About the song
“Amarillo by Morning” stands as a quintessential country music anthem, initially written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, and later popularized in a fiddle-driven Western style by Texas neotraditionalist George Strait in 1982. The song vividly portrays the journey of a rodeo cowboy driving through the night from San Antonio to Amarillo, where a rodeo awaits him at dawn. It captures the essence of a rugged cowboy lifestyle, filled with hardships yet imbued with a deep sense of freedom and passion for the rodeo circuit.
The narrative unfolds with poignant simplicity, as the cowboy reflects on the sacrifices and challenges inherent in his profession, including personal losses and financial struggles. Despite these difficulties, he finds solace and fulfillment in the independence his lifestyle affords him: “I ain’t rich, but Lord, I’m free.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the genre of country music, celebrating resilience, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land and way of life.
Originally recorded by Terry Stafford in a country pop style in 1973, George Strait’s rendition in 1982 transformed the song into a classic within the country music canon. Strait’s interpretation, characterized by its fiddle-laden arrangement and his trademark smooth vocals, catapulted “Amarillo by Morning” to enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
Critically acclaimed for its authenticity and emotional resonance, “Amarillo by Morning” has garnered praise across the music industry. Billboard and American Songwriter recognized its significance by ranking it among the top ten greatest George Strait songs, with Rolling Stone further solidifying its status by placing it at number ten on its 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time list in 2024.
Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe lauded the song with an A grade, highlighting Strait’s compelling performance and the song’s timeless appeal. The song’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the cowboy ethos has made it a favorite among both country music enthusiasts and critics alike.
Moreover, “Amarillo by Morning” holds a special place beyond the realm of music, as it was played during space missions in honor of Rick Husband, an astronaut from Amarillo. This testament to its cultural impact underscores the song’s enduring legacy and its ability to resonate across generations and contexts.
In conclusion, “Amarillo by Morning” stands as not only a defining song in George Strait’s illustrious career but also a timeless representation of the American cowboy spirit, immortalized through its poignant lyrics and evocative melody.
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