17 Best Songs About Houston
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“Houston #1” by Coldplay
Song Year: 2017
“Houston #1” has a touching history dating back to 2017. Coldplay couldn’t perform live in Houston because of the severe damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. The band played this track through a live stream, sending love to the city inhabitants.
The lyrics portray Houston to be unique. The song proclaims harmony as prevailing in the city. The song urges Houstonians to hold on amidst hard times brought on by natural disaster. The band performed the song only once, making it a unique token of remembrance and good will toward Houston – and warranting its feature in our list.
“My Hometown” by Charlie Robison
Song Year: 1998
A country singer and songwriter from Houston, Texas, Charlie Robison, released his song “My Hometown” on October 6, 1998. The song is about Charlie Robison’s nostalgia for his birthplace.
The song is a chronology of his life and experiences in several places – notably Houston. It recalls his past experiences, but speaks to his life as a musician moving forward – with little time to stick around. He’s essentially just drifting through. However, he doesn’t fall out with his friends and family – as his roots. He ‘promises’ to meet them again if the opportunity arises but also gives the impression that he’s too forward bound now.
“Letter From Houston” By Rod Wave
Song Year: 2020
This track was released in 2020 by the rapper Rod Wave, from the album, Pray 4 Love. The song is about a girl he loves, and pretty sentimental. Despite the track’s melancholy tone and Rod Wave’s hard exterior, the song is deeply romantic – Rod Wave proclaims he’d be willing to give away all his success to be with this woman. Houston clearly evokes these past feelings deep within him.
“Ridin’” by Chamillionaire
Song Year: 2005
“Ridin’” by Chamillionaire was released on his 2005 album, The Sound Of Revenge. Perhaps one of the most iconic songs from the list, the song narrates the Chamillionaire’s experiences with police officers who commonly profile and target young black men.
The narrator describes being pulled over and searched by police – while ridin.’ He mentions his complete disgust with being racially profiled, and treated like a criminal – he just wants to be able to show off his ride through his neighborhood. Despite the extremely serious nature of the song’s content, the song is pretty satirical and playful.
“Houston Solution” by Ronnie Milsap
Song Year: 1989
With his 1989 Houston-focused country smash, pianist and vocalist Ronnie Milsap was on the right track. Although he was raised in North Carolina, this song demonstrates his passion for Houston’s unique charm.
In the song “Houston Solution,” Ronnie Milsap talks about how his sadness was alleviated, like a lifted burden, by moving to Houston. He can phone up his friends and drink in Space City. The song is a testimonial to Houston’s southern hospitality and emboldened community.
“Welcome 2 Houston” by Slim Thug
Song Year: 2009
The song “Welcome 2 Houston” is from Slim Thug’s album, Boss of All Bosses, released in 2009. He pays tribute to Houston, his hometown, for its vibrant culture and heritage – he portrays the city as a hotbed of hustlers and even gives a nod to the iconic DJ Screw. Slim Thug has previously collaborated with some of Houston’s most well-known contemporary rap artists.
“Southside” by Lil’ Keke
Song Year: 1997
The Houston rapper, Lil’ Keke, released the track “Southside” in 1997. He pays tribute to the Southside of Houston, where he grew up and still resides. The legendary rapper celebrates the community and culture of the Southside.
This track also shows Houstonians’ pride and loyalty to their neighborhoods. It depicts the unique community of Houston – specifically within the thriving rap scene (circa late 90s).
“Houston” by Austine Plaine
Song Year: 2015
Austin Plaine’s song “Houston,” from his self-titled first album, was released on September 11, 2015. In this bittersweet song, the narrator has left his hometown of Houston for new pastures – initially perceived as greener.
However, in doing so, he leaves his love behind. He misses her, and quickly realizes that life isn’t the same without his romantic half – proclaiming his sort of ‘internal’ return to Houston, as both Houston and romance occupy his every thought.
Austine uses various settings and circumstances – often tropes of country music, such as a railroad track, a highway, and an inn, to depict his loneliness and melancholy.
Top Songs About Houston, Final Thoughts
Houston is not only the hometown of some of the best musicians in America, but is often loved by other American musicians. The best songs about Houston listed above illustrate either the lifestyle, cultural roots, or deep admiration for Houston. From Travis Scott to Austine Plaine, many have mentioned it in song.
