George Strait, born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, is a legendary American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. Known as the “King of Country,” Strait is one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, with a career spanning over four decades.
Strait’s music is characterized by its traditional country sound, blending honky-tonk, Western swing, and contemporary influences. He first gained major recognition in the early 1980s with his debut single “Unwound,” which became a hit and set the stage for his remarkable career. He continued to produce numerous chart-topping singles, including classics like “Amarillo by Morning,” “The Chair,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and “Ocean Front Property.”
Throughout his career, George Strait has achieved numerous accolades, including over 60 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artist. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history. His awards include multiple CMA and ACM Awards, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
Strait is also known for his successful tours, with his “Cowboy Rides Away Tour” in 2014 becoming one of the highest-grossing tours of all time. Despite reducing his touring schedule in recent years, he continues to perform and record music, maintaining a loyal fan base and significant influence in the country music industry.
Beyond his music, George Strait has made appearances in films such as “Pure Country” and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting military personnel and disaster relief initiatives. His enduring legacy and contributions to country music have solidified his status as a true icon in the genre.
1. Love Without End, Amen
“Love Without End, Amen” is a song by George Strait, released in April 1990 as the lead single from his album *Livin’ It Up*. Written by Aaron Barker, the song became one of Strait’s most beloved and enduring hits.
The song is a heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a father’s unconditional love for his son. The narrator reflects on the lessons he learned from his father about the nature of unconditional love, which he then passes on to his own son. The lyrics emphasize that true love, particularly a father’s love, knows no bounds and continues without end.
“Love Without End, Amen” features Strait’s smooth vocals and a traditional country arrangement with gentle guitar and fiddle accompaniment. Its simple yet powerful message resonated with audiences, and the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming Strait’s first multi-week number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It stayed at the top for five weeks, solidifying its place as a country music classic.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal theme of parental love and the emotional connection it fosters. “Love Without End, Amen” remains a staple in George Strait’s live performances and is cherished by fans for its heartfelt sentiment and timeless appeal.
2. Ocean Front Property
“Ocean Front Property” by George Strait is a classic country song released in 1986 as the lead single and title track of his album. Written by Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, and Royce Porter, the song features a clever twist on a love-gone-wrong theme. Strait sings about a heartbroken man who insists he’s over his ex, using the metaphor of selling oceanfront property in Arizona—an impossible feat—to highlight his dishonesty. With its traditional country sound, memorable melody, and Strait’s smooth vocals, “Ocean Front Property” became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remains one of his signature songs.
3. Amarillo By Morning
“Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait is a classic country song that has become one of his most beloved hits. Originally written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, the song was first recorded by Stafford in 1973. George Strait’s 1982 rendition brought it widespread acclaim. The song tells the story of a rodeo cowboy’s life on the road, focusing on his journey to Amarillo, Texas, by morning. With its poignant lyrics, fiddle-driven melody, and Strait’s heartfelt delivery, “Amarillo by Morning” captures the rugged, solitary lifestyle of a rodeo cowboy. Its timeless appeal and emotional depth have solidified its status as a cornerstone of country music.
4. I Cross My Heart
“I Cross My Heart” is a song by George Strait, released in September 1992 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film *Pure Country*, in which Strait also starred. Written by Steve Dorff and Eric Kaz, the song is one of Strait’s most iconic and romantic ballads.
The song is a tender love ballad that expresses a deep and enduring commitment. The lyrics convey promises of love and devotion, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. With lines like “I cross my heart and promise to / Give all I’ve got to give to make all your dreams come true,” the song captures the essence of a sincere and heartfelt pledge of love.
“I Cross My Heart” features Strait’s smooth, emotive vocals and a lush country arrangement with strings and piano, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and remaining one of Strait’s signature songs.
The accompanying music video includes scenes from *Pure Country*, enhancing the song’s romantic and cinematic appeal. The film and the song together helped to further cement Strait’s status as a leading figure in country music.
“I Cross My Heart” continues to be a beloved classic in George Strait’s extensive catalog, celebrated for its timeless message of love and dedication. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Strait’s ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt performances and relatable lyrics.
5. Check Yes Or No
“Check Yes or No” by George Strait is a charming country song released in 1995. Featured on his album “Strait Out of the Box,” the song quickly became a fan favorite and a chart-topping hit. It tells a heartwarming story of young love that begins with a simple note passed in grade school, asking “Do you love me? Check yes or no.” The narrative follows the couple as they grow up and their love endures over time. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and Strait’s smooth vocals, “Check Yes or No” captures the innocence and enduring nature of true love, making it a beloved classic in his extensive catalog.
6. Carrying Your Love With Me
“Carrying Your Love with Me” by George Strait is a heartfelt country ballad released in 1997 as the title track and lead single from his album of the same name. The song, written by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens, tells the story of a man who finds strength and solace in the love of his partner, no matter where he goes. With its emotive lyrics and Strait’s smooth, evocative vocals, the song captures the essence of enduring love and the comfort it brings. “Carrying Your Love with Me” topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming one of Strait’s numerous number-one hits and a cherished favorite among fans.
7. The Chair
“The Chair” is a song by George Strait, released in August 1985 as the lead single from his album *Something Special*. Written by the successful songwriting duo Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran, the song is considered one of Strait’s most memorable hits and a classic in country music.
The song is a storytelling ballad that takes place in a bar, where the narrator approaches a woman with a charming line about “the chair” she’s sitting in. The narrative unfolds as a conversation, with the narrator making clever and endearing remarks to capture the woman’s interest. The subtle humor and romantic tension in the lyrics are complemented by Strait’s smooth and engaging vocal delivery.
“The Chair” is notable for its minimalistic yet effective arrangement, featuring gentle acoustic guitar, fiddle, and pedal steel guitar that highlight the song’s laid-back and intimate atmosphere. The conversational style of the lyrics and Strait’s effortless performance make the song feel genuine and relatable.
“The Chair” was a major hit for George Strait, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It became one of his signature songs and remains a fan favorite. The song’s success helped to solidify Strait’s reputation as a masterful storyteller and a leading artist in country music.
Over the years, “The Chair” has continued to be celebrated for its clever songwriting, memorable melody, and Strait’s charismatic interpretation. It stands as a testament to his ability to bring everyday situations to life through music, making it a timeless piece in his extensive repertoire.
8. All My Exs Live In Texas
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait is a quintessential country song released in 1987 as a single from his album “Ocean Front Property.” Written by Sanger D. Shafer and Lyndia J. Shafer, the song humorously details the singer’s predicament of having all his ex-girlfriends residing in Texas, leading him to live in Tennessee to avoid them. With its catchy, honky-tonk melody and Strait’s smooth, charismatic vocals, the song became an instant hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and is celebrated for its witty lyrics and classic country sound, remaining a favorite in George Strait’s extensive repertoire.
9. Give It Away
“Give It Away” by George Strait is a poignant country song released in 2006 as the lead single from his album “It Just Comes Natural.” Written by Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon, and Jamey Johnson, the song tells the story of a man whose relationship has ended, with his ex-partner insisting he “give away” everything that reminds her of their time together. The song’s heartfelt lyrics, combined with Strait’s emotive delivery and traditional country instrumentation, convey the deep sense of loss and resignation. “Give It Away” resonated deeply with listeners, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning awards, including the CMA Award for Single of the Year.
10. Troubadour
“Troubadour” is a song by George Strait, released in June 2008 as the title track and second single from his album *Troubadour*. Written by Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes, the song is a reflective and poignant ballad that captures the essence of Strait’s career and personal journey as a musician.
The song’s lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the enduring spirit of a troubadour, a term used to describe a traveling musician and storyteller. Strait sings about his experiences and memories, acknowledging that while he may have aged, his passion for music and performing remains as strong as ever. The chorus, with lines like “I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song / And I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone,” emphasizes the timeless nature of his musical journey.
“Troubadour” features a traditional country arrangement with acoustic guitar, fiddle, and pedal steel guitar, creating a warm and nostalgic sound that complements the song’s reflective lyrics. Strait’s heartfelt and sincere vocal delivery adds depth and authenticity to the track.
The song received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, praised for its introspective lyrics and Strait’s emotive performance. It reached number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has since become one of Strait’s most beloved songs.
“Troubadour” resonates with many listeners, especially those who have followed Strait’s long and illustrious career. Its themes of enduring passion, reflection, and the passage of time make it a standout track in George Strait’s extensive catalog, embodying the spirit of the legendary country artist.