships.
Strait uses ocean imagery to evoke emotions and memories. The sound of waves or the smell of salt air in his lyrics can transport listeners to specific moments or feelings.
These references also highlight themes of longing and separation. The ocean often stands as a barrier between lovers or a representation of life’s challenges.
The Impact of Oceanic Themes on Fans
George Strait’s ocean-themed songs resonate deeply with listeners, creating strong emotional connections and evoking feelings of nostalgia and relaxation. These tracks transport fans to coastal settings through vivid lyrics and melodies.
Emotional Connections
Ocean-themed songs by George Strait often tap into powerful emotions. Tracks like “Ocean Front Property” use clever wordplay to express heartbreak, allowing fans to connect with the pain of lost love. The oceanic imagery provides a backdrop for exploring complex feelings.
Many listeners find solace in these songs during difficult times. The vastness of the ocean serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, offering perspective and comfort.
Strait’s ability to blend coastal themes with relatable experiences creates a unique emotional landscape for fans to explore. This combination of familiar sentiments and beach imagery strengthens the bond between artist and audience.
Nostalgia and Relaxation
George Strait’s beach-themed tracks evoke fond memories of past vacations and carefree days by the shore. Songs like “Stars on the Water” paint vivid pictures of serene coastal scenes, transporting listeners to their favorite seaside spots.
These tracks often serve as a form of musical escapism. Fans can momentarily forget their daily stresses by immersing themselves in Strait’s oceanic worlds.
The gentle rhythms and soothing lyrics of these songs promote relaxation. Many listeners use Strait’s beach-themed music as a soundtrack for unwinding after a long day or during actual coastal getaways.
The nostalgic elements in these tracks also help fans reconnect with cherished memories, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.