About the song
“Carrying Your Love with Me” by George Strait is a poignant country ballad that captures the essence of love and longing, resonating deeply with its heartfelt lyrics and traditional country sound. Released in May 1997 as the title track and second single from his album of the same name, the song swiftly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking another milestone in Strait’s illustrious career.
The song, penned by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens, tells the story of a man who frequently travels away from home, carrying the love and memories of his significant other with him wherever he goes. Its evocative opening line, “Baby all I got is this beat up leather bag, and everything I own don’t fill up half,” sets the tone for a narrative filled with sincerity and emotional depth. The chorus, with its memorable refrain “I’m carrying your love with me, West Virginia down to Tennessee,” highlights the enduring bond between the narrator and his loved one despite physical distance.
Directed by Christopher Cain, the music video premiered on CMT in May 1997, capturing the song’s essence through visual storytelling. Shot in black-and-white and color, the video features Strait in various settings that reflect the song’s themes: from walking along highways and hitching rides with truck drivers to moments of introspection amidst scenic landscapes. These visuals underscore the song’s narrative of missing someone deeply while being away from home.
Critically acclaimed, “Carrying Your Love with Me” was praised for its traditional country sound and Strait’s emotive delivery. Critics highlighted its role in maintaining country music’s authenticity during a period dominated by pop influences. Reviewers such as Miriam Longino and Chet Flippo lauded the track as a standout in Strait’s discography, noting its timeless appeal and the singer’s ability to choose songs that resonate deeply with audiences.
The song’s significance extends beyond its initial release, influencing subsequent artists and genres. Its chorus was sampled in David Morris’s country rap track “Carrying Your Love,” which gained viral popularity on TikTok in July 2022, showcasing the enduring appeal of Strait’s classic country storytelling.
Overall, “Carrying Your Love with Me” remains a hallmark of George Strait’s career, celebrated for its lyrical depth, emotive melody, and its ability to evoke universal emotions of love and longing. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a country music classic that continues to captivate listeners with its heartfelt sincerity and relatable themes.
Video
Lyrics
Baby all I got’s this beat up leather bag
And everything I own don’t fill up half
But don’t you worry ’bout the way I pack
All I care about is gettin’ back real soon
A goodbye kiss is all I need from you
‘Cause I’m carryin’ your love with me
West Virginia down to Tennessee
I’ll be movin’ with the good Lord’s speed
Carryin’ your love with me
It’s my strength for holdin’ on
Every minute that I have to be gone
I’ll have everything I’ll ever need
I’m carryin’ your love with me
On a lonely highway stuck out in the rain
Darlin’ all I have to do is speak your name
The clouds roll back and the waters part
The sun starts shinin’ in my heart for you
You’re right there in everything I do
‘Cause I’m carryin’ your love with me
West Virginia down to Tennesse
I’ll be movin’ with the good Lord’s speed
Carryin’ your love with me
It’s my strength for holdin’ on
Every minute that I have to be gone
I’ll have everything I’ll ever need
I’m carryin’ your love with me
It’s my strength for holdin’ on
Every minute that I have to be gone
I’ll have everything I’ll ever need
I’m carryin’ your love with me
I’m carryin’ your love with me
I’m carryin’ your love with me
West Virginia down to Tennessee
I’ll be movin’ with the good Lord’s speed
Carrying’ your love with me