About the song
**George Strait – Amarillo By Morning** is one of those timeless country songs that resonates deeply with anyone who has a love for traditional country music. Released in 1982 as part of his album *Strait from the Heart*, this song has become one of the standout tracks in George Strait’s storied career, often regarded as a defining anthem of country music. With its honest lyrics, simple yet evocative melody, and Strait’s unmistakable voice, it paints a vivid picture of life on the road for a rodeo cowboy, a lifestyle that was once a hallmark of American frontier culture.
The song tells the story of a rodeo rider who, despite facing challenges and hardships, keeps pushing forward in hopes of reaching the city of Amarillo by morning. The lyrics convey a mix of determination, resilience, and a bittersweet acceptance of the tough yet rewarding life he’s chosen. The reference to **Amarillo**, a city in Texas, is symbolic of both a physical and emotional destination — a place where the cowboy dreams of finding rest and perhaps even redemption after the rigors of his tough lifestyle. There’s something uniquely poignant about the imagery in **Amarillo By Morning**, and that’s what has made it such a beloved classic among fans of country music, particularly those who appreciate the genre’s roots in storytelling and its portrayal of rugged, real-life characters.
What sets this song apart is not just its lyrics, but also George Strait’s delivery. His voice, smooth yet filled with sincerity, brings an authenticity to the song that is hard to replicate. Strait’s natural ability to evoke emotion through his music has earned him the title of “King of Country,” and this track serves as a prime example of why. The simple instrumentation, featuring a clean, steady guitar melody and minimal orchestration, allows the song’s raw emotion to shine through.
For listeners of all ages, **George Strait – Amarillo By Morning** remains a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional country music, offering both nostalgia and a reminder of the strength required to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Whether you’re familiar with the life of a cowboy or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-crafted song, this track will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of country music fans for years to come.
Video
Lyrics
Amarillo by mornin’
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I’ve got on
When that Sun is high
In that Texas sky
I’ll be buckin’ at the county fair
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo I’ll be there
They took my saddle in Houston
Broke my leg in Santa Fe
Lost my wife and a girlfriend
Somewhere along the way
But I’ll be lookin’ for eight
When they pull that gate
And I hope that
Judge ain’t blind
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s on my mind
Amarillo by mornin’
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I’ve got on
I ain’t got a dime
But what I’ve got is mine
I ain’t rich
But Lord, I’m free
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s where I’ll be
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s where I’ll be