About the song
Terry Stafford’s classic country tune, “Amarillo by Morning,” paints a vivid picture of the solitary life of a rodeo cowboy. Released in 1973, the song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone resonated with listeners, but it wasn’t until George Strait’s cover in 1982 that it truly took flight.
Stafford, a seasoned musician, penned the song after a late-night drive from San Antonio to Amarillo. The journey inspired him to explore the themes of loneliness, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a cowboy. The lyrics capture the bittersweet reality of a life on the road, filled with both triumphs and hardships.
While Stafford’s original recording offered a heartfelt rendition, it was Strait’s iconic cover that propelled the song to legendary status. Strait’s smooth vocals and the fiddle-driven arrangement transformed “Amarillo by Morning” into a timeless country anthem. The song’s popularity soared, and it remains a staple in Strait’s live performances.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and the American West. It celebrates the rugged individualism and unwavering determination of those who choose a life on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned country music fan or simply appreciate a well-crafted ballad, “Amarillo by Morning” is a song that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
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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