About the song
“Amarillo By Morning.” While it was originally written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser and released by Stafford in 1973, it was George Strait’s iconic 1983 rendition, from his album Strait from the Heart, that cemented its place in country music history. Though it famously “only” reached number four on the charts, its cultural impact far surpasses its chart position; it is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable country songs of all time.
The lyrics of “Amarillo By Morning” paint a vivid and unflinching portrait of the grueling, often painful, but ultimately captivating life of a rodeo cowboy. The song follows a cowboy who’s battered and bruised, likely from a rough ride, as he makes his way through the night to his next destination. It details the physical tolls of the sport – “scrambled eggs and whisky,” a broken leg, a pulled groin – but also the undying passion and grit that keeps him going. The recurring phrase “Amarillo By Morning” isn’t just a geographical marker; it’s a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a dream, no matter the cost. It speaks to the resilience required to chase a passion, even when it demands everything from you. It’s a beautifully concise narrative that captures the loneliness of the road, the camaraderie of fellow cowboys, and the deep-seated love for a way of life that defies easy explanation.
George Strait’s vocal performance on “Amarillo By Morning” is nothing short of legendary. His smooth, understated baritone is perfectly suited to the song’s melancholic yet determined tone. He doesn’t over-dramatize the pain or the longing; instead, he delivers the lyrics with a quiet authenticity and a knowing weariness that makes the listener believe every word. There’s an inherent sincerity in his voice, a directness that makes him the ideal storyteller for this cowboy anthem. He embodies the character with a natural ease, making the song feel less like a performance and more like a genuine confession from a man who understands the life he’s singing about. It’s a testament to his ability to convey profound emotion through subtle nuance.
The musical arrangement of “Amarillo By Morning” is classic, traditional country, perfectly aligning with George Strait’s commitment to the genre’s roots. It features a prominent, weeping steel guitar that evokes the wide-open spaces and the cowboy’s inner pain, along with a driving fiddle, acoustic guitar, and a steady rhythm section. The arrangement is clean, uncluttered, and timeless, built to highlight the song’s powerful narrative and Strait’s iconic vocal. It transports the listener directly to the rodeo arena, the dusty roads, and the quiet dignity of the cowboy’s journey.
“Amarillo By Morning” resonated deeply with audiences because it captured the essence of a truly American archetype – the rugged, resilient cowboy – with unparalleled honesty and empathy. It remains one of George Strait’s most beloved and frequently requested songs, a timeless ode to perseverance and the unbreakable spirit that keeps us striving for our own “Amarillo By Morning.”
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
