27 Best Songs About Austin
Welcome to Austin, the Lone Star State's capital and “The Live Music Capital of the World.” This vibrant city has earned its reputation for its thriving music scene, from the annual South by Southwest festivals to the legendary Austin City Limits.
Many talented musicians call Austin their birthplace, and countless others have been inspired by its charm, writing songs that pay homage to this beautiful city. So, let's put on our cowboy boots and get ready to groove to the best songs about Austin, Texas.
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1. “Austin” by Blake Shelton
Song Year: 2001
What better way to start this list than a song simply titled “Austin”?
The song was country artist Blake Shelton’s very first single from his self-titled debut. And what a debut it was. “Austin” was #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks straight.
Shelton shares about leaving a recording on his answering machine in his song. The message is directed towards a woman he deeply cares for, who has returned to Austin. Shelton's lyrics convey a sense of emotion and connection to the woman he loves.
2. “From Austin” by Zach Bryan
Song Year: 2022
It’s probably safe to say that Zach Bryan is the only country singer on this list born in Japan. But he got his country roots, honestly, growing up in Oklahoma.
Always moving through town to town when you are in a band, it is difficult to have a long-term relationship despite having found the woman you love.
The singer knows he must leave Austin to allow his love the opportunity to settle down in a stable relationship, no matter how much it breaks his heart.
3. “London Homesick Blues” by Jerry Jeff Walker
Song Year: 2015
Jerry Jeff Walker is homesick for Texas. Who can blame him?
When the Austinite travels to London, England, to play the bars there, he realizes how much he wishes he was home. The only friend he had there was his guitar.
There is nothing like the friendly people, pretty women, and good country music you find in Texas. Walker sings about the fact that England has no sense of humor, no cowboy boots, and no heat. He can’t get out of there fast enough.
4. “Dublin Blues” by Guy Clark
Song Year: 1995
Jerry Jeff Walker is not the only Texas musician suffering the blues. Folk and country legend Guy Clark also pine for his home state.
Clark had a long, successful career of over 40 years, recording 20 albums. His songs have been covered by the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Jimmy Buffett.
Finding himself alone in Dublin, rolling cigarettes, Clark wishes he was back in Austin with a cold margarita.
5. “Dime Store Cowgirl” by Kacey Musgraves
Song Year: 2015
Born in Golden, Texas, Kacey Musgraves is golden herself, winning numerous Grammy and Country Music Awards for her blend of country, pop, and folk music.
In “Dime Store Cowgirl,” Musgraves recounts her journey to the Austin city limits. She embarks on a cross-country trip, taking in various sights along the way. However, Musgraves remains true to her country roots regardless of where she travels.
The song serves as a testament to her unwavering identity and connection to her upbringing.
6. “Sangria Wine” by Jerry Jeff Walker
Song Year: 1999
Jerry Jeff Walker sure loves his “Sangria Wine.” Getting drunk with your friends, what’s not to love?
Migrating from New York and busking across the country, Walker made Texas his home and started a family. He would live in Austin until his death in 2020.
“Sangria Wine” was a favorite song performed at his birthday celebration in Austin every year. Some of country music’s biggest stars would come out to celebrate with Jerry Jeff.
7. “South of RoundRock, Texas” by Dale Watson
Song Year: 1995
Dale Watson perfectly captures the imagery of the city just “South of Round Rock, Texas”: Austin.
The world's live music capital is kicking every night with the two-step and a heaping dose of Southern hospitality. It is no wonder that Watson is a legend in Austin who performs there frequently. His career has spanned more than 40 years and is still going strong.
8. “Texas on a Saturday Night” by Willie Nelson
Song Year: 1995
One of the most recognizable figures in country music is the outlaw himself, Willie Nelson. He helped pioneer outlaw country, leading a group of rebels who created their genre of music.
“Texas on a Saturday Night” is Nelson telling it like it is: there is nothing quite like a Saturday night in Texas. Even the bright lights of Las Vegas or New York City do not compare to the honkytonk fun of a Saturday night in the Lone Star state.
Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas, just north of Austin. His song celebrates all of Texas, from San Antonio to Dallas to Amarillo.
9. “Austin Prison” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1966
If anyone knows a thing or two about prison, it’s Johnny Cash. He famously performed concerts in front of San Quentin and Folsom prison inmates.
The sheriff comes looking for Cash to take him to “Austin Prison” for a murder he is supposed to have committed. However, in the song, the singer is having none of it. Despite being convicted and sentenced to death row, he manages to escape and get far away from Austin.
10. “Midnight in Austin Texas” by Renee Olstead
Song Year: 2009
Born in Houston, Texas, Renee Olstead shows she is more than a country girl. She has a little bit of swing in her, too.
“Midnight in Austin Texas” is a jazzy number, unlike many songs about the state capital. Olstead tells a stranger how it would be a shame to spend a Saturday night in Austin alone. She is not looking for a long-term relationship, just a little fun.
