Introduction:
Amarillo By Morning, a country music duet that etched its place in the genre’s history, brought together two of its reigning stars: George Strait and Alan Jackson. Released in 1990, the song found its home on Strait’s studio album “Livin’ It Up”. The album’s producer, Tony Brown, a country music veteran himself with credits alongside artists like Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire, helped craft the sonic landscape for the soon-to-be hit.
Amarillo By Morning wasn’t just a hit, it was a chart-topping sensation. It climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remained there for a commanding four weeks. The song’s influence extended beyond the country genre, making a strong showing on the all-encompassing Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 12. This crossover success solidified the widespread appeal of both Strait and Jackson and the enduring power of country music.
The lyrics of Amarillo By Morning paint a melancholic yet evocative picture. The narrator, a down-on-his-luck traveler, leaves Amarillo, Texas, at the break of dawn. The imagery of the lonesome highway stretching out before him intertwines with his regrets about a failed relationship. The song’s simple yet effective storytelling resonated with listeners, making it a relatable and timeless country ballad.
Amarillo By Morning‘s impact wasn’t limited to the charts. The song became a staple of George Strait’s live performances, often finding a place in his setlists. Notably, a duet version with Alan Jackson during Strait’s 2014 farewell concert, “The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium”, added another layer to the song’s legacy. This live rendition showcased the camaraderie between the two country giants and further cemented Amarillo By Morning as a cornerstone of both artists’ careers.
The enduring popularity of Amarillo By Morning lies in its ability to capture the essence of country music. It tells a relatable story through vivid imagery, all wrapped in a classic country melody. The pairing of George Strait’s signature smooth vocals with Alan Jackson’s distinctive tenor creates a truly special listening experience. Amarillo By Morning serves not only as a testament to the individual talents of Strait and Jackson, but also to the enduring power of country music to connect with listeners through heartfelt storytelling.
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Lyrics:
Amarillo by mornin’Up from San AntoneEverything that I gotIs just what I’ve got onWhen that Sun is highIn that Texas skyI’ll be buckin’ at the county fairAmarillo by mornin’Amarillo I’ll be thereThey took my saddle in HoustonBroke my leg in Santa FeLost my wife and a girlfriendSomewhere along the wayBut I’ll be lookin’ for eightWhen they pull that gateAnd I hope thatJudge ain’t blindAmarillo by mornin’Amarillo’s on my mindAmarillo by mornin’Up from San AntoneEverything that I gotIs just what I’ve got onI ain’t got a dimeBut what I’ve got is mineI ain’t richBut Lord, I’m freeAmarillo by mornin’Amarillo’s where I’ll beAmarillo by mornin’Amarillo’s where I’ll be