About the song

George Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country Music,” has cemented his place in the hearts of fans worldwide with his timeless melodies and relatable lyrics. One of his most iconic songs, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” is a playful and poignant ballad that encapsulates the universal experience of heartbreak and the enduring allure of one’s home state.

Released in 1987 as the lead single from his album “Something Country,” the song quickly climbed the country music charts, reaching the number one position on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to Strait’s impeccable vocal delivery, the catchy melody, and the relatable theme of former lovers scattered throughout a familiar place.

The song’s narrative centers around a man reflecting on his past relationships and the fact that all of his ex-girlfriends happen to reside in his home state of Texas. This playful observation serves as a metaphor for the lingering connections and memories associated with one’s roots, even after romantic relationships have ended. Strait’s voice conveys a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet humor as he sings about the challenges and joys of navigating a life filled with both love and loss.

The song’s arrangement is classic country, featuring a driving rhythm, steel guitar, and Strait’s signature vocal style. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting vivid pictures of the singer’s past and present. The chorus, with its catchy refrain of “All my ex’s live in Texas,” is instantly memorable and has become a beloved anthem among country music fans.

“All My Ex’s Live In Texas” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a testament to Strait’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. The song’s enduring popularity reflects the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring pull of one’s home state. It’s a classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, serving as a reminder of the bittersweet experiences that shape our lives.

Video

Lyrics

All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
Rosanna’s down in Texarkana
Wanted me to push her broom
Sweet Eileen’s in Abilene
She forgot I hung the moon
And Allison’s in Galveston
Somehow lost her sanity
And Dimples who now lives in Temple’s
Got the law looking for me
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
I remember that old Frio River
Where I learned to swim
But it brings to mind another time
Where I wore my welcome thin
By transcendental meditation
I go there each night
But I always come back to myself
Long before daylight
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
Therefore I reside in Tennessee
Some folks think I’m hidin’
It’s been rumored that I died
But I’m alive and well in Tennessee

By Tam Le