Music and Texas go together like barbecue and brisket—a match made in heaven.
There’s something about the Lone Star State that inspires melodies as vast as its skies and lyrics as deep as its history.
From tales of love and heartbreak to celebrations of rugged independence, these songs capture the essence of Texas in ways words alone can’t.
Some will make you laugh, others might bring a tear to your eye, but all of them have one thing in common: they make you feel Texas.
1. “Amarillo Sky” by McBride & The Ride
“He just takes the tractor another round,
And pulls the plow across the ground,
And he says, ‘Lord, I never complain, I never ask why,
But please, don’t let my dreams run dry, underneath this Amarillo sky.’”
This heartfelt ballad takes you to the life of a Texan farmer struggling against hailstorms, drought, and financial pressures. It’s not just a song about hardship but also resilience—a testament to the backbone of Texas agriculture.
2. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait
“All my exes live in TexasAnd Texas is a place I’d dearly love to beBut all my exes live in TexasAnd that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee”
Few things scream country like George Strait, and this cheeky anthem makes no exception. It’s a tale of love, loss, and geographical inconvenience. Strait’s charming delivery makes it easy to laugh while still feeling the deep pull of Texas as home.
3. “El Paso” by Marty Robbins
“One night, a wild young cowboy came inWild as the West Texas windDashing and daring, a drink he was sharingWith wicked Felina, the girl that I loved”
This haunting ballad tells a gripping tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy. Set in the desert town of El Paso, it captures the stark beauty of the region alongside the intensity of human emotion. By the end of the song, you’ll feel the weight of the cowboy’s fateful choices.
4. “Rodeo” by Garth Brooks
“His eyes are cold and restlessAnd his wounds have almost healedAnd she’d give half of TexasJust to change the way he feelsShe knows his love’s in TulsaAnd she knows he’s gonna goBut it ain’t no woman flesh and bloodIt’s that damned old rodeo”
Rodeo culture is synonymous with Texas, and Brooks nails the passion and pain of it in this track. The cowboy in the story is torn between his love for the adrenaline-filled rodeo life and the woman who wishes he’d leave it behind. It’s a song that speaks to the rugged determination of Texans.
5. “Galveston” by Glen Campbell
“Galveston, oh GalvestonI still hear your sea winds crashingWhile I watch the cannons flashingI clean my gunAnd dream of Galveston”
If you’ve ever missed a place, “Galveston” will hit home. Campbell’s poignant lyrics paint the image of a soldier longing for the Gulf Coast and the girl he left behind. The melody captures the wistfulness of a heart caught between duty and the pull of home.
6. “Austin” by Blake Shelton
“If your callin’ ’bout the car, I sold itIf this is Tuesday night, I’m bowlin’If you’ve got somethin’ to sell your wastin’ your time, I’m not buyin’If it’s anybody else wait for the tone you know what to doAnd P.S., if this is Austin, I still love you”
Shelton spins a touching love story about a man holding out hope for a second chance. The connection to Texas is subtle, but Austin—the iconic city of music and charm—takes center stage in the story. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s loved and lost.
7. “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas” by Alabama
“If you’re gonna play in TexasYou gotta have a fiddle in the bandThat lead guitar is hotBut not for “Louisiana man”So rosin up that bow for “faded love”And let’s all danceIf you’re gonna play in TexasYou gotta have a fiddle in the band”
This energetic anthem is a lighthearted reminder of the state’s musical roots. Fiddles, cowboy boots, and two-stepping are non-negotiables in Texas, and Alabama’s ode to the Lone Star crowd proves you need that authentic Texan touch to truly play here.
8. “Too Far From Texas” by Stevie Nicks
“SorcererWho is the masterA man and woman on a star streamIn the middle of a snow dreamSorcererShow me the high lifeCome overLet me put you on ice”
Nick delivers raw emotion in a song about heartbreak and longing. Set against the backdrop of Houston, it explores the pain of letting go while clinging to memories tied to the state. Her haunting voice paired with evocative lyrics makes it a standout for anyone who’s loved and lost in Texas.
9. “London Homesick Blues” by Jerry Jeff Walker
“I want to go home with the armadillo.Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene.The friendliest people and the prettiest womenyou’ve ever seen”
Homesickness has rarely sounded so catchy. Walker captures the feeling of yearning for Texas when far from home. From friendly people to the rich musical heritage, the song reminds us why Texans feel such a strong bond to their state.
10. “Texas (When I Die)” by Tanya Tucker
“When I die, I may not go to heaven,
I don’t know if they let cowboys in,
If they don’t, just let me go to Texas, boys,
‘Cause Texas is as close as I’ve been.”
Tanya Tucker’s anthem is a heartfelt tribute to the Lone Star State, where she compares Texas to heaven itself. With its rolling landscapes, rich culture, and undeniable charm, Texas becomes a spiritual haven for the singer. The song captures a love so deep it transcends the boundaries of life and death, resonating with anyone who considers Texas their true home.
