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Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

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Tony Maples Photography

 

It should first be outlined that to determine these songs, we took into account that Texans, and those that wish they were, all have one thing in common – a great amount of state pride. We also recognized that country music has some Texas roots; some “traditional”, some “outlaw.” And, yes, there many other genres that have produced great Texas songs, but this list is a compilation of country (classic to current), which is qualified only by the audience that loves it.

The number of country music songs about Texas, like the state itself, is huge, so the process of pinpointing just 5 is tricky at best! But never let it be said it would be dull! Full of sway and swagger, here is a list of the top five country songs about Texas.

1. “Luckenbach Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” – Waylon Jennings, ft. Willie Nelson

Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

Photo: Facebook/Waylon Jennings

Released in ’77 as the first single from the “Ol’ Waylon” album, “Luckenbach Texas” was written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons. It references a strained marriage due to high finances and “…keepin’ up with the Joneses” and is still relatable to this day.

2. “All My Exes Live in Texas” – George Strait

Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

Photo: Facebook/RFD-TV’s The American

The first appearance on this top-five list by Texas native George Strait was released in 1987 and won a Grammy award for Best Country Song. A version of “All My Exes Live in Texas” appears in the movie “Road House” and the song continues its popularity to this day.

3. “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” – Alabama

Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

Photo: Facebook/Alabama

A band named after another state altogether paying tribute to the great state of Texas is the truest form of country music irony, and it pays off! It was the group’s fourteenth consecutive number-one single listed on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart after being released in 1984 as the third single from Alabama’s “Roll On” album.

4. “Deep in the Heart of Texas” – Gene Autry

Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

Photo: Facebook/The Heartland Network

Gene Autry shot this title to stardom by singing the song in the movie ‘Heart of the Rio Grande’ in 1942. It had prior levels of modest infamy through recordings by Perry Como and Ted Weems and has been performed by a number of school bands at pre-game shows ever since.

5. “Take Me to Texas” – George Strait

Country Songs That Sing of Texas: Top Five Full of Swagger

Photo: Facebook/George Strait Fan Club

Released on his album of the same name and featured in the “Texas Rising” mini-series “Take Me to Texas” is an epic Texas tribute song, sung by Texas-born George Strait. His second appearance on this list, the song was written by Shane McAnally and singer Brandy Clark, harkening back to the history of Texas and its strong beginnings.