About the song
“Amarillo By Morning.” Now, while both George Strait and Alan Jackson stand as towering figures in modern traditional country, and one might easily imagine them sharing a stage on such a classic, it’s important to clarify for our readers that “Amarillo By Morning” is, in fact, George Strait’s definitive and most celebrated rendition, rather than a duet between the two. He released his iconic version in 1983 as a single from his album Strait from the Heart, and it quickly became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, forever etching itself into the fabric of country music history. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a vivid, melancholic portrait of a rodeo cowboy’s life, a testament to resilience, and a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made for passion.
The lyrics of “Amarillo By Morning,” penned by Paul Fraser and Terry Stafford (who also had an earlier version), offer an unflinching look into the solitary and often painful existence of a rodeo performer. It’s a narrative steeped in the realities of the road, the injuries sustained, and the constant pursuit of that fleeting moment of glory. Phrases like “I ain’t rich, but Lord, I’m free / Amarillo by morning / Amarillo by morning / Everything’s gonna be alright” perfectly capture the blend of hardship and defiant optimism. The song speaks to the universal experience of dedicating oneself to a demanding life, of pushing through physical pain and emotional loneliness for the love of what you do. It’s about the sacrifices made for a dream, the fleeting nature of success, and the sheer perseverance required to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you. The destination, Amarillo, becomes a symbol of hope and renewal, a promise that after a tough night or a long journey, a new day, and perhaps a fresh start, awaits.
George Strait’s vocal performance on “Amarillo By Morning” is simply peerless. His voice, with its smooth yet robust baritone and its inherent authenticity, perfectly embodies the weary but determined spirit of the rodeo cowboy. He doesn’t need vocal theatrics; his strength lies in his natural delivery, imbuing every word with a quiet dignity and a lived-in realism that makes the listener believe every single line. There’s a beautiful subtlety in his phrasing, a perfect balance of resignation and hopeful resolve that makes the song incredibly poignant and universally relatable. Strait’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to take a compelling narrative and deliver it with such genuine, understated emotion, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level through shared understanding and pure vocal integrity. It is a masterclass in honest, traditional country interpretation.
The musical arrangement of “Amarillo By Morning” is quintessential George Strait – a pristine example of classic country that emphasizes timeless instrumentation and a clean, unobtrusive sound. It features the mournful cry of the steel guitar, a staple of traditional country, providing a melancholic yet hopeful backdrop. A steady, understated rhythm section keeps the song moving forward, mirroring the cowboy’s journey down the highway. The fiddle adds touches of melodic beauty, enhancing the song’s emotional resonance. The instrumentation is tasteful and precise, never overpowering Strait’s voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for his iconic delivery. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, allowing every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Strait’s incredible vocal to be heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable accessibility.
“Amarillo By Morning” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of enduring hardship, pursuing dreams, and finding strength in adversity are universally understood and profoundly felt. It became one of George Strait’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that cemented his status as “The King of Country Music.” It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, hope arrives just in time for Amarillo By Morning.
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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
