By Jacques Wang
Last Wednesday, at this year’s CMA Awards, country music legend George Strait received with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award – an award given to an iconic country music star in recognition of their years of “national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level.” And it’s about time this Texas icon receives this award. With more than 120 million records sold, 60 number-one hits across a four-decade career, and breaking the record for the largest ticketed concert in the United States this June (with 110,905 people in attendance), George Strait is undoubtedly the King of Country Music – my favorite singer of all time.
In celebration of his recent achievements and his lengthy, extraordinary career, I figured it was only appropriate to rank down what I believe are the top 10 best George Strait of all time.
10. All My Ex’s Live in Texas (1987)
Let’s start the list with one of the catchiest and most memorable George Strait songs ever. If you’ve heard the phrase “all my ex’s live in Texas” before, it’s probably thanks to this iconic George Strait song. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a song about a narrator who lists off all his former lovers and the reason why their relationship ended.
“All my exes live in Texas / And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be / But all my exes live in Texas / And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.”
“Rosanna’s down in Texarkana / Wanted me to push her broom / Sweet Eileen’s in Abilene / She forgot I hung the moon / And Allison’s in Galveston / Somehow lost her sanity / And Dimples who now lives in Temple’s / Got the law looking for me.”
The way that Strait sings each line makes it sound like the narrator is smirking as he tells this story, which adds a new layer of dimension to this song. With its catchy lyrics, upbeat storytelling, and slow Western swing, “All of My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a very comedic and fun song to dance to. This song was so popular in songs from all genres, like Drake’s “HYFR” and Glassjaw’s “Tip Your Bartender,” making this number-one hit from 1987 one of Strait’s most impactful songs.
9. Troubadour (2008)
Next, we have the song that best describes his amazing career: “Troubadour.” This ballad follows a singer reflecting on his life and acknowledging his legacy by comparing himself to a troubadour.
Sometimes I feel like Jesse James / Still trying to make a name / Knowing nothing’s gonna change what I am / I was a young troubadour / When I rode in on a song / And I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.
Not only is this song tailored to George Strait’s life, but his vocals and deliveries of each line makes listeners reflect on their own past and life achievements. The traditional melody immerses the listeners in what it would be like to live like the King. “Troubadour” was released at the time when neotraditional country music was slowly on its way out; this song came at the right time, reminding fans what real country music is. Overall, the lyrics, storytelling, and melody make “Troubadour” a phenomenal song that best explains who George Strait really is.
8. Ocean Front Property (1986)
Next up, we have one of George Strait’s most underrated hits, “Ocean Front Property.” There is so much I love about this song, starting off with the lyrics. This heartache song is about a narrator who doesn’t miss his lover just like how:
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona / From my front porch, you can see the sea / I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona / If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free.
As you probably guessed, the whole song is sarcasm – Arizona is a landlocked state, which makes the lyrics and storytelling absolutely genius. Again, Strait’s delivery sells the sarcastic tone so well. The musical arrangement on this track is perfect. After the first chorus, the melody starts with a piano solo, transitions to some fiddle, and ends with the cries of pedal steel guitar. Released at the time George Strait was reigning the charts, “Ocean Front Property” is the perfect song that exemplifies what ’80s country music was all about.
7. The Chair (1985)
Another underrated George Strait song that hardcore fans like me love is “The Chair.” Unlike the other songs on this list, this ballad does not follow the standard “verse-chorus-verse-chorus” structure that is popular today. Instead, “The Chair” follows the story of a man who tells a woman that she’s sitting on his chair before conversing with her.
Well, excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair / No, that one’s not taken, I don’t mind if you sit here / I’ll be glad to share / Yeah, it’s usually packed here on Friday nights / Oh, if you don’t mind, could I talk you out of a light?
This conversation continues as the pair fall in love with each other. Aside from its unique and unconventional structure, George Strait’s smooth vocals and ability to sing this monologue in a charming way make “The Chair” so special, solidifying the King’s talent as a vocalist and storyteller.
6. Carrying Your Love with Me (1997)
Next up, we have one of George Strait’s most famous hits from the 90s. If you’re in a long-distance relationship and looking for a way to show your love and commitment, I highly recommend that you send this song to your partner. “Carrying Your Love with Me” is a song about the narrator carrying his love for his lover wherever he goes.
‘Cause I’m carryin’ your love with me / West Virginia down to Tennessee / I’ll be movin’ with the good Lord’s speed / Carryin’ your love with me / It’s my strength for holdin’ on / Every minute that I have to be gone / I’ll have everything I’ll ever need / I’m carryin’ your love with me.
Again, Strait’s vocals and charming delivery of these poetic lines make this song so romantic. The melody, driven by gentle guitar strums and a steady rhythm, perfectly complements the song’s sentimental tone. “Carrying Your Love with Me” is a masterclass in storytelling and emotion that best showcases the romantic days of 90’s country. This song remains a staple of George Strait’s discography and a massive fan favorite.
5. Check Yes or No (1995)
Speaking of fan favorites, this list wouldn’t be complete without “Check Yes or No.” This romantic ballad follows the story of two schoolchildren falling in love and passing love notes to each other.
“Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend? / And if you do / Well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand / If you want to / I think this is how love goes / Check yes or no.”
The second verse follows the couple in their adult years, still reminiscing how they fell in love all those years ago. Strait’s warm, charming delivery and upbeat melody make this song cute and memorable. The imagery of young love can remind listeners of their first fall in love with their partners. “Check Yes or No” has become one of Strait’s most famous and recognizable songs. It is also George Strait’s most streamed track on Spotify, with over 284 million streams, making it one of his most successful and quintessential songs.
4. I Cross My Heart (1992)
George Strait is many things: country singer, Texas cowboy, and movie star actor. Yup, George Strait starred in his own Western movie, Pure Country, back in 1992. In addition to being the leading actor, Strait produced an album for the movie’s soundtrack. And in that album, we find our #4 song, “I Cross My Heart.” This romantic ballad is about the narrator’s promise of unconditional love to his lover and dedication to their relationship.
I cross my heart / And promise to / Give all I’ve got to give / To make all your dreams come true / In all the world / You’ll never find / A love as true as mine
There is just so much I love about that song. Strait’s rich and warm vocals capture the narrator’s vulnerability, strength, and sincerity, making the words feel deeply personal. The musical arrangement is phenomenal. The combination of fiddles, acoustic guitars, pianos, and steel guitars creates an intimate atmosphere that amplifies the song’s powerful sentiments. Not only is this song perfect for a movie soundtrack, but it’s also a classic country song played during weddings. Overall, George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” is not only his best, but also one of the most romantic country songs of all time.
3. I Can Still Make Cheyenne (1996)
From romance to heartbreak, at our number-three spot, we have “I Can Still Make Cheyenne.” This heart-wrenching ballad follows a cowboy calling his beloved after failing a rodeo.
I never got a chance to write or call / And I know this rodeo has been hard on us all / But I’ll be home soon / And honey is there somethin’ wrong?
She said, don’t bother comin’ home / By time you get here I’ll be long gone / There’s somebody new and he sure ain’t no rodeo man / He said, I’m sorry it’s come down to this / There’s so much about you that I’m gonna miss / But it’s alright baby / If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne / Gotta go now baby / If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Strait’s delivery makes every line of the chorus hit hard, making listeners experience the shock and sadness the cowboy feels. The sudden revelation that the woman has left will resonate with listeners and remind them of their own experiences with heartbreak. The powerful opening and closing fiddle solo create a somber, reflective atmosphere that echoes the melancholy of the lyrics. The lyrics, emotional storytelling, and haunting melody make “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” one of, if not the saddest and most heartbreaking George Strait song of all time.
2. Run (2001)
At our number-two spot, we have another underrated hit single, “Run.” This song tells the story of a man longing for his partner to return to him, pleading for her to close the physical distance between them as quickly as possible.
Baby run, cut a path across the blue skies / Straight in a straight line / You can’t get here fast enough / Find a truck and fire it up / Lean on the gas and off the clutch / Leave Dallas in the dust / I need you in a rush / So baby run.
Strait’s vocal performance is exceptional. Not only is he able to hold his notes during the chorus, but his delivery also strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and urgency. The same can be said for the musical arrangement. The opening features an acoustic guitar and a gentle drum beat, gradually building into a lush arrangement with a mandolin and a pedal steel guitar. This crescendo mirrors the emotional intensity of the lyrics, creating a dynamic listening experience. “Run” also shows the perfect balance between the traditional sound George is known for and the contemporary sound of the 21st century, showing his talent as a record producer (yes, George Strait produces most of his music, too). Overall, “Run” is an absolute beauty of a song and deserves our number two spot.
1. Amarillo by Morning (1983)
And finally, at our number-one spot, the best George Strait song of all time is “Amarillo by Morning.” Where can I start with this iconic signature song?
“Amarillo by Morning” tells the story of a cowboy trying to make it to Amarillo to restart his life after a string of misfortunes.
Amarillo by mornin’ / Up from San Antone / Everything that I got / Is just what I’ve got on / When that Sun is high in that Texas sky / I’ll be buckin’ at the county fair / Amarillo by mornin’ / Amarillo I’ll be there.
They took my saddle in Houston / Broke my leg in Santa Fe / Lost my wife and a girlfriend / Somewhere along the way / But I’ll be lookin’ for eight / When they pull that gate / And I hope that judge ain’t blind / Amarillo by mornin’ / Amarillo’s on my mind.
I know that I keep repeating myself here, but Strait’s ability to bring authenticity and heart to every lyric is best shown here. His smooth performance and emotional delivery reflect the optimism, determination, and resilience of the cowboy narrator while also subtly conveying his pain and longing. The mournful strains of the fiddle and the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar create a gorgeous atmosphere that brings every lyric to life. That musical arrangement is timeless, capturing the essence of traditional country music while reminding listeners what real country music is about forty years later.
“Amarillo by Morning” is George Strait’s most iconic song and a cornerstone of his legacy in country music. The delivery, themes of pursuing passions through sacrifice, and musical arrangement make this one of the best and my favorite country song of all time.
If you managed to get to the end of this list, I hope that you’ll start listening to this Texas legend and realize why George Strait is the undisputed King of Country Music.