About the song
“Troubadour” is the twenty-fifth studio album by the legendary American country music singer George Strait. Released on April 1, 2008, by MCA Nashville Records, this album showcases Strait’s remarkable ability to stay relevant and impactful in the country music scene over decades. “Troubadour” consists of twelve tracks, including two duets, which together weave a rich tapestry of heartfelt stories and soulful melodies.
The lead-off single, “I Saw God Today,” stands out as a significant milestone in Strait’s illustrious career. Debuting at an impressive #19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it marked the highest chart debut of his career. This poignant and reflective track went on to become Strait’s forty-third Number One on the Billboard country charts and his fifty-sixth Number One on all trade charts, setting a new record for the most Number One singles. Its success underscores Strait’s consistent ability to connect deeply with his audience, touching on themes that resonate widely.
“Troubadour” was met with critical acclaim, culminating in a Grammy Award for Best Country Album at the 51st Grammy Awards. This marked the first Grammy win of Strait’s career, a testament to the album’s quality and the artist’s enduring influence. The album’s title track, released as the second single in June 2008, also performed well, peaking at #7 on the country charts. Another notable single, “River of Love,” debuted at #45 in November 2008 and climbed to #1 in April 2009, adding to Strait’s remarkable tally of chart-topping hits.
The album also features interesting backstories for some of its tracks. For instance, the song “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” was initially intended for this album but was later recorded by Kenny Chesney, who released it as the first single from his album “Lucky Old Sun.” Additionally, “It Was Me” was originally recorded by Jamey Johnson on his 2006 album, “The Dollar,” before finding a new life on “Troubadour.”
“Troubadour” explores a wide range of sounds and emotions, reflecting the diverse facets of Strait’s musical prowess. From the Caribbean lilt of “River of Love” to the reverential tone of “I Saw God Today,” the honky-tonk vibe of “Brothers of the Highway,” and the carefree Western swing of “West Texas Town,” Strait masterfully navigates different musical landscapes. This versatility is a hallmark of his career, demonstrating his ability to maintain commercial success while staying true to his honky-tonk roots.
Rhapsody recognized “Troubadour” as one of the best country albums of the decade, ranking it #4 on its “Country’s Best Albums of the Decade” list. The album’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies, and Strait’s authentic delivery cements its place in country music history. With “Troubadour,” George Strait continues to solidify his legacy as a true icon in the genre, an artist who can evolve with the times while preserving the essence of classic country music.
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Lyrics
I still feel twenty five
Most of the time
I still raise a little Cain with the boys
Honky Tonks and pretty women
But Lord, I’m still right there with ’em
Singing above the crowd and the noise
Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s 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 gone
Well, the truth about a mirror
Is that a damned old mirror
Don’t really tell the whole truth
It don’t show what’s deep inside
Or read between the lines
And it’s really no reflection of my youth
Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s gonna change
What I am
I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone
I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone
I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone