About the song
“Houston” is a song that has captured the hearts of many since its creation in 1964. Written by Lee Hazlewood and first recorded by Sanford Clark, the song paints a vivid picture of a man who’s had a run of bad luck. He describes himself as “a walkin’ case of the blues,” lamenting over lost money and various misfortunes. Each verse ends with the repeated line, “Going back to Houston, Houston, Houston,” reflecting his desire to return to the city. In the final verse, there is a glimmer of hope as he mentions a girlfriend waiting for him there, although he adds, “at least, she said she’d be.”
The music of “Houston” is characterized by its country pop style, with a steady rhythm and a medium tempo. The song features a brief harmonica solo that adds to its charm. There is also a distinctive percussive sound at the beginning and end of the song, though the exact method of its creation is debated. Dean Martin’s daughter, Deana Martin, shared that her father used an empty Coca-Cola bottle tapped with a spoon to create the sound, while others claim it was made by tapping a glass ashtray with a triangle wand.
Dean Martin’s rendition of “Houston,” released in 1965, brought the song widespread popularity. It spent nine weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching a peak position of No. 21. Additionally, it climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and No. 11 on Canada’s CHUM Hit Parade. Dean Martin’s version turned the song into a significant hit, showcasing his unique style and further cementing the song’s place in music history.
Video
Lyrics
Well it’s lonesome in this old town
Everybody puts me down
I’m a face without a name
Just walking in the rain
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, HoustonI got holes in both of my shoes
Well I’m a walking case of the blues
Saw a dollar yesterday
But the wind blew it away
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, HoustonI haven’t eaten in about a week
I’m so hungry when I walk I squeak
Nobody calls me friend
It’s sad the shape I’m in
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, HoustonGoin’ back to Houston, Houston, Houston
I got a girl waiting there for me
Well at least she said she’d be
I got a home and a big warm bed
And a feather pillow for my head
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, HoustonWell it’s lonesome in this old town
Everybody put me down
I’m a face without a name
Just walking in the rain
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, Houston