George Strait is a legendary American country music singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his distinctive voice, traditional country sound, and prolific career spanning several decades. Born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, Strait has been referred to as the “King of Country” and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Throughout his career, George Strait has released numerous hit songs, including classics like “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “Ocean Front Property,” and “Check Yes or No.” His music is characterized by its blend of honky-tonk, Western swing, and traditional country influences, often featuring themes of love, heartbreak, and the cowboy lifestyle.
Strait’s contributions to country music have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. He is also known for his consistency in delivering chart-topping albums and singles, maintaining a strong connection with his audience and remaining a respected figure in the country music industry.
1. Love Without End, Amen
“Love Without End, Amen” is a song by George Strait, released in 1990 as the lead single from his album *Livin’ It Up*. The song became one of Strait’s signature hits and is known for its heartfelt lyrics and traditional country sound.
Lyrically, “Love Without End, Amen” tells the story of a father imparting wisdom to his son about the enduring nature of love and forgiveness. The song’s chorus emphasizes the unconditional love of a parent, reinforcing the message that love is everlasting and forgiving, even in difficult times.
“Love Without End, Amen” topped the country charts and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and Strait’s sincere vocal performance. The song’s timeless message and melodic arrangement have made it a favorite among fans of traditional country music and a classic in George Strait’s illustrious career.
2. Ocean Front Property
“Ocean Front Property” is a song by George Strait, released in 1987 as the title track of his album *Ocean Front Property*. The song became a major hit for Strait and is known for its clever lyrics and classic country sound.
Lyrically, “Ocean Front Property” humorously describes a man who tells his former lover that he has “ocean front property in Arizona” as a way of emphasizing the implausibility of her returning to him. The song’s playful and witty lyrics, combined with Strait’s smooth vocal delivery and traditional country instrumentation, contributed to its popularity.
“Ocean Front Property” topped the country charts and became one of George Strait’s most iconic songs. It showcases his ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, making it a memorable entry in the country music canon and solidifying Strait’s reputation as one of the genre’s finest artists.
3. Amarillo By Morning
“Amarillo By Morning” is a classic country song performed by George Strait. Released in 1983 as part of his album “Strait from the Heart,” the song has become one of Strait’s signature tunes and a beloved staple in country music.
Lyrically, “Amarillo By Morning” tells the story of a rodeo cowboy traveling across the country, yearning to return to Amarillo, Texas, by morning. The song captures the essence of cowboy life, with themes of wanderlust, longing for home, and the rugged allure of the rodeo circuit.
Musically, the song features Strait’s smooth vocals accompanied by a traditional country arrangement, including fiddle, steel guitar, and acoustic guitar. The blend of honky-tonk and Western swing influences contributes to the song’s nostalgic and evocative atmosphere, resonating with fans of classic country music.
“Amarillo By Morning” has remained a fan favorite and a timeless example of George Strait’s ability to capture the essence of country storytelling through his music. It has become one of his most iconic songs and continues to be celebrated for its authenticity, lyrical depth, and memorable melody.
4. I Cross My Heart
“I Cross My Heart” is a song performed by George Strait, released in 1992 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Pure Country,” in which Strait also starred. The song was written by Steve Dorff and Eric Kaz and became a major hit on the country music charts.
Lyrically, “I Cross My Heart” is a romantic ballad that expresses enduring love and commitment. The song’s lyrics promise loyalty and devotion, with Strait’s smooth vocals delivering heartfelt sentiments about a deep and lasting love.
Musically, “I Cross My Heart” features a classic country arrangement with acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The song’s melody is melodic and memorable, complementing the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“I Cross My Heart” quickly became a fan favorite and one of George Strait’s most beloved songs. It received critical acclaim for its sincerity, beautiful melody, and the sincerity with which Strait delivers the lyrics. The song’s popularity was further enhanced by its inclusion in the hit film “Pure Country,” solidifying its place as a classic in the country music genre.
5. Check Yes Or No
“Check Yes or No” is a song by George Strait, released in 1995 as the lead single from his album *Strait Out of the Box*. The song is a classic country ballad that tells the sweet and innocent story of a childhood romance and a simple love note.
Lyrically, “Check Yes or No” revolves around a boy passing a note to a girl in school, asking her if she likes him and if she will be his girlfriend. The chorus captures the essence of young love, with the girl responding by checking “yes” on the note, leading to a lifelong love story. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and Strait’s warm vocals evoke feelings of innocence and nostalgia.
“Check Yes or No” became a major hit for George Strait, topping the country charts and becoming one of his most beloved songs. Its timeless appeal lies in its universal themes of love, innocence, and the charm of young romance, making it a favorite among fans of traditional country music.
6. Carrying Your Love With Me
“Carrying Your Love with Me” is a song by George Strait, released in 1997 as the title track of his album. It’s a heartfelt country ballad that expresses the idea of carrying the memory and love of someone special wherever the narrator goes. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and devotion, highlighting the emotional impact of love that transcends physical distance.
Musically, “Carrying Your Love with Me” features Strait’s smooth and emotive vocals, accompanied by traditional country instrumentation including acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar. The melody is gentle yet uplifting, reflecting the song’s theme of enduring love and companionship.
The song became a major hit on the country music charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It remains a fan favorite and a classic in George Strait’s extensive discography, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and Strait’s distinctive delivery.
7. The Chair
“The Chair” is a classic country song performed by George Strait, released in 1985 as a single from his album “Something Special.” Written by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon, the song became one of Strait’s signature hits and a favorite among country music fans.
Lyrically, “The Chair” tells the story of a chance encounter between the narrator and a woman at a bar. The song’s clever and witty lyrics depict a humorous and charming conversation between the two characters, with the narrator being captivated by the woman’s beauty and charisma.
Musically, “The Chair” features a traditional country arrangement with Strait’s smooth vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and fiddle. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, complementing the playful and romantic tone of the lyrics.
“The Chair” was well-received by critics and fans alike, becoming a chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It remains a beloved classic in George Strait’s catalog, celebrated for its clever storytelling, infectious melody, and Strait’s effortless delivery.
8. All My Exs Live In Texas
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a lively country song performed by George Strait, released in 1987 as a single from his album “Ocean Front Property.” The song was written by Sanger Shafer and Lyndia Shafer and became one of Strait’s most popular and recognizable hits.
Lyrically, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” humorously recounts the narrator’s predicament of having former romantic partners scattered across the state of Texas. The lyrics playfully describe each ex-partner and the reasons why they are no longer together, showcasing Strait’s charm and wit in storytelling.
Musically, the song features a traditional country arrangement with upbeat rhythms, lively fiddle and steel guitar solos, and Strait’s smooth vocals delivering the humorous narrative. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable melody contributed to its widespread appeal and popularity among country music fans.
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming one of George Strait’s number one hits. It remains a classic in his repertoire and a favorite at his live performances, celebrated for its fun lyrics, catchy tune, and Strait’s signature style.
9. Give It Away
“Give It Away” is a song by George Strait, released in 2006 as the lead single from his album *It Just Comes Natural*. The song is a traditional country ballad that explores themes of heartache, loss, and moving on after a breakup.
Lyrically, “Give It Away” tells the story of a man who reflects on his failed relationship and decides to give away everything that reminds him of his ex-partner, from gifts to memories. The song’s poignant lyrics capture the emotional struggle of letting go and finding closure after a painful breakup. George Strait’s heartfelt vocal delivery adds depth and sincerity to the song’s message.
“Give It Away” became a commercial success, topping the country charts and receiving critical acclaim for its emotional impact and Strait’s powerful performance. The song’s relatable themes and timeless appeal have made it a favorite among fans of traditional country music, showcasing George Strait’s ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt storytelling.
10. Troubadour
“Troubadour” is a song by George Strait, released in 2008 as the title track from his album *Troubadour*. The song reflects on Strait’s own life and career as a troubadour—a traveling musician who sings about life experiences and stories.
Lyrically, “Troubadour” pays homage to Strait’s journey as a country music artist, recounting his adventures on the road, the places he’s been, and the songs he’s sung. The song celebrates the troubadour lifestyle, capturing the essence of storytelling through music and the connection it creates with audiences.
“Troubadour” became a hit for George Strait, resonating with fans and critics alike for its authenticity and heartfelt tribute to his career. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and Strait’s soulful vocal delivery reflect his enduring passion for country music and his role as one of its most respected artists.