37 Best George Strait Songs
George Strait is an American country music songwriter, singer, actor, and music producer who many consider among the most influential recording artists of all time. In this list, we’ll showcase the best George Strait songs ever.
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“Troubadour”
Song year: 2008
“Troubadour” was released as the second single from his 25th studio album of the same name. Not only did it chart at number seven on the US Hot Country Songs chart, but it peaked at 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also up for the nomination of Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards.
This ballad features a narrator reflecting on his life as a troubadour. He feels content with his accomplishments, stating that he always was and always will be a troubadour.
“Check Yes or No”
Song year: 1995
“Check Yes or No” was another of George Strait's biggest hits, and his 28th number-one track on the Billboard Hot Country Chart. It was triple platinum certified after exceeding three million sales in the United States.
Strait sings from a boy's perspective now that he's an adult. He recalls receiving a kiss from a girl on the playground, and she then slides him a note in class, prompting him to “check yes or no” to let her know if he likes her too.
“I Cross My Heart”
Song year: 1992
“I Cross My Heart” is a track written by Steve Dorff and Eric Kaz, appearing as the first single to George Strait's album Pure Country. There was also a movie with the same title, and this was the soundtrack to it. It topped both the United States and Canadian country music charts.
This beautiful love song features a narrator who is in love and entirely devoted to his partner. He describes his immense love for her, stating she could never find a love as great as his.
“Carrying Your Love With Me”
Song year: 1997
“Carrying Your Love with Me” is a song penned by Jeff Stevens and Steve Bogard as the second single and title track of Strait's 17th studio album. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. It was also nominated for the “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” at the '98 Grammy Awards.
The song describes a man, likely Strait, who often travels out of state. During his time away from home, he keeps the love of his significant other with him.
“Write This Down”
Song year: 1999
Dana Hunt Black and Kent Robbins wrote “Write This Down,” with George Strait recording and releasing it as the second single from his album, Always Never the Same. It became Strait's 35th number-one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. It also topped at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics describe a man who may not be able to communicate his love effectively, so he tells his wife to write down his words so she never forgets how much he loves her.
“All My Ex's Live in Texas”
Song year: 1987
“All My Ex's Live in Texas” is another number-one hit on the Hot Country chart, where George Strait proclaims his love for Texas, though he cannot return. While in the Lone Star State, Strait left behind a trail of broken hearts, leaving him to reside in Tennessee.
The title uses an incorrect possessive apostrophe and should read “exes” versus “ex's.” Strait hasn't explained why he chose to write it as such.
“Baby's Gotten Good at Goodbye”
Song year: 1988
Tony and Troy Martin wrote the song “Baby's Gotten Good at Goodbye,” which appeared as the first single on George Strait's album, Beyond the Blue Neon. This song hit #1 on the US Hot Country Songs and Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts.
The song describes a man who learned that his wife is leaving him again, likely for good this time. She didn't shed a tear as she walked away and perfected her goodbye.
“Amarillo by Morning”
Song year: 1982
“Amarillo by Morning” is a rodeo ballad that many credits for propelling George Strait into stardom. Despite being one of Straiit's most famous songs, it peaked at number 4 on the Country charts. However, CMT named it the 12th-best country song of all time.
The song reflects on a rodeo cowboy's life on the road. His lifestyle caused him to lose a wife and girlfriend along the way.
“The Chair”
Song year: 1987
“The Chair” is also a George Strait hit that CMT named one of the 100 greatest country songs of all time. It was a massive hit at the time and would become one of 51 number-one hits by Strait.
The lyrics depict a conversation between a man and woman at a club, with only the man's side revealed. It begins with the young man telling the woman she has his chair. As they continue to talk, the conversation grows more intimate, leading the woman to let him drive her home.
“She'll Leave You With A Smile”
Song year: 1997
“She'll Leave You With A Smile” was George Strait's 50th number-one single, which broke Conway Twitty's record of number-one singles in country music.
The song explores the theme of a woman leaving a man. Once all is said and done, the man still loves her even as time goes on. He's sad to lose her but enjoys all his memories of spending time with her.
“Ocean Front Property”
Song year: 1986
“Ocean Front Property” is another George Strait track that hit number one in both the United States and Canadian Country charts. It was Strait's first single and title track from his seventh album and has appeared in several best country song lists.
The song is from the perspective of a rodeo cowboy whose busy lifestyle has led to many losses and hardships. However, he doesn't regret anything and won't let the memory of his ex-lover haunt him.
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne”
Song year: 1996
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is a song about a rodeo cowboy's life and sacrifices. He calls his love to see how she's doing and apologizes for his cowboy lifestyle being a priority over the relationship. However, he reassures her he will be home.
Something in her tone alerts him, with the chorus revealing that the woman left him for another man. The song peaked at number two on the Canada Country Tracks and four on the US Hot Country Songs charts.
“Run”
Song year: 2001
“Run” was released as the lead single on George Strait's album, The Road Less Traveled. It reached number two on the United States Country chart and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Written by Anthony Smith and Tony Lane, the song's narrator tells his lover to leave Dallas, Texas, and run to him. He lists various forms of transportation she could take throughout the song.
“Give It Away”
Song year: 2006
Conway Twitty held the record for having the most number one's on the Hot Country Songs chart for over 20 years. However, “Give It Away” hit number 1, making it Strait's 41st number-one hit and breaking the record.
The lyrics come from the point of view of a man whose wife is leaving him. When she heads out, he asks why she isn't taking any possessions and what he should do with them. Her reply to each is to “give it away.”
“The Best Day”
Song year: 2000
Written by Dean Dillon and Carson Chamberlain, “The Best Day” is the first single on Strait's compilation album Latest Greatest Straitest Hits. It peaked on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart.
The track is about a father recalling his son describing activities throughout his life, like a father-son campout, getting his first car, a Chevrolet Corvette, and finally, the son's wedding day.
“Give It All We Got Tonight”
Song year: 2012
“Give It All We Got Tonight” is George Strait's 28th album's first single. It's a romantic ballad who wasn't sure if he could pull it off initially.
Thankfully he took on the song, as it led to a historic milestone; his 60th number-one single day before his 61st birthday. Strait became the first music artist in any genre to place 60 songs at the top of the charts.
“Baby Blue”
Song year: 1988
George Strait's daughter, Jennifer, was killed in a car accident when she was thirteen. It's rumored that the song “Baby Blue” is dedicated to her.
However, some view the song as a love song, much like many of Strait's hits. The song describes a beautiful lady with baby blue eyes.
“Heartland”
Song year: 1992
“Heartland” was the theme song to the film Pure Country, starring George Strait himself. It was his movie debut and is his only major motion picture. The movie begins with the song sung by Strait's real-life son.
The song is about the heartland of America and feeling at home there. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
“Living And Living Well”
Song year: 2002
Penned by Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, and Tom Shapiro, “Living And Living Well” is the second single from Strait's album, The Road Less Traveled.
The song peaked on the United States Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and peaked at 27 on the Hot 100 chart, making it a crossover hit. The lyrics describe the difference between living and living well, with the difference being with your significant other.
“I Hate Everything”
Song year: 2002
In this song, Strait sings about meeting a guy in a bar who tells the story of divorcing his wife and currently hating the conditions of his life. By the song's end, Strait realizes he doesn't want to be like that guy and works things out with his wife.
This was the lead single from his compilation album, and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks in October, then peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“I Saw God Today”
Song year: 2008
In this song, the narrator tells the story about how a newly born little girl helps him pay more attention to all God created. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 19, the highest debut in his career.
The lyrics remind us to not take things for granted. It describes small moments of gratitude, like seeing the colors of the sunset, flowers, and more significant moments, like being with his daughter.
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls”
Song year: 2007
“How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” was released as the fourth single from Straights album, It Just Comes Natural. The album title seems valid, with this song reached number three in the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, as well as 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It's a mid-tempo song in which the narrator talks about how he's been all over the country and seen a lot along the way, but all he can think about is “them cowgirls.”
“Here For A Good Time”
Song year: 2011
“Here For A Good Time” is George Strait's 89th career single, penned by Strait, his son, Bubba Strait, and one of his songwriters, Dean Dillon. The song debuted at number 29, his highest debut since “I Saw God Today.”
It's a song of optimism and not letting the little things get you down. The narrator states that since he won't be here long, he will have a good time.
“River Of Love”
Song year: 2008
“River Of Love” is a country song mixed with a Caribbean and R&b tune, with the title using “river” as a metaphor for love. Strait encourages a woman to go on a romantic ride in his boat.
This was Strait's 44th number 1 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart. Strait also performed this song live at the 2008 CMA Awards.
“The Breath You Take”
Song year: 2009
“The Breath You Take” is the fourth single from Strait's 26th studio album, Twang, and is the 91st single of his career. It was a Top 10 Country hit song and was nominated for Best Country Song at the 2011 Grammy Awards.
The lyrics describe the importance of savoring the critical moments in our lives, both large and small. He tells the story through fatherly love, sharing happy and emotionally jarring moments.
“Cowboys Like Us”
Song year: 2003
Penned by Bob DiPeiero and Anthony Smith, George Strait released the song “Cowboys Like Us” as the second single from his album Honkytonkville. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Strait wrote several songs about being a cowboy, rodeos, and the great state of Texas. However, this one is a little different, with cowboys who ride on steel horses with wheels, AKA motorcycles.
“You'll Be There”
Song year: 2005
Written by Cory Mayo, “You'll Be There” was the lead single from George Strait's album, Somewhere Down in Texas. The song peaked at number 4 on, you guessed it, the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and 54 on the Hot 100 charts.
The lyrics are an ode to someone who has died, with the narrator talking about the journey to Heaven and seeing them on the “other side.”
“Living For The Night”
Song year: 2009
“Living For The Night” was the debut single from Strait's album, Twang and his 88th single release in his career. He wrote this with his song, Bubba Strait.
In this track, the male narrator expresses his feelings after losing someone in his life. He describes going to the bar at night and drinking whiskey to dull the pain and forget his problems.
“It Just Comes Natural”
Song year: 2006
George Strait released “It Just Comes Natural” on his twenty-fourth studio album of the same name.
It Just Comes Natural also topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the US and Canada and became Strait's 42nd number-one single.
This mid-tempo track features a narrator discussing things that happen naturally in life. He talks about how his love for his significant other comes naturally.
“I Just Want To Dance With You”
Song year: 1998
“I Just Want To Dance With You was a song written by John Prine and Roger Cook and initially recorded for Prine's '86 album, German Afternoons. Strait Covered the track for the lead-off single to his album, One Step at a Time.
As the song suggests, the narrator wants to dance with someone he's attracted to. The song became Strait's 34th number-one hit on the Country charts.
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar”
Song year: 2019
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” is another song Strait penned with his son Bubba and his frequent songwriter Dean Dillon. Bubba suggested the song nearing the end of their writing session, and the other two knew they couldn't pass it up.
Thankfully for them, they got to work on the song. It was Strait's biggest hit in six years, peaking at number 20 on the US country chart.
“What Do You Say To That”
Song year: 1997
“What Do You Say To That” was initially written and recorded by Lauderdale for his album, Whisper. George Strait released his version as the third single for his Always Never the Same album.
The song performed well, peaking at number 4 in the United States and 2 in Canada. It's a love song, with the narrator emphasizing the importance of his lover in his life.
“I Gotta Get To You”
Song year: 2009
“I Gotta Get To You” was George Strait's 90th single in his career and the third single from his album, Twang. The song is an upbeat track about a man wanting to romance his significant other.
When this tune hit number 9 on Billboard's Top Country Songs chart, Strait became the first to hit the top 10 on any Billboard chart every year for 30 consecutive years. This song was his 82nd top-ten hit.
“Unwound”
Song year: 1981
“Unwound” was Strait's debut single, where he describes going on a bender when his relationship unravels. He talks about how his love was wrapped around his finger, causing him to come unwound.
Strait's go-to songwriters, Dean Dillon, and Frank Dycus, wrote the song in roughly 45 minutes. The track peaked at number six on the Country Singles chart and became Strait's first top-ten hit.
“Round About Way”
Song year: 1997
“Round About Way” is a song where Strait is a heartbroken tough guy who tells his friends that he's doing okay, though he's crying at night thinking about the woman he lost.
He tells his friends he misses her in a “round-about way,” actually meaning that he misses her around midnight. This was Strait's 33rd number-one hit on the US Country Singles & Tracks chart.
“Fool Hearted Memory”
Song year: 1982
“Fool Hearted Memory” was George Strait's first number one Country single and the song on the ASCAP award for the most-played Country song of 1982.
The film, The Soldier included this tune on the soundtrack, and Strait makes a cameo. Songwriter Byron Hill recalled writing this song for the movie, stating they'd only commit to it if it were released as a single.”
“Ace in the Hole”
Song year: 2009
“Ace in the Hole” is a song written by Dennis Adkins and released on George Strait's album Blue Neon as the third single from the LP. It would become his 18th number-one Country single and his 11th chart-topper in a row.
The lyrics describe keeping tricks up your sleeve to get ahead in life. Its title is a phrase meaning having a powerful advantage, specifically relating to poker.
Top George Strait Songs, Final Thoughts
George Strait is one of the most famous Country music artists whose written over 100 charted singles. However, George Strait songs aren't only popular amongst Country music fans, with some songs hitting the Billboard Hot 100. No matter what type of track you like, Strait likely has one for you.
