About the song
**”All My Ex’s Live in Texas”** is a quintessential track in the career of George Strait, often hailed as one of the most iconic figures in country music. Released in April 1987 as the second single from his album *Ocean Front Property*, this song quickly became a fan favorite and solidified Strait’s place in the country music pantheon. Written by Sanger D. Shafer and Lyndia J. Shafer, the song’s storytelling charm and catchy melody resonated deeply with listeners, earning it a nomination for *Best Male Country Vocal Performance* at the 1988 Grammy Awards.
The song’s appeal lies in its clever structure as a *list song*, where the narrator humorously recounts the various ex-partners who have left a mark on his life. With each verse, he fondly and comically recalls how all of his former lovers now reside in Texas. The simplicity and rhythm of the song’s lyrics not only reflect the traditional storytelling style of country music, but they also offer a sense of nostalgia for anyone who’s ever had to leave behind a relationship, even if only in memory.
The upbeat, tongue-in-cheek tone of “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” pairs well with its gentle melody, making it a perfect fit for George Strait’s smooth baritone voice. His delivery, though light-hearted, carries a subtle undercurrent of wistfulness, portraying the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Strait’s unique ability to combine humor with heartfelt emotion was one of the key reasons for the song’s success, earning him widespread admiration across both country and mainstream audiences.
In addition to its success in the country charts, the song’s cultural impact has been notable. A version of it recorded by its co-writer Sanger D. Shafer even made its way into the *Road House* movie, and it was featured in the *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas* video game, helping to cement the song’s place in pop culture. The catchy phrase has even made appearances in unexpected places, such as in rapper Drake’s hit single *HYFR*, and in the lyric “All my ex’s live with hexes” from the band Glassjaw’s *Tip Your Bartender*.
Ultimately, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a song that embodies the spirit of country music—easy-going yet rich with emotional depth, humor, and a bit of playful defiance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of George Strait or a newcomer to his music, this song remains a timeless classic that never fails to entertain and connect with listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
Rosanna’s down in Texarkana
Wanted me to push her broom
Sweet Eileen’s in Abilene
She forgot I hung the moon
And Allison’s in Galveston
Somehow lost her sanity
And Dimples who now lives in Temple’s
Got the law looking for me
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
I remember that old Frio River
Where I learned to swim
But it brings to mind another time
Where I wore my welcome thin
By transcendental meditation
I go there each night
But I always come back to myself
Long before daylight
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
Therefore I reside in Tennessee
Some folks think I’m hidin’
It’s been rumored that I died
But I’m alive and well in Tennessee
