18 essential songs about Texas

After its release in 1987, native Texan George Strait's ode to the women he's done wrong in his home state became an instant classic. 

Originally recorded by Ed Bruce, Texan Tanya Tucker scored a top-ten hit with "Texas (When I Die)" in 1978. Its signature lyric is a common refrain from many in the state. "When I die, I may not go to heaven, I don't think they let cowboys in," Tucker sings. "If they don't, just let me go to Texas, 'cause Texas is as close as I've been." 

Known as the "Texas Troubadour," Ernest Tubb's "Waltz Across Texas" exemplifies the Western Swing sound that dominated Texas dancehalls and honky-tonks in the 1940s and 1950s. 

Arguably the most iconic Texas blues of all time, Stevie Ray Vaughan's version of Larry Davis's classic "Texas Flood" is a stunning showcase of Vaughan's incredible talent as a guitarist. 

In the late 1970s, Texas troubadours Asleep At The Wheel turned "Miles and Miles of Texas," a 1961 western ballad about the vastness of the Lone Star State, into a mainstream hit. 

 A tribute to Texan beauty in all its forms, '90s country group Little Texas notched a top-ten hit with "God Blessed Texas" in 1993. And as anyone who's ever lived there will tell you, the band isn't wrong when they suggest that God spent a little bit more time on Texas. 

Inspired by the same brothel that inspired the film "The Best Little Whōrehouse In Texas," ZZ Top's "La Grange" is a southern rock icon. Even if you don't much care for the lyrical content, there's no denying the infectiousness of that guitar riff. 

Offering sage advice for any musician who wishes to take the stage in Texas, Alabama's "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" notes that a fiddle player is required for any band. After its release in 1984, the song shot to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains a fan favorite. 

A crossover success for Waylon Jennings in 1977, the native West Texan had never actually visited Luckenbach, an actual town in Texas, when he recorded this song. The tiny town isn't the focal point of the tune but is still a perfect refrain for anyone to sing when they need to get away. 

Arguably the most famous Texan in country music, Willie Nelson's sung about his home state a time or two, but never as eloquently as in "Beautiful Texas." "You can live on the plains or the mountains, or down where the sea breezes blow," Nelson sings. "And you're still in beautiful Texas, the most beautiful place that I know." Amen. 

A newcomer to the lexicon of songs about Texas, Fort Worth native Leon Bridges lends his buttery vocals to "Texas Sun," an anthem to the state's often-gorgeous weather, alongside eclectic Houston trio Khruangbin. 

Even though it's not technically about Texas, this 1988 ballad is still plenty evocative of the state's natural beauty. It was a #1 hit and is a must-include for any playlist centered around the Lone Star State. 

In 1983, George Strait's "Amarillo By Morning" became an instant hit, even though many folks who love the song have never been to the West Texas city. But there's something incredibly relatable about this tune about a busted-down rodeo cowboy who's just trying to get to the next destination. 

Though he was born in Mississippi, Charley Pride is most certainly an adopted Texan. In 1970, Pride notched his third #1 hit with "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone?" a classic ballad about the iconic home of the Alamo. 

Arguably one of the biggest hits ever written about a Texas city, Glen Campbell's "Galveston" is a love letter to the beachside city. Its arguably anti-war lyrics inspired some controversy upon its release in 1969, but it's since become a Gulf Coast anthem. 

Written and released originally by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, "Dallas" asks an iconic question in its very first lyric: "Have you ever seen Dallas from a DC9 at night?" referring to the old aircraft. "Dallas is a woman who will walk on you when you're down, but when you are up, she's the kind you want to take around," he sings of the city. "But Dallas ain't a woman to help you get your feet on the ground, and Dallas is a woman who will walk on you when you're down." 

Encapsulating the attitude of many a Texan about their home state, Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Screw You, We're From Texas" is a rowdy anthem that's best heard live. Released in 2003, the song calls out just a few of the things that make the state great, from iconic music venues like Stubb's in Austin and legends like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

If you've ever heard that the stars at night are big and bright — clap clap clap clap! — deep in the heart of Texas, you've heard the most iconic line of this Gene Autry tune. Now closely associated with the University of Texas, it's a testament to the state's vast beauty and cowboy heritage. 

Immediately after its release in 1959, this classic story song that tells the tale of a Wild West cowboy who falls in love with a cantina girl. With its Tejano influence and dark, winding lyrics, the song's one of the best songs about the West ever written.