George Strait is one of the most iconic and influential country musicians of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, he has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles that have become classics in the genre. Known for his traditional country sound and heartfelt lyrics, Strait has become a beloved figure in the music industry and a symbol of authenticity and honesty.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best George Strait songs of all time. We will take a journey through his extensive discography and highlight the songs that have made the biggest impact on his career and the country music industry as a whole. From his early hits in the 1980s to his later releases in the 2010s, we will showcase the songs that have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. George Strait’s music has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, and his legacy as the “King of Country” continues to endure. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we celebrate the life and career of one of the greatest country musicians of all time through the top 10 best George Strait songs of all time.
1. “Amarillo By Morning”
George Strait's legendary status in country music is attributed to his masterful rendition of classic songs. One such masterpiece, "Amarillo By Morning"NLP, secures the top spot on our list of the best George Strait songs of all time. The song captures the essence of rodeo culture and its riders' struggles through captivating lyrics accompanied by a rhythmic tune that can get anyone's feet tapping.
The infectious melody and relatable lyrics make "Amarillo By Morning"NLP an unforgettable track. It narrates the trials and tribulations of a rodeo cowboy through a seamless narrative brought to life by Strait's emotional voice. The song has become synonymous with documenting the fast-paced and relentless pursuit for success in rodeo competition.
Interestingly enough, "Amarillo By Morning"NLP was not an instant hit when it came out in 1983 but has since become a favorite amongst George Strait fans worldwide. It speaks volumes about how timeless the song is and how well it resonates with audiences across generations. To top it off, its composition includes fiddles, guitars, drums and other instruments that contribute to its overall foot-stomping vibe.
Pro Tip: Listen to "Amarillo By Morning" in its original form – on vinyl – to appreciate its authentic sound quality.
George Strait's 'Give It Away' is a song about giving things away, but I would never give away the experience of listening to it.
2. “Give It Away”
This track by George Strait is considered to be one of the best songs he has ever created. It has a profound impact on the listeners and has become an all-time favorite.
- “Give It Away” won the Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year in 2007.
- The song was written by seasoned musicians Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon, and Jamey Johnson.
- The lyrics tell a story of a failed relationship where both partners gave up trying to save it.
- The haunting melody with emotional vocals evokes feelings of heartbreak and loss in the audience.
- The song is an ode to love gone wrong and is relatable to anyone who has experienced a break-up or separation.
Listeners have always been drawn towards this song because of how raw and honest it is. The melancholy tune coupled with its soul-stirring lyrics make it exceptional.
George Strait had an intuitive way of choosing songs that would connect with his fans. “Give It Away” continues to be one such track that holds a special place in people's hearts.
An interesting fact about this song is that when it was first recommended to George, he did not like it as he thought it was too depressing. But after giving it some more listens, he changed his mind, and now we have one of the most iconic country music tracks of all time!
George may not actually own oceanfront property, but his soothing voice and this song make you feel like you do.
3. “Ocean Front Property”
This song tells the story of a man trying to sell his ex-lover “ocean front property in Arizona,” as a way to avoid admitting that their relationship is over. The lyrics are lighthearted and humorous, with a lively melody that captures the charm of traditional country music. Strait’s smooth vocals perfectly convey the playful tone of the song, and his easygoing style makes it easy to sing along to. “Ocean Front Property” is an absolute classic and remains one of Strait’s most beloved hits.
Fun fact: The music video for “Ocean Front Property” features cameos from various country stars, including Randy Travis and Ricky Skaggs.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a fun karaoke song that’s guaranteed to get everyone singing along, “Ocean Front Property” is an excellent choice.
Get ready to be serenaded by the king of country as George Strait takes us on a lyrical journey with 'Troubadour'.
4. “Troubadour”
George Strait's masterpiece, "Troubadour," is one of his most beloved tracks that depicts a traveling musician who has been singing for as long as he remembers. The song's chorus echoes the feelings of a seasoned performer who knows exactly what to say and when to say it, creating an instant connection with the audience. With its memorable melody and insightful lyrics, "Troubadour" remains a fan favorite, showcasing Strait's vocal range and storytelling prowess.
In the second verse, Strait sings about staying true to your roots while exploring new horizons, encapsulating his own remarkable career. Much like the character in the song, Strait has always stayed true to country music while continuously pushing its boundaries and experimenting with different genres.
What makes "Troubadour" even more special is how it reflects on Strait’s own life as a performer – he has been performing for over four decades and is still going strong. He continues to write songs that inspire generations of country musicians while delivering soulful performances that leave audiences in awe.
According to sources, "Troubadour" was written by Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes and produced by Tony Brown.
George Strait proves that even the toughest cowboy has a heart with the timeless classic ‘Love Without End, Amen'.
5. “Love Without End, Amen”
This George Strait classic, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Country chart, tells the emotional story of a father's love for his son. The song's refrain, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love / A secret that my daddy said was just between us," speaks to the deep bond between parent and child. With its simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, "Love Without End, Amen" stands out as one of Strait's most beloved songs.
The song continues with the father sharing moments from his own life when he struggled and how his fatherly love towards his child has no end. The chorus depicts how the bond is unbreakable by time or distance, explaining that even when they're fighting or angry, it does not mean an end to their relationship.
An interesting detail about this song is that it was based on real-life experiences as George Strait was himself a loving father. Additionally, it has been performed live countless times during his concerts and has never failed to impress fans of all ages.
Undoubtedly, "Love Without End, Amen" is more than your average country ballad; it's an ode to parenthood from a legendary performer who knew firsthand what it takes to be a devoted family man. It serves as a reminder for all the fathers out there that their love for their children should never have an expiration date.
If you're looking for an ex, just head to Texas – according to George Strait, that's where they all seem to be hanging out.
6. “All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
This classic George Strait song, which is number six in our list of the best George Strait songs of all time, takes a lighthearted approach to heartbreak. The lyrics are playful and witty, detailing the singer's exes who all live in Texas. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it an enduring favorite among country music fans. Strait's vocals shine, as always, giving life to the humorous lyrics while maintaining his signature style. It's no wonder this song became a chart-topping hit when it was released in 1987.
One of "All My Ex's Live In Texas" many strengths is its ability to evoke nostalgia for a simpler time in country music history. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but still manages to convey heartache and longing through its clever wordplay. It also showcases Strait's timeless talent for storytelling through song. And of course, the line 'All my exes live in Texas' has become an iconic catchphrase that epitomizes both the country genre and breakups.
It's hard not to sing along when "All My Ex's Live In Texas" comes on – it holds up even after more than three decades since its release – and it remains one of the standout tracks in King George's legendary career. Don't miss out on listening to this classic tune; if you haven't heard it yet, you're missing out!
George Strait's 'I Cross My Heart' is the perfect song for weddings or for pretending you're in one while singing in the shower.
7. “I Cross My Heart”
This love song named after a beautiful quote has become everyone's favorite. George Strait leaves no stone unturned in expressing his commitment and loyalty to his partner in this soulful ballad. The lyrics of the song are so heartfelt that they manage to strike all the right chords, making it an instant classic. The slow-paced melody brings out the deep emotions and sincerity in Strait's voice, making it truly memorable. It's no surprise that "I Cross My Heart" is considered one of George Strait's timeless classics.
As one of his best-selling singles, "I Cross My Heart" holds a special place in many people's hearts. Its simple yet profound lyrics speak directly to the heart with lines like "In all the world, you'll never find a love as true as mine" and "You've got my heart and soul, you've got me baby". This song has been popular for weddings and romantic events since its release, standing testament to its timelessness.
The video of this timeless classic has also added another dimension to the song, bringing it to life on screen with scenes from Pure Country shot in Texas Hill Country. Released as part of the soundtrack album Pure Country (1992), "I Cross My Heart" went on to win several accolades including being nominated for Best Country Song at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards.
Listening to "I Cross My Heart" reminds everyone about true love and commitment, making it a perfect addition to any playlist or occasion that celebrates everlasting love.
Even non-country fans can't resist the charm of 'The Chair' – trust us, we've seen it in action.
8. “The Chair”
This entry on the list highlights one of George Strait’s greatest hits, a song that has cemented his legacy in country music. The tune describes a man who tries to win over a woman by showing her an empty chair and convincing her to sit in it. As the story unfolds, he praises the chair as if it were the perfect spot for her. The lyrics showcase Strait's storytelling abilities and his ability to capture the essence of unrequited love through music.
"The Chair" reached number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart in 1985 and remains one of Strait's signature hits today. Its popularity stands testament to Strait's long-lasting influence on country music and his ability to create timeless classics that resonate with audiences decades after their release.
Check yes or no… or you might miss out on a George Strait classic that'll make you want to two-step all night long!
9. “Check Yes Or No”
This iconic number can be regarded as one of the best compositions by George Strait. It's an evergreen love song that forms a part of many couples' playlists to date. The upbeat melody and romantic lyrics reflect the innocence and simplicity of adolescent love, which makes it relatable for people across all ages.
The beautiful way in which George expresses his feelings keeps listeners hooked on to this track. "Check Yes or No" is a classic example of his unique artistry in blending sounds with meaningful words. This composition stands out from others because of its connective value that reaches out to every romantic wandering soul.
Interestingly, the song was inspired by filmmaker Chris Malatesta's childhood memory when he passed a note with the same message, "Do you love me? Check yes or no," to his crush in class. This simple act went on to inspire this magical composition by King George that still resonates with us after all these years.
George Strait is carrying my heart away with the touching lyrics of 'Carrying Your Love With Me' – it's like he's my personal heart courier.
10. “Carrying Your Love With Me”
This popular George Strait track speaks to the poignant and bittersweet feelings of leaving behind a loved one while embarking on life's journeys. The heartfelt lyrics and upbeat tempo make "Carrying Your Love With Me" an uplifting yet emotional ballad that many fans can relate to. The gentle melody provides the perfect backdrop for Strait's signature vocals, earning this song a spot among his most memorable hits.
Continuing with the theme of enduring love, George Strait's "I Cross My Heart" is another favorite among fans. This romantic track features soft instrumentation and touching lyrics that showcase the singer's penchant for expressing deep emotions through his music. From weddings to anniversaries, this song has become a staple at many special events over the years.
Beyond his chart-topping hits, George Strait has also been recognized for his contribution to country music with numerous awards and accolades. With over 60 number one singles under his belt and millions of albums sold worldwide, there's no doubt that he will be remembered as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
George Strait once said that he sings "real country songs for real people", and it is clear from his loyal fan base that this sentiment resonates deeply with many. As he continues to tour and release new music, it is evident that his legacy in the world of country music will stand the test of time.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
