About the song
George Strait – Troubadour: A Timeless Reflection on a Life in Song
In 2008, country music legend George Strait released Troubadour, a heartfelt single that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. As the title track of his 25th studio album, Troubadour was more than just another addition to Strait’s impressive discography—it was a deeply personal statement, a reflection on his career, his roots, and the enduring spirit of country music.
Written by Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes, the song captures the essence of a wandering musician, forever chasing the next stage and the next song, yet never forgetting where he came from. The narrator is an older, wiser voice looking back over a lifetime spent performing, embracing both the highs and the humbling moments along the way. The opening lines—“I still feel 25, most of the time / I still raise a little Cain with the boys”—immediately set the tone, blending nostalgia with pride.
Troubadour struck a chord with fans for its sincerity and universal themes. Even listeners who had never set foot on a stage could connect with the message of staying true to oneself, holding onto youthful spirit, and cherishing life’s journey. The song’s arrangement, featuring a warm blend of fiddle, steel guitar, and Strait’s smooth baritone, embodies the traditional country sound that has defined his career for decades.
Released as the album’s second single in March 2008, Troubadour climbed steadily up the charts, eventually peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album itself was a major success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Critics praised the song for its authenticity, calling it one of Strait’s most introspective and moving performances.
Recognition for Troubadour extended far beyond the charts. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, George Strait won Best Country Album for Troubadour, marking his first Grammy win after decades of nominations. The album also earned him the Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year, and the song became an enduring fan favorite at his live shows.
For many, Troubadour is more than just a career milestone—it’s a defining statement of who George Strait is as an artist. Known as the “King of Country,” Strait has always avoided the trappings of fame, preferring to let his music speak for itself. With Troubadour, he delivered a song that felt like an open letter to his fans, acknowledging the passage of time while celebrating the fact that his passion for music had never dimmed.
The music video for Troubadour further amplified its emotional impact. Featuring a mix of performance footage and archival clips from Strait’s career, it painted a portrait of a man whose life has been dedicated to the art of storytelling through song. It reminded viewers that George Strait is not just a country music superstar—he is a true troubadour in every sense of the word.
Video
Lyrics
I still feel twenty five
Most of the time
I still raise a little cain with the boys
Honky Tonks and pretty women
Lord I’m still right there with them
Singing above the crowd and the noiseSometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothings gonna change what I am
I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m goneWell, the truth about a mirror
It’s that a damn old mirror
Don’t really tell the whole truth
It don’t show what’s deep inside
Oh read between the lines
It’s really no reflection of my youthSometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothings gonna change what I am
I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m goneI was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m goneI’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone
