George Strait is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He pioneered the neotraditional country style, selling more than 120 million records and captivating fans across the world. Known by many as the “King of Country Music,” George Harvey Strait Sr. has written, recorded, and released hundreds of songs since the 1970s.
Let’s take a look at 20 of the man’s most beloved songs. From his famous love ballads and cowboy anthems to his wedding tracks and Christmas songs, this talented artist has become an integral part of the American musical landscape. If you’ve ever wondered, “How many songs did George Strait write?” we’ve also got the answer below.
George Strait Love Songs
These much-loved songs by George Strait are about the majesty of love:
The Chair
This pickup song showcases the charm and confidence of George Strait. His playful lyrics provide the perfect commentary for a romantic encounter, as the narrator buys the woman a drink before asking for a dance and offering a ride.
Give It Away
This is a modern song from 2006, but it sounds like a timeless classic. The story of this song is one of heartbreak, with George delivering the anguish with typical swagger and bravado.
Run
On this track, a love-struck narrator wants his lady to hurry back. This number shows the vulnerable side of George Strait, with emotions heightened and egos stripped away. “Run” was the first single from 2001’s The Road Less Traveled album.
Baby Blue
This is a nostalgic breakup song about a life-changing relationship. As George sings, “She’d go away when the grass turned green and the sky turned baby blue,” you can’t help but feel his pain. This was released two years after Strait’s 13-year-old daughter died from a car accident.
Check Yes Or No
This is the story of a lifelong love, and it’s obviously autobiographical. George Strait married his high school sweetheart, Norma. He even tested this song on his young son, Bubba. “Check Yes or No” was one of Strait’s biggest hits.
George Strait Cowboy Songs
Many of these famous cowboy tracks are George Strait top 10 songs:
Amarillo By Morning
The original version of this song was a rodeo-circuit hit in 1973. A few years later, Strait recorded his definitive version as an ode to his journeyman lifestyle. With typical stoicism, he sings about living in the moment and staying on the right path.
Troubadour
This song is about the hard times that come from a life on the road. Released when Strait was 56, this is a late-period number of a man looking back and reflecting in a “damn old mirror.”
I Can Still Make Cheyenne
Released in 1996, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is about a rodeo man who gets fed up with the circuit. When he calls home, however, the woman on the other end of the line tells him not to bother coming home. This is one of the best George Strait cowboys and dreamers songs.
Ocean Front Property
George Strait gets cheeky here, having fun at his own expense. The lyrics of this song are memorable, with Strait singing of an “ocean-front lot in the middle of the desert… with the Golden Gate Bridge as a freebie bonus.”
All My Ex's Live In Texas
This Western swing track from 1987 is an absolute classic. Strait is nostalgic on this number, but he’s also straight-laced and restrained. Whether you love George Strait or not, the fun wordplay of this song is sure to make you smile.
George Strait Wedding Songs
No George Strait songs list is complete without these great wedding tracks:
I Cross My Heart
“I Cross My Heart” is a love ballad perfect for weddings. It’s all about devotion, with Strait also throwing down his signature bravado on lines like, “In all the world, you’ll never find a love as true as mine.”
Carrying Your Love with Me
Romance has always been central to Strait’s music. This track is the perfect example, as he sings about a man on the road looking for a love that will sustain. This song was released in 1997, and it was another Billboard No. 1 for the “King of Country Music.”
Love Without End, Amen
This song is a romantic declaration of everlasting love, making it ideal for weddings. “Love Without End, Amen” was released in 1990 as the lead-off single on the Livin’ It Up studio album. It sold huge numbers and became Strait’s biggest hit ever.
Blue Clear Sky
Released in 1996, “Blue Clear Sky” is about the overwhelming and unexpected feelings that come from falling in love. This track is full of joy and wonder, and it’s one of Strait’s most upbeat love songs.
True
This is a song about finding your soulmate, the perfect subject for any wedding. “True” is a declaration of love in the form of devotion and loyalty. The lyrics are about the importance of staying true to the person you care about.
George Strait Christmas Songs
Some old George Strait songs aren’t about love or cowboys. Instead, they’re about the joy of Christmas:
White Christmas
This song was originally written by Irving Berlin for the 1942 musical, Holiday Inn. While this holiday classic was first sung by Bing Crosby, it sounds absolutely sensational when sung by George Strait. It comes from his 1986 album, Merry Christmas Strait to You.
When It's Christmas Time in Texas
This fun-filled song puts a Southern slant on Christmas. With lines like “In Texas we’ll be swinging ’round the Christmas tree” and “When Santa crosses over the border, He’ll sound a little different when he sings,” you can’t help but love it.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
On this number, George Strait gets right into the holiday spirit. Lots of other fantastic artists have covered this track over the years, including Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Neil Diamond, Fred Astaire, and Bruce Springsteen.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It simply doesn’t feel like Christmas until you hear “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” wafting through the air. Originally recorded and released in 1949, George Strait’s version is one of the very best.
Joy To The World
“Joy to the World” is a feel-good Christmas classic that always makes you smile. Strait’s version comes from his best-selling Classic Christmas album, which was released by MCA Nashville in 2008.
How many songs has George Strait written?
George Strait is one of the most prolific artists in the world of music. Since the ’70s, he has released more than 30 albums and over 400 songs. Many of these records were written by Strait himself, but he’s also re-recorded a number of country classics. He loves working on a variety of material, including surprising hits like “We Go Again” by Ray Charles and “You Wreck Me” by Tom Petty.
If you love traditional country music made for modern times, George Strait is the man. He holds the RIAA record for most certified albums by any artist, and the record for the most number one songs on all charts by any artist! If you want to discover more about this amazing musician, put some of these great songs on your next playlist.