About the song
Now, on the surface, the title itself conjures up images of idyllic coastal living, the gentle rhythm of the waves, the salty air, and the kind of serene escape many dream of. However, as is often the case with truly well-crafted country music, there’s a layer of cleverness, a touch of wry humor, woven into the fabric of this particular song. It’s not simply a paean to beachfront real estate; rather, it’s a masterclass in using a familiar concept to deliver a more nuanced and emotionally resonant message.
**George Strait**, a name synonymous with traditional country music for decades, delivers this song with his signature smooth baritone, a voice that carries both authority and a hint of vulnerability. His vocal delivery here is key; it’s understated yet conveys the underlying sentiment with remarkable clarity. There’s no need for dramatic flourishes or vocal acrobatics; Strait’s strength lies in his sincerity and his ability to connect with the listener on a deeply personal level. He sings these words as if he’s lived them, or at least intimately understands the emotions they represent.
The brilliance of **”Ocean Front Property”** lies in its central metaphor. The idea of owning prime real estate by the sea is presented, only to be immediately subverted. The singer isn’t actually talking about land; he’s using the impossibility of such a purchase to illustrate the unlikelihood of something else – his ex-lover returning. The lyrics cleverly draw a parallel between the highly desirable yet unattainable oceanfront property and the equally improbable scenario of his former flame rekindling their relationship.
This metaphorical approach is what elevates the song beyond a simple tale of heartbreak. It’s a witty and insightful way of expressing the feeling of finality, the acceptance that some things, no matter how much one might wish for them, are simply not going to happen. The humor isn’t laugh-out-loud funny, but rather a subtle, knowing acknowledgment of the situation’s absurdity. It’s the kind of humor that comes from experience, from having navigated the complexities of love and loss.
The songwriting here is particularly noteworthy. The lyrics are concise and direct, yet they paint a vivid picture. We understand the longing, the resignation, and the touch of defiance in the singer’s voice. The imagery of the “ocean front property in Arizona” is both unexpected and instantly memorable, serving as a powerful and humorous anchor for the song’s central theme. It’s a line that sticks with you long after the song has ended, a testament to the cleverness of the writing.
Musically, **”Ocean Front Property”** is a quintessential example of the traditional country sound that **George Strait** has championed throughout his illustrious career. The instrumentation is clean and uncluttered, allowing Strait’s voice and the strength of the lyrics to take center stage. The gentle twang of the guitars, the steady rhythm section, and perhaps a touch of steel guitar create a familiar and comforting sonic landscape. It’s a sound that feels authentic and grounded, a sound that resonates with the core values of country music.
In conclusion, **George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property”** is more than just a catchy country tune. It’s a beautifully crafted song that uses a clever metaphor to explore the themes of heartbreak, acceptance, and the sometimes-humorous realities of life. Strait’s masterful delivery and the song’s insightful lyrics have made it a lasting favorite for many, a testament to the power of simple yet profound storytelling in music. It’s a song that speaks to the wisdom that comes with age and experience, the understanding that some dreams, like an oceanfront property in the desert, are best left as just that – dreams.
Video
Lyrics
If you leave me
I won’t miss you
And I won’t ever take you back
Girl, your memory
Won’t ever haunt me
‘Cause I don’t love you
And now if you’ll buy that
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
From my front porch, you can see the sea
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free
I don’t worship
The ground you walk on
I never have, and that’s a fact
I won’t follow or try to find you
‘Cause I don’t love you
Now if you’ll buy that
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
From my front porch, you can see the sea
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
From my front porch, you can see the sea
I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona
If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free
Yeah, if you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free
