George Strait is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, Strait is often referred to as the “King of Country” and is one of the most influential and successful artists in the history of country music.
Strait began his music career in the early 1970s, performing with local bands and honing his craft as a singer and guitarist. He gained national attention with his debut single, “Unwound,” in 1981, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that has spanned several decades.
Throughout his career, George Strait has released numerous albums and singles, many of which have topped the country music charts. He is known for his traditional country sound, which often incorporates elements of western swing, honky-tonk, and Texas country. Strait’s smooth baritone voice, straightforward lyrics, and understated style have endeared him to fans of all ages.
Some of George Strait’s most famous songs include “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “Check Yes or No,” “The Chair,” and “Carrying Your Love with Me.” He has won numerous awards for his music, including Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and Grammy Awards.
In addition to his music career, George Strait has also acted in films and television shows, further expanding his influence and reach. He remains an icon of country music and continues to perform and record music to this day, delighting audiences with his timeless songs and undeniable talent.
1. Love Without End, Amen
“Love Without End, Amen” is a classic country song performed by George Strait. Released in 1990 as the lead single from his album “Livin’ It Up,” the song became one of Strait’s signature tunes and a fan favorite.
Written by Aaron Barker, “Love Without End, Amen” is a heartfelt ballad that celebrates the enduring love between a father and his son. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young boy who confesses to breaking a neighbor’s window and fears his father’s reaction. However, instead of punishment, the father responds with unconditional love and forgiveness, reassuring his son that his love is “love without end, amen.”
With its timeless message of love, forgiveness, and family, “Love Without End, Amen” struck a chord with audiences and became a commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking yet another number-one hit for George Strait.
The song’s simple yet powerful melody, coupled with Strait’s heartfelt delivery, resonated with listeners and solidified its place as one of the most beloved songs in George Strait’s extensive catalog. “Love Without End, Amen” remains a staple at his live performances and a cherished classic in the world of country music.
2. Ocean Front Property
“Ocean Front Property” is a song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter, and released in 1987 as the title track from Strait’s album of the same name.
The song is a classic country ballad with a traditional sound, featuring lyrics that humorously claim the singer owns oceanfront property in Arizona. The chorus famously states, “I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona / From my front porch you can see the sea.”
Despite the absurdity of the premise, the song’s clever lyrics and catchy melody made it a hit with country music fans. “Ocean Front Property” topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became one of George Strait’s signature songs.
The song’s success helped solidify George Strait’s reputation as one of country music’s leading artists. Its clever wordplay and Strait’s smooth vocals have made it a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances. “Ocean Front Property” remains a popular and enduring classic in the country music genre.
3. Amarillo By Morning
“Amarillo By Morning” is a classic country song performed by George Strait. Released in 1983 as the second single from his album “Strait from the Heart,” the song has since become one of Strait’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, “Amarillo By Morning” tells the story of a cowboy who is determined to make it as a rodeo rider. The song’s lyrics describe his journey across the country, chasing his dream of rodeo glory, with Amarillo, Texas, serving as a metaphorical destination.
With its evocative imagery, heartfelt storytelling, and memorable melody, “Amarillo By Morning” struck a chord with audiences and became a commercial success. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking George Strait’s fifth number-one hit.
The song’s timeless appeal has led to its enduring popularity among country music fans. It has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple at George Strait’s live performances. “Amarillo By Morning” is widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time and a defining moment in George Strait’s illustrious career.
4. I Cross My Heart
“I Cross My Heart” is a romantic country song performed by George Strait. It was released in 1992 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Pure Country,” in which Strait also starred. The song became one of Strait’s most beloved hits and is considered a classic in the country music genre.
Written by Steve Dorff and Eric Kaz, “I Cross My Heart” features heartfelt lyrics that express unwavering love and commitment. The narrator promises to love their partner faithfully and deeply, crossing their heart as a symbol of their sincerity. The song’s tender melody and Strait’s smooth vocals contribute to its emotional impact, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
“I Cross My Heart” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and earning critical acclaim. Its inclusion in the film “Pure Country” further boosted its popularity, and it remains one of George Strait’s most enduring and iconic songs.
Over the years, “I Cross My Heart” has been covered by various artists and has become a staple of George Strait’s live performances. It continues to resonate with audiences as a timeless declaration of love and devotion, solidifying its place as a classic in the country music canon.
5. Check Yes Or No
“Check Yes or No” is a song by American country music artist George Strait. It was written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt, and released in September 1995 as the lead single from his album “Strait Out of the Box.”
“Check Yes or No” is a sweet and nostalgic song that tells the story of a lifelong romance that began in elementary school. The lyrics describe a boy passing a note to a girl in class, asking her if she likes him and to “check yes or no.” The song follows their relationship as it grows from childhood innocence to lasting love, with the chorus featuring the lines, “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 song’s simple yet heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, and “Check Yes or No” became one of George Strait’s biggest hits. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and has since become one of his signature songs. Its timeless message about love and simplicity has made it a favorite for weddings and other romantic occasions.
6. Carrying Your Love With Me
“Carrying Your Love with Me” is a song by American country music artist George Strait. It was written by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens and released in March 1997 as the second single and title track from his album of the same name.
The song is a heartfelt ballad in which the narrator expresses the idea of carrying the love of his significant other with him wherever he goes. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and devotion, with the narrator singing about the comfort he finds in knowing that his loved one’s love is always with him. The chorus features the lines, “I’m carrying your love with me / West Virginia down to Tennessee / I’ll be moving with the good Lord’s speed / Carrying your love with me.”
“Carrying Your Love with Me” became a major hit for George Strait, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and becoming one of his most beloved songs. Its heartfelt lyrics, combined with Strait’s smooth vocals and traditional country sound, resonated with audiences and solidified its place as a classic in the country music genre.
7. The Chair
“The Chair” is a classic country song performed by George Strait. Released in 1985 as the lead single from his album “Something Special,” the song became one of Strait’s signature tunes and a fan favorite.
Written by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon, “The Chair” is a cleverly crafted love song with a twist. The lyrics tell the story of a chance encounter between a man and a woman at a bar, where the man strikes up a conversation with the woman by offering her a seat at an empty table. As they talk, the woman mentions that she’s waiting for someone, but the man insists that she should stay and talk to him instead. The song’s chorus reveals the twist: the man’s pickup line was actually a ploy to get closer to the woman, as he’s instantly smitten by her and hopes to win her over.
With its witty lyrics, catchy melody, and George Strait’s smooth vocals, “The Chair” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song’s clever storytelling and romantic theme struck a chord with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and cementing its place as one of George Strait’s most beloved songs.
“The Chair” remains a staple of George Strait’s live performances and a classic in the country music genre. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity continue to resonate with listeners, making it a cherished favorite among fans of country music.
8. All My Exs Live In Texas
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a song by George Strait from his 1987 album “Ocean Front Property.” It was written by Sanger D. Shafer and Linda J. Shafer.
The song is a classic country tune with a humorous twist, as the narrator laments that all his former flames now live in various cities outside of Texas, making it tempting for him to return to the Lone Star State. The chorus famously goes, “All my ex’s live in Texas / And Texas is the place I’d dearly love to be / But all my ex’s live in Texas / And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.”
The song’s clever lyrics and catchy melody helped make it one of George Strait’s signature songs. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and remains a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is celebrated for its classic country sound and its playful take on the theme of lost love.
9. Give It Away
“Give It Away” is a song by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in 2006 as the lead single from his album “It Just Comes Natural.” The song was written by Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson, and Buddy Cannon.
“Give It Away” is a traditional country ballad that tells the story of a man who, after a breakup, decides to get rid of all the material possessions that remind him of his former lover. The song’s narrator reflects on the pain of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go, but ultimately realizes that holding onto the past only prolongs the pain. The chorus emphasizes the theme of moving on by encouraging the listener to “give it away” and let go of the things that no longer serve them.
With its poignant lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and classic country instrumentation, “Give It Away” resonated with audiences and became a commercial success. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking George Strait’s 41st number-one hit on the chart and extending his record for the most number-one singles by any artist in any genre.
“Give It Away” received widespread acclaim from music critics and earned several awards and nominations, including the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Single of the Year. The song’s message of resilience and moving forward struck a chord with listeners, solidifying its place as one of George Strait’s most memorable and impactful songs.
10. Troubadour
“Troubadour” is a song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was written by Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes, and released in February 2008 as the second single from his album of the same name.
“Troubadour” is a nostalgic song that pays tribute to the life of a country music troubadour, reflecting on the experiences and memories accumulated over a lifetime of performing. The lyrics describe the joys and challenges of life on the road, with the narrator singing about the places he’s been, the songs he’s sung, and the people he’s met. The chorus features the lines, “I was a young troubadour / When I rode in on a song / And I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.”
The song’s traditional country sound, combined with George Strait’s smooth vocals, struck a chord with listeners and became a hit on the country charts. “Troubadour” showcases Strait’s storytelling ability and his knack for delivering heartfelt, relatable songs that resonate with audiences.