About the song
**Amarillo By Morning** is one of those rare songs that feels like an old friend—familiar, comforting, and steeped in a quiet kind of wisdom. Sung by the legendary **George Strait**, this classic country tune tells the story of a rodeo cowboy’s life on the road, filled with hardships, losses, and an unwavering love for the lifestyle he’s chosen.
Originally written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser in 1973, **Amarillo By Morning** found its true home when **George Strait** recorded it for his 1982 album *Strait from the Heart*. Though it was never a number-one hit, it has become one of the most beloved and enduring songs in country music history. There’s something about the simplicity of the melody and the honesty in the lyrics that captures the essence of what traditional country music is all about—storytelling, emotion, and a deep connection to the realities of life.
The song follows the journey of a cowboy as he makes his way to Amarillo, Texas, after another tough ride on the rodeo circuit. He’s lost nearly everything—his saddle, his girlfriend, even his money—but none of that seems to shake his spirit. “I ain’t got a dime, but what I got is mine,” he sings, embodying the independent, self-reliant nature of the American cowboy. It’s not just about the struggles; it’s about the pride and resilience that come with living life on your own terms.
Musically, **Amarillo By Morning** is a perfect example of **George Strait**’s signature sound—clean, uncluttered, and deeply traditional. The fiddle introduction sets the tone beautifully, evoking the vast, open landscapes of Texas. Strait’s smooth, understated vocals give the lyrics a sense of authenticity that makes the song even more powerful. Unlike many country songs that rely on big choruses or dramatic instrumentation, this one remains humble, just like the character at the heart of the story.
Perhaps that’s why **Amarillo By Morning** still resonates so deeply after all these years. It’s a song about perseverance, about loving what you do even when it doesn’t always love you back. And in **George Strait**’s hands, it became a masterpiece—one that continues to be a favorite among country fans and music lovers alike.
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
