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.
