George Strait, the undisputed King of Country Music, has crafted numerous hits that have become staples at tailgating events across America. His songs capture the essence of good times, camaraderie, and the spirit of celebration that define these pre-game gatherings.
From upbeat anthems to laid-back tunes, Strait’s music provides the perfect soundtrack for fans to enjoy while grilling, socializing, and gearing up for the big game. His timeless melodies and relatable lyrics resonate with listeners of all ages, making his songs an ideal choice for bringing people together in the festive atmosphere of a tailgate party.
1) Amarillo By Morning
“Amarillo By Morning” stands as one of George Strait’s most iconic songs. Released in 1982, it quickly became a fan favorite and remains a staple at tailgating events.
The track’s mellow tempo and nostalgic lyrics create a perfect atmosphere for pre-game gatherings. Its story of a rodeo cowboy‘s life resonates with many country music fans.
Strait’s smooth vocals and the song’s fiddle-driven melody make it easy to sing along to. This encourages group participation, a key element of successful tailgating.
The song’s themes of perseverance and resilience align well with the spirit of sports events. It can serve as an inspiration for fans supporting their team.
“Amarillo By Morning” often sparks conversations about country music history and Strait’s career. This adds depth to tailgating discussions beyond just the upcoming game.
Its timeless quality ensures that both older and younger fans can appreciate the song. This multi-generational appeal helps unite diverse groups of tailgaters.
2) Check Yes Or No
“Check Yes Or No” is a beloved George Strait song that perfectly captures the spirit of tailgating. Released in 1995, this upbeat tune tells the story of a lifelong romance that begins in childhood.
The song’s catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics make it an ideal choice for pre-game celebrations. Its uplifting message resonates with fans of all ages, creating a feel-good atmosphere at any gathering.
With its simple yet effective chorus, “Check Yes Or No” encourages sing-alongs among tailgaters. The track’s country-pop sound blends well with the festive environment of parking lot parties.
George Strait’s smooth vocals and the song’s relatable narrative add to its appeal. The lighthearted nature of “Check Yes Or No” helps set a positive tone for the upcoming game.
This track’s enduring popularity ensures that most tailgaters will recognize and appreciate it. Its inclusion in a tailgating playlist can help unite diverse groups of fans through shared musical enjoyment.
3) The Chair
“The Chair” stands as one of George Strait’s most beloved songs, perfect for any tailgating playlist. Released in 1985, this smooth country ballad showcases Strait’s storytelling prowess and vocal charm.
The song’s clever narrative follows a man’s attempt to strike up a conversation with a woman at a bar. Its gentle melody and laid-back atmosphere make it ideal for relaxed tailgating gatherings.
“The Chair” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, cementing its place in country music history. Its enduring popularity ensures it remains a staple at tailgates and country music events.
The song’s unique structure, lacking a traditional chorus, sets it apart from typical country hits. This creative approach highlights Strait’s ability to captivate listeners with his storytelling skills.
At tailgating events, “The Chair” provides a moment of respite from more upbeat tunes. Its mellow tone allows fans to reminisce and appreciate Strait’s artistic depth while enjoying pre-game festivities.
4) Carrying Your Love With Me
“Carrying Your Love With Me” is a quintessential George Strait song that resonates with tailgaters. Released in 1997 as the title track of his seventeenth studio album, it quickly became a fan favorite.
The song’s upbeat melody and relatable lyrics make it perfect for singing along at tailgate parties. It tells the story of a man who carries his love with him wherever he goes, a sentiment that many can connect with.
Strait’s smooth vocals shine in this track, delivering the heartfelt message with his signature charm. The song’s catchy chorus is easy to remember, making it ideal for group sing-alongs during tailgate festivities.
“Carrying Your Love With Me” reached number one on the Billboard country charts, further cementing its place in Strait’s impressive catalog. Its enduring popularity ensures it remains a staple at tailgate gatherings.
The song’s themes of love and devotion resonate with listeners, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at any tailgate event. Its timeless appeal makes it a go-to choice for fans of all ages.
5) Ocean Front Property
“Ocean Front Property” is a standout track from George Strait’s 1987 album of the same name. This clever country tune showcases Strait’s smooth vocals and witty lyrics.
The song playfully uses irony to describe a man trying to convince his lover he’s fine with her leaving. He claims to have oceanfront property in Arizona and a bridge to sell in Brooklyn.
Its catchy melody and humorous wordplay make it an ideal choice for tailgate parties. The upbeat tempo encourages sing-alongs and creates a fun, lighthearted atmosphere.
“Ocean Front Property” reached number one on the country charts, cementing its place as a George Strait classic. Its popularity endures decades later, especially at social gatherings.
The song’s clever use of metaphor and sarcasm adds depth to its seemingly simple lyrics. This combination of musical craftsmanship and lyrical wit exemplifies Strait’s talent as a country music artist.
6) Write This Down
“Write This Down” is a classic George Strait hit that perfectly captures the essence of tailgating fun. Released in 1999, this catchy tune quickly became a fan favorite and a staple at country music gatherings.
The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable melody make it ideal for singing along with friends around the grill. Its playful lyrics about love and remembrance resonate with listeners of all ages, creating a lighthearted atmosphere.
Strait’s smooth vocals deliver the song’s message with charm and sincerity. The chorus, with its simple yet effective request to “write this down,” is easy to learn and sing, even for those who might not know all the words.
At tailgating events, “Write This Down” often inspires impromptu karaoke sessions. Its country-pop sound appeals to both die-hard country fans and casual listeners, making it a unifying choice for diverse groups.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, cementing its place in George Strait’s repertoire of crowd-pleasers. Its inclusion in a tailgating playlist helps create a festive, carefree atmosphere that’s perfect for pre-game celebrations.
7) Give It Away
“Give It Away” is a standout hit from George Strait’s 2006 album “It Just Comes Natural.” The song quickly became a fan favorite and reached number one on the country charts.
With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Give It Away” tells the story of a couple going through a divorce. The chorus cleverly uses wordplay to describe the wife leaving everything behind.
Strait’s smooth vocals perfectly capture the emotional weight of the situation. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its somber subject matter, making it an interesting choice for tailgating events.
Despite its theme of heartbreak, “Give It Away” has an infectious energy that can get a crowd singing along. Its memorable chorus and Strait’s signature delivery make it a great addition to any tailgating playlist.
The song’s popularity has cemented its place in Strait’s extensive catalog of hits. It showcases his ability to take a difficult topic and turn it into an engaging country tune.
8) Troubadour
“Troubadour” is a reflective ballad from George Strait’s 2008 album of the same name. The song captures the essence of a seasoned performer looking back on his career with pride and contentment.
Its mellow tempo and introspective lyrics make it an excellent choice for winding down a tailgate party. The track’s nostalgic tone can resonate with fans of all ages, creating a sense of shared experience.
The song’s chorus, with its memorable line “I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song,” encapsulates Strait’s journey as an artist. It’s a perfect singalong for fans who have followed his career over the decades.
“Troubadour” showcases Strait’s ability to deliver emotional depth with his signature smooth vocals. The song’s gentle melody and acoustic guitar accompaniment create a relaxed atmosphere ideal for tailgating.
While not a typical party anthem, “Troubadour” adds a thoughtful dimension to any tailgate playlist. It serves as a reminder of Strait’s enduring impact on country music and his connection with fans.
The Legacy of George Strait
George Strait’s influence on country music is unparalleled, shaping the genre for decades. His remarkable career garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as the “King of Country.”
Influence on Country Music
George Strait helped define the neo-traditionalist country movement in the 1980s. He brought a return to traditional country sounds and themes, countering the pop-influenced trends of the era. Strait’s authentic cowboy image and smooth baritone voice became iconic in the industry.
His consistent chart success over four decades inspired countless artists. Many modern country stars cite Strait as a major influence on their careers. His ability to balance commercial appeal with traditional country elements set a blueprint for success in the genre.
Strait’s song choices often highlighted the work of talented songwriters, helping launch or boost their careers. His commitment to quality material and authentic country sound maintained a high standard in the industry.
Awards and Recognitions
George Strait’s trophy case is extensive, reflecting his immense impact on country music. He has won 23 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, including three Entertainer of the Year honors. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) awarded him 22 times, including seven Top Male Vocalist titles.
Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his lasting contributions to the genre. He received the National Medal of Arts in 2003 for his outstanding achievements in country music.
His commercial success is equally impressive, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Strait has 60 number-one hits across all country charts, more than any other artist in any genre.
What Makes a Song Tailgate-Worthy
Great tailgating songs energize the crowd and set the perfect mood for pre-game festivities. They blend catchy melodies with lyrics that resonate with fans gathering to celebrate their favorite teams.
Upbeat Melodies
Tailgate-worthy songs feature lively, upbeat rhythms that get people moving. Fast tempos and danceable beats encourage fans to tap their feet, clap their hands, and sing along. Catchy guitar riffs and memorable hooks make the songs instantly recognizable and easy to join in on.
Strong percussion elements like drums and handclaps add energy and help build excitement. Many tailgate favorites incorporate call-and-response sections or chants that allow groups to participate together. The overall musical structure is often simple and repetitive, making it easy for even casual listeners to pick up quickly.
Relatable Lyrics
Lyrics play a crucial role in tailgate-worthy songs. They often celebrate themes like friendship, good times, and team spirit. References to common tailgating activities like grilling, drinking, and socializing resonate with the crowd.
Songs that mention specific sports, teams, or game day traditions are especially popular. Lyrics that paint vivid pictures of the tailgating experience help fans connect emotionally with the music. Many tailgate anthems include inspirational or motivational messages that pump up the crowd before the big game.
Simple, memorable choruses allow large groups to sing along easily. Clever wordplay or humorous lines can also make a song stand out and become a tailgate favorite.