Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

George Strait – Amarillo By Morning

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Introduction

Some songs just feel timeless, don’t they? They don’t just tell a story; they immerse you in a world. That’s the magic of “Amarillo By Morning,” a classic country anthem that has become a heartfelt emblem of resilience, sacrifice, and the simple beauty of life on the road. Every note of this George Strait classic feels like a quiet conversation with your soul, and every lyric is a window into a cowboy’s journey through hardship and hope.

This song is all about the life of a rodeo rider—someone who chases the thrill of the arena despite the risks, heartbreaks, and the loneliness that comes with the territory. Written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, “Amarillo By Morning” might have been penned in 1973, but it truly found its wings in 1983 when George Strait recorded it. Strait’s smooth, unassuming vocals bring a wistfulness to the song that makes it feel both deeply personal and universal. When you hear that mournful fiddle kick in, you can almost feel the early morning chill of a Texas sunrise.

What’s so beautiful about this song is how it balances weariness with quiet determination. “I ain’t got a dime, but what I got is mine” is a line that sticks with you, doesn’t it? It reminds you that life’s true riches aren’t material—they’re the pride of a hard day’s work, the thrill of chasing your dreams, and the hope that tomorrow will bring something brighter.

“Amarillo By Morning” is more than a song; it’s a feeling. It captures the essence of freedom and the costs that often come with it. And let’s not forget George Strait’s delivery—it’s understated yet brimming with emotion, a performance so genuine it feels like he’s lived every word.

Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just someone who’s ever chased a dream that others thought impossible, “Amarillo By Morning” is a song that pulls you in and stays with you long after the last note fades.

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

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