George Strait’s iconic career spans decades of country music hits that have resonated with fans across generations. Known for his authentic storytelling and smooth vocals, Strait has woven tales of love, heartbreak, and everyday life into his songs.
Among his extensive catalog, several tracks feature animal references that add color and depth to his lyrics. These songs showcase Strait’s ability to incorporate nature and the animal kingdom into relatable country narratives, further cementing his status as the “King of Country Music”. From horses to cats, Strait’s animal-themed songs offer a unique glimpse into the singer’s versatility and connection to rural life.
1) ‘Amarillo by Morning’ features a mention of a rodeo horse
“Amarillo by Morning” stands as one of George Strait’s most iconic songs. This classic country tune paints a vivid picture of a rodeo cowboy’s life on the road.
In the lyrics, Strait mentions his trusty rodeo horse. The line “They took my saddle in Houston, broke my leg in Santa Fe” references the cowboy’s equipment and injuries, implying the presence of his equine partner.
The song’s protagonist relies on his horse for his livelihood in the rodeo circuit. Though not explicitly named, the horse is an integral part of the cowboy’s journey from San Antonio to Amarillo.
Strait’s portrayal of the bond between cowboy and horse resonates with listeners. It captures the essence of rodeo life and the importance of a reliable mount in the challenging world of professional rodeo competition.
This subtle yet powerful inclusion of a rodeo horse in “Amarillo by Morning” adds authenticity to the song’s narrative. It helps cement the track’s status as a quintessential cowboy anthem in country music.
2) ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ includes references to horses
George Strait’s iconic song “The Cowboy Rides Away” subtly incorporates equine imagery. The title itself evokes the classic image of a cowboy on horseback, riding into the sunset.
While horses are not explicitly mentioned in the lyrics, they are implied through the cowboy motif. The song’s narrative of a man leaving after a failed relationship aligns with the traditional cowboy archetype.
The chorus reinforces this imagery with the line “the cowboy rides away.” This metaphor suggests the protagonist departing on horseback, a common scene in Western lore and country music.
Strait’s choice of language and theme in this song draws on the deep connection between cowboys and their horses. It reflects the cultural significance of horses in country music and the American West.
3) ‘Ocean Front Property’ metaphorically mentions fish
George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property” cleverly uses aquatic imagery to convey its message. The song’s title itself alludes to coastal living, setting the stage for marine-related metaphors.
While fish aren’t explicitly mentioned, they’re implied in the lyrics. The phrase “If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free” suggests the idea of “selling fish stories” or tall tales.
This metaphorical reference to fish ties into the song’s theme of unrequited love and emotional deception. The narrator’s claims become increasingly outlandish, much like exaggerated fishing stories.
The ocean setting evoked by the title creates an atmosphere where marine life, including fish, is naturally present in the listener’s mind. This subtle implication enhances the song’s coastal imagery and reinforces its clever wordplay.
4) ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’ references horses and a rodeo scene
‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’ is a song that vividly depicts the world of rodeo. The lyrics paint a picture of a cowboy’s life on the circuit, with horses playing a central role.
The song tells the story of a rodeo cowboy who prioritizes his career over his relationship. The title itself refers to Cheyenne, Wyoming, a city known for hosting one of the largest rodeo events in the United States.
Throughout the song, the protagonist’s dedication to the rodeo lifestyle is clear. His commitment to “making Cheyenne” implies participating in rodeo events, which typically involve horseback riding competitions.
The lyrics don’t explicitly mention horses, but they’re an integral part of the rodeo scene described. Rodeo events often feature bronco riding, barrel racing, and other equestrian activities.
This song captures the struggle between a cowboy’s love for the rodeo and his personal relationships. It showcases the sacrifices made by those who pursue a career in this demanding and unpredictable profession.
5) ‘Cowboys Like Us’ discusses horses in a cowboy’s life
“Cowboys Like Us” by George Strait features an interesting twist on the traditional cowboy lifestyle. The song mentions “steel horses with wheels” as a modern take on the classic horse.
This metaphor refers to motorcycles, which the cowboys in the song use for their adventures. The lyrics describe friends taking breaks from everyday life to embark on thrilling journeys.
These mechanical steeds carry the cowboys on their escapades, allowing them to “burn up that road to old Mexico.” The song paints a picture of freedom and camaraderie among riders.
While not referring to literal horses, “Cowboys Like Us” cleverly incorporates this animal imagery. It connects the contemporary bikers to their cowboy predecessors through the shared spirit of adventure and open-road travels.
The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It showcases Strait’s ability to blend traditional cowboy themes with modern elements, appealing to a wide audience.
6) ‘Write This Down’ metaphorically compares love to a butterfly
‘Write This Down’ is a beloved George Strait song that uses subtle metaphorical language to describe love. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention butterflies, it draws a comparison between love and these delicate creatures.
The lyrics encourage capturing fleeting moments of affection, much like trying to preserve the beauty of a butterfly. Just as one might carefully record the details of a butterfly sighting, the song suggests writing down expressions of love.
This metaphorical connection highlights the fragile and ephemeral nature of both love and butterflies. The song’s message emphasizes the importance of cherishing and documenting loving moments before they slip away.
Though not a direct animal reference, the butterfly metaphor adds depth to the song’s portrayal of love. It reinforces the idea that love, like a butterfly, is something precious and worthy of celebration.
7) ‘Blue Clear Sky’ uses the metaphor of birds in clear skies
George Strait’s hit song “Blue Clear Sky” employs a subtle yet effective metaphor of birds in clear skies. The title itself evokes an image of a pristine, cloudless day – the perfect backdrop for soaring birds.
The lyrics describe a sudden, unexpected love using avian imagery. The protagonist’s heart takes flight like a bird, soaring through an open sky free of obstacles.
This metaphor reinforces the song’s theme of newfound freedom and joy in love. Just as birds effortlessly glide through clear blue skies, the singer’s emotions lift him up and carry him forward.
The song’s upbeat tempo and Strait’s cheerful delivery further emphasize this feeling of lightness and possibility. It creates a musical landscape that mirrors the vast, open skies referenced in the lyrics.
While not explicitly mentioning birds, “Blue Clear Sky” effectively uses this natural imagery to convey the exhilarating sensation of falling in love. The metaphor adds depth and resonance to the song’s straightforward country lyrics.
8) ‘I Ain’t Her Cowboy Anymore’ mentions horses in a Western context
George Strait’s “I Ain’t Her Cowboy Anymore” incorporates horses into its Western-themed narrative. The song opens with vivid imagery of a cowboy packing up his saddle and loading it into a two-horse trailer.
This reference to horses immediately establishes the song’s setting in the world of cowboys and ranches. The presence of a two-horse trailer suggests the protagonist’s connection to equestrian activities, a staple of Western life.
The song’s title itself alludes to the cowboy lifestyle, which is intrinsically linked to horses. By stating he’s no longer “her cowboy,” the narrator implies a separation not just from a relationship, but from an entire way of life centered around horses and ranching.
While horses aren’t the main focus of the lyrics, their mention serves to reinforce the Western context of the story. This subtle inclusion adds authenticity to the tale of a departing cowboy, making the heartbreak feel more tangible within its cultural setting.
9) ‘Wild Horses’ explicitly mentions horses in the lyrics
George Strait’s rendition of ‘Wild Horses‘ features horses prominently in its lyrics. The song, originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, uses wild horses as a powerful metaphor for unbreakable bonds.
The chorus repeats the line “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away,” emphasizing the strength of the singer’s commitment. This vivid imagery evokes the untamed spirit of horses and their symbolic connection to freedom and loyalty.
Strait’s version maintains the emotional depth of the original while adding his signature country flair. The song’s use of horses aligns well with Strait’s cowboy image and country music themes.
‘Wild Horses’ stands out in Strait’s repertoire for its poetic use of animal imagery. The repeated mention of horses throughout the song reinforces its central metaphor and creates a lasting impact on listeners.
10) ‘The Fireman’ includes a metaphorical reference to stallions
‘The Fireman’ by George Strait cleverly uses animal imagery to enhance its storytelling. The song incorporates a metaphorical reference to stallions, adding depth to its romantic theme.
In the lyrics, Strait sings about “cooling down” people who are “smoldering hot.” He likens these individuals to wild stallions, implying their passionate and untamed nature.
This equine metaphor reinforces the song’s central concept of the narrator as a “fireman” who extinguishes romantic flames. The comparison to stallions suggests that the people he encounters are spirited and potentially difficult to handle.
By using this animal imagery, Strait creates a vivid picture of the passionate situations the narrator faces. The stallion reference adds a layer of excitement and intensity to the song’s playful narrative about romantic encounters.
11) ‘Cowboy Logic’ humorously includes cattle and horses
George Strait’s song ‘Cowboy Logic’ playfully incorporates references to cattle and horses. The track showcases Strait’s wit and charm as he sings about the practical wisdom of cowboys.
In the lyrics, Strait mentions “roping cattle” as part of the cowboy lifestyle. This activity is central to ranch work and rodeo competitions, highlighting the connection between cowboys and livestock.
Horses also feature prominently in the song. Strait sings about “saddling up” and “riding fence,” both tasks that involve horses as essential companions for cowboys.
The song humorously portrays how cowboys apply their straightforward thinking to various situations. It suggests that their experiences with animals like cattle and horses shape their approach to life’s challenges.
‘Cowboy Logic’ celebrates the simplicity and practicality of ranch life. It paints a picture of cowboys relying on their trusty horses and managing cattle as part of their daily routines.
12) ‘One Step at a Time’ makes a metaphorical reference to cats
‘One Step at a Time’ by George Strait doesn’t directly mention cats, but it employs a metaphor that evokes feline behavior. The song describes a woman leaving a relationship gradually, in a manner reminiscent of a cat’s stealthy movements.
Cats are known for their quiet, deliberate steps and ability to move without detection. This characteristic aligns with the song’s lyrics about a woman’s subtle departure from a relationship.
The chorus emphasizes this idea: “She’ll walk away one step at a time / It’ll take you by surprise.” This imagery parallels a cat’s careful, measured movements when approaching or retreating from a situation.
While the song primarily uses angel imagery, the concept of taking small, unnoticed steps mirrors a cat’s behavior. This subtle connection adds depth to the song’s portrayal of a relationship’s end.
The Role of Animals in Country Music
Animals feature prominently in country music, serving as powerful symbols and storytelling devices. Their presence in lyrics adds depth, emotion, and relatability to songs across the genre.
Symbolism of Animals in Lyrics
Animals in country music often represent core values and experiences. Horses symbolize freedom, strength, and the cowboy lifestyle. Dogs embody loyalty and companionship, while birds can signify hope or restlessness. Farm animals like cows and chickens evoke rural life and hard work.
George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” uses horses to convey a sense of wanderlust and rodeo culture. Other artists employ animal symbolism similarly. For example, Brad Paisley’s “Mud on the Tires” uses a truck and mud as metaphors for adventure and breaking free from routine.
Animal Imagery and Storytelling
Country songwriters use animal imagery to craft vivid narratives. These stories resonate with listeners by tapping into shared experiences and emotions. Songs like Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue” include animal references to enhance character development and plot.
George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” mentions a “horse named Tonto” to add color to the protagonist’s journey. This technique helps paint a picture of the character’s lifestyle and motivations. Animal-centric stories also appear in songs like “Ol’ Red” by Blake Shelton, where a prison dog plays a central role in the plot.
George Strait’s Influence on Country Music Culture
George Strait’s impact on country music extends far beyond his animal-themed songs. His traditional sound and authentic storytelling have shaped the genre for decades, inspiring countless artists and setting industry standards.
Notable Songs Beyond Animal References
“Amarillo by Morning” cemented Strait’s status as a country icon. This rodeo ballad showcases his ability to capture the spirit of the American West. “The Chair” demonstrates his knack for clever songwriting and storytelling. Its simple yet engaging narrative resonated with audiences.
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” became an instant classic with its catchy melody and humorous lyrics. It exemplifies Strait’s skill in blending humor with country traditions. “I Cross My Heart” stands out as one of his most romantic ballads, highlighting his versatility as an artist.
“Carrying Your Love With Me” reinforced Strait’s appeal in the late 1990s. Its themes of love and devotion struck a chord with listeners across generations.
Awards and Recognition
George Strait’s trophy case is a testament to his enduring influence. He has won 23 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year three times. His 22 Academy of Country Music Awards further solidify his legendary status.
Strait’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006 recognized his significant contributions to the genre. He holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with 60 chart-toppers.
The Grammy Awards honored Strait with Best Country Album for “Troubadour” in 2009. This recognition from the Recording Academy underscores his impact beyond country music circles.
His influence extends to younger artists, many of whom cite Strait as a major inspiration. This mentorship role further cements his legacy in country music culture.