George Strait, known as the “King of Country,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his timeless hits and unwavering dedication to his craft. Throughout his illustrious career, Strait has consistently paid homage to his home state of Texas through his music, weaving tales of Lone Star romance, heartbreak, and pride into the fabric of country music history.
George Strait’s songs about Texas have become anthems for both native Texans and country music fans worldwide, capturing the essence of the state’s unique culture and spirit. From bustling cities to dusty small towns, Strait’s lyrics paint vivid pictures of Texas life, resonating with listeners and solidifying his status as a true Texas icon. This collection of songs serves as a testament to Strait’s deep connection to his roots and his ability to translate that love into memorable melodies.
1) Amarillo By Morning
“Amarillo By Morning” stands as one of George Strait’s most iconic songs about Texas. Released in 1983, it quickly became a country music classic and one of Strait’s signature tunes.
The song tells the story of a rodeo cowboy making his way to Amarillo, Texas. It paints a vivid picture of life on the road, capturing the essence of the cowboy lifestyle.
Strait’s smooth vocals and the song’s memorable melody contributed to its enduring popularity. The lyrics showcase Amarillo as a destination, highlighting its significance in Texas culture.
“Amarillo By Morning” reached number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It has since become a staple of Strait’s live performances and a fan favorite.
The song’s success helped solidify George Strait’s reputation as the “King of Country.” It remains a beloved representation of Texas in country music, resonating with listeners for decades.
2) All My Ex’s Live in Texas
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is one of George Strait’s most iconic songs. Released in 1987, it quickly became a country music classic.
The song was written by Sanger D. Shafer and Lyndia J. Shafer. It appeared on Strait’s album “Ocean Front Property” and was released as the second single from that record.
In the lyrics, Strait humorously explains why he resides in Tennessee rather than his beloved Texas. The reason? All his former romantic partners still live in the Lone Star State.
The song playfully references several Texas cities, including Houston, Texarkana, and San Antonio. It paints a picture of a man who can’t return to his home state due to his complicated romantic history.
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also earned Strait a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1988.
The song’s catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a staple at Strait’s live performances. Fans often sing along to its memorable chorus at concerts.
3) Texas
“Texas” is a George Strait song that pays homage to the Lone Star State. Released in 1984 as part of his album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind,” this track captures the essence of Texas pride.
Strait’s smooth vocals paint a vivid picture of the state’s vast landscapes and unique charm. The lyrics celebrate Texas’ diverse geography, from the plains to the hills, and its rich cultural heritage.
The song’s chorus emphasizes the singer’s deep connection to his home state. Strait’s genuine affection for Texas shines through in every verse, making it a favorite among fans and fellow Texans alike.
“Texas” showcases Strait’s ability to blend traditional country sounds with relatable themes. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of his most beloved Texas-themed tracks.
4) Here for a Good Time
“Here for a Good Time” is a popular George Strait song that mentions Texas. Released in 2011, it became an instant hit among fans and country music enthusiasts.
The song was co-written by George Strait, his son Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon. It celebrates living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.
While the lyrics don’t explicitly focus on Texas, the song’s laid-back vibe and carefree attitude embody the spirit often associated with the Lone Star State. Strait’s Texas roots shine through in his delivery and style.
“Here for a Good Time” reached the top of the Billboard Country Charts, further solidifying Strait’s status as the King of Country. The song’s success demonstrates Strait’s enduring appeal and connection with his Texas fan base.
This track showcases Strait’s ability to blend his Texas heritage with universal themes, creating music that resonates with listeners across the country. It remains a fan favorite at concerts and a staple of Strait’s live performances.
5) Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” is a classic George Strait song that pays homage to the Texas city. Released in 1984 as the title track of his fourth studio album, it became one of Strait’s signature hits.
The song was written by Sanger D. Shafer and Darlene Shafer. It tells the story of a man in Fort Worth, Texas, reminiscing about a former lover who has moved away.
With its melancholic tone and vivid imagery, the track captures the essence of heartbreak in a distinctly Texan setting. Strait’s smooth vocals bring the lyrics to life, painting a picture of lonely nights in Fort Worth bars.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It showcases Strait’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music, a talent that has made him a country music icon.
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Strait’s live performances. Its enduring popularity demonstrates the song’s resonance with listeners and its place in the pantheon of great Texas-themed country songs.
6) Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye
“Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye” is a popular song by George Strait, released in 1988 as part of his album “Beyond the Blue Neon.” The track quickly rose to prominence, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Written by Tony Martin and Troy Martin, the song tells the story of a man whose partner has left him. The lyrics depict the heartbreak and resignation of the narrator as he realizes his love interest has become adept at ending relationships.
While the song doesn’t explicitly mention Texas, it embodies the traditional country sound that Strait, a Texas native, is known for. The melancholic tone and storytelling style are characteristic of the country music often associated with the Lone Star State.
The song’s popularity helped solidify Strait’s status as a country music icon. Its success contributed to the album “Beyond the Blue Neon” achieving platinum certification, further cementing Strait’s place in country music history.
7) Ocean Front Property
George Strait’s 1987 hit “Ocean Front Property” cleverly references Texas in its lyrics. The song humorously suggests that if the narrator’s love interest believes his lies, he has some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell her.
The chorus then playfully adds, “If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free.” This line implies that Texas, not California, now possesses the famous San Francisco landmark.
“Ocean Front Property” became Strait’s 11th number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The track appeared on his album of the same name, which also featured other Texas-themed songs.
Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter co-wrote this witty country tune. It showcases Strait’s signature smooth vocals and ability to deliver clever wordplay with a straight face.
The song’s popularity helped cement Strait’s status as a leading figure in country music. It remains a fan favorite and a prime example of his Texas-centric discography.
8) The Road Less Traveled
“The Road Less Traveled” is the title track from George Strait’s 2001 album. This song captures the essence of Texas through its lyrical imagery and musical style.
The track paints a picture of dusty back roads and wide open spaces that are quintessentially Texan. It reflects on choosing a path that’s not always easy but ultimately rewarding.
While not explicitly mentioning Texas by name, the song evokes the state’s spirit of independence and adventure. The imagery aligns closely with the Lone Star State’s rural landscapes and cowboy culture.
Strait’s delivery of the lyrics embodies the laid-back, yet determined attitude often associated with Texans. His smooth vocals and the song’s traditional country instrumentation resonate with fans of Texas country music.
“The Road Less Traveled” has become a fan favorite, particularly among Strait’s Texas-based audience. It exemplifies his ability to capture the essence of his home state without relying on overt references.
9) Somewhere Down in Texas
“Somewhere Down in Texas” is the title track from George Strait’s 2005 album. The song showcases Strait’s deep connection to his home state.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Texas, from its vast landscapes to its small-town charm. Strait sings about familiar sights and experiences that resonate with Texans and country music fans alike.
The song’s melody captures the essence of traditional country music, complementing Strait’s smooth vocals. It features steel guitar and fiddle, instruments closely associated with the Texas country sound.
“Somewhere Down in Texas” reinforces Strait’s reputation as a quintessential Texas artist. The song’s popularity among fans demonstrates the enduring appeal of music that celebrates the Lone Star State.
This track joins Strait’s extensive catalog of Texas-themed songs, further cementing his status as a musical ambassador for the state. It continues to be a favorite at concerts and on country radio stations.
10) If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)
“If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)” is a song recorded by George Strait. It was released in January 1982 as the third single from his debut album, Strait Country.
The song was written by Blake Mevis and David Wills. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Country Singles chart, contributing to Strait’s early success in country music.
The lyrics tell the story of a man addressing his partner who seems to be considering leaving him. He promises to change his ways and become the person she needs.
Strait’s performance captures the emotional plea of a man trying to save his relationship. The song’s title cleverly plays on the idea of the narrator becoming a “new man” for his love interest.
While the song doesn’t directly mention Texas, it exemplifies the traditional country sound that helped establish Strait as a Texas country music icon. Its success further solidified his place in the genre during the early stages of his career.
11) Cold Beer Conversation
“Cold Beer Conversation” is the title track from George Strait’s 2015 album. The song showcases Strait’s signature style, blending traditional country sounds with relatable lyrics.
While the song doesn’t directly mention Texas, it’s worth noting that the album includes a track called “Take Me to Texas.” This demonstrates Strait’s continued connection to his home state throughout his career.
“Cold Beer Conversation” paints a picture of friends discussing life’s complexities over cold beers. The lyrics touch on universal themes like trying to make sense of the world and relationships.
The song reached number 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. It resonated with fans for its authentic portrayal of casual yet meaningful conversations.
The album “Cold Beer Conversation” debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart. It marked Strait’s 26th time reaching this milestone, further solidifying his status as the “King of Country.”
12) Living and Living Well
“Living and Living Well” is a George Strait song that briefly mentions Texas. Released in 2002, it became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
The song’s lyrics don’t heavily focus on Texas, but they do include a reference to the Lone Star State. Strait sings about a man reflecting on his life choices and the difference between merely existing and truly thriving.
In one verse, he mentions driving through Texas, painting a picture of the vast landscape and open roads characteristic of the state. This subtle nod to Texas adds to the song’s relatability for Strait’s fans in his home state.
While not primarily about Texas, “Living and Living Well” showcases Strait’s ability to weave references to his home state into his music. The song’s success demonstrates the appeal of Strait’s storytelling and his knack for creating relatable country hits.
13) Texas Cookin’
“Texas Cookin’” is a lively George Strait song that celebrates the Lone Star State’s culinary traditions. Released in 1998, it paints a vivid picture of Texas cuisine and culture.
The upbeat tune references classic Texan dishes like barbecue and chili. It also mentions cold Lone Star beer, a popular Texas brand that complements the state’s flavorful food.
Strait sings about traveling to Austin and San Antonio to enjoy these local delicacies. The song captures the joy of sharing meals with loved ones and the pride Texans take in their unique flavors.
“Texas Cookin’” reflects the state’s identity through its food. It highlights how cuisine can be an integral part of a region’s culture and a source of community bonding.
The song’s energetic rhythm and mouthwatering lyrics make it a fun addition to Strait’s repertoire of Texas-themed music. It showcases his ability to capture the essence of Texas life in his songs.
14) Any Old Time
“Any Old Time” showcases George Strait’s deep connection to Texas. Released in 1998 on his album “One Step at a Time,” this song paints a vivid picture of the Lone Star State’s allure.
Strait’s smooth vocals bring the lyrics to life, describing the welcoming nature of Texas. He sings about how the state is always ready to embrace those who return, no matter how long they’ve been away.
The song’s melody carries a classic country sound, perfectly complementing its themes of home and belonging. Strait’s performance captures the warmth and hospitality associated with Texas culture.
Through “Any Old Time,” Strait reinforces his reputation as a musical ambassador for Texas. The track resonates with listeners who share a fondness for the state or simply appreciate Strait’s authentic storytelling.
This song stands as another example of Strait’s ability to create music that celebrates Texas while appealing to a broad audience. It further cements his status as a country music icon deeply rooted in Texas heritage.
15) The Weight of the Badge
“The Weight of the Badge” is a powerful tribute to law enforcement officers from George Strait. Released in 2019, the song highlights the challenges and sacrifices faced by those who wear the badge.
While not explicitly mentioning Texas, the song resonates deeply with the state’s strong law enforcement community. Strait, a native Texan, co-wrote the track with his son Bubba Strait and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon.
The song’s music video features real-life first responders, adding authenticity to its message. It showcases the daily lives and dedication of police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel.
“The Weight of the Badge” made history for Strait, becoming his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This achievement further solidified his status as the “King of Country Music.”
The track’s release coincided with First Responders Day, emphasizing its purpose of honoring those who serve and protect. Its heartfelt lyrics and Strait’s sincere delivery have made it a meaningful addition to his extensive catalog of songs.
16) Drinkin’ Man
“Drinkin’ Man” is a poignant song co-written by George Strait, his son Bubba, and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon. Released in 2012 as part of Strait’s album “Here for a Good Time,” the track offers a somber reflection on alcoholism.
While the song doesn’t explicitly mention Texas, it reflects the state’s honky-tonk culture and the struggles some face with addiction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man’s lifelong battle with alcohol, from his first drink at age 14 to his present-day struggles.
Strait’s delivery of the song is both raw and emotional, capturing the pain and regret of the protagonist. The track’s stripped-down arrangement allows the story to take center stage, showcasing Strait’s masterful storytelling abilities.
“Drinkin’ Man” demonstrates Strait’s willingness to tackle difficult subjects in his music. It stands as a testament to his artistry and ability to connect with listeners through authentic, relatable narratives.
The Significance of Texas in George Strait’s Music
Texas holds a central place in George Strait’s musical repertoire. The Lone Star State features prominently in his lyrics, imagery, and themes, reflecting its deep influence on his artistry and identity.
Texas as a Symbol of Heritage
George Strait’s songs often portray Texas as a symbol of his roots and upbringing. Born in Poteet, Texas, Strait’s connection to the state runs deep. His music frequently references Texas landmarks, cities, and landscapes, creating a vivid portrait of his home state.
Strait’s lyrics celebrate Texas traditions, values, and way of life. Songs like “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and “Amarillo by Morning” showcase his affection for familiar places and experiences unique to the state.
The artist’s use of Texas imagery serves to reinforce his authenticity as a country music performer. By highlighting his Texas heritage, Strait establishes a strong connection with fans who share similar backgrounds or appreciate the state’s cultural significance.
Cultural References and Themes
Strait’s music often incorporates Texas cultural elements, from cowboy lifestyle to regional cuisine. His songs mention Texas dance halls, rodeos, and honky-tonks, painting a picture of the state’s vibrant social scene.
The artist frequently uses Texas as a backdrop for stories of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. These narratives resonate with listeners who can relate to the experiences described within a familiar Texas setting.
Strait’s music also touches on Texas pride and patriotism. Songs like “Texas” explicitly praise the state’s unique character and contributions to American culture. By emphasizing these themes, Strait reinforces the idea of Texas exceptionalism and appeals to state pride.
Exploring Musical Styles
George Strait’s Texas-themed songs showcase his versatility as an artist. His music blends traditional country elements with modern interpretations, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans across generations.
Traditional Country Influences
Strait’s Texas songs often feature classic country instruments like fiddles, steel guitars, and honky-tonk pianos. His vocal style pays homage to country legends, incorporating twang and yodel-like inflections. Songs like “Amarillo by Morning” exemplify this traditional approach, with its rich fiddle melody and storytelling lyrics.
Strait’s use of waltz time signatures in some Texas-themed tracks further cements his connection to country music roots. His ability to infuse emotion into each song, whether it’s a ballad or an upbeat tune, showcases his mastery of traditional country stylings.
Modern Interpretation of Texas Themes
While respecting tradition, Strait also embraces contemporary production techniques in his Texas songs. He incorporates modern country rock elements, such as electric guitars and drums, to create a fresh sound that appeals to younger audiences.
Strait’s lyrics often address timeless Texas themes through a current lens. He tackles subjects like urban sprawl and changing landscapes in songs that resonate with today’s listeners. His collaborations with younger artists on Texas-themed tracks demonstrate his ability to bridge generational gaps in country music.
By balancing traditional and modern elements, Strait ensures his Texas songs remain relevant and beloved by fans of all ages.