About the song
“Troubadour,” George Strait’s twenty-fifth studio album, was released on April 1, 2008, through MCA Nashville Records. This album marks a significant milestone in Strait’s illustrious career, highlighting his ability to remain at the forefront of country music while staying true to his roots.
The album features twelve tracks, including two notable duets. The lead-off single, “I Saw God Today,” made a remarkable debut at number 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking the highest chart debut of Strait’s career. This song eventually soared to become Strait’s 43rd number-one hit on the Billboard country charts, setting a new record for the most number-one singles by any artist. Its success not only demonstrated Strait’s enduring popularity but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Album at the 51st Grammy Awards, his first win in this category.
“Troubadour” was well-received, showcasing Strait’s versatility and musical range. The album includes a mix of heartfelt ballads and lively tunes, such as the title track “Troubadour,” which reached number 7 on the country charts. The song “River of Love” also achieved notable success, debuting at number 45 and later climbing to the top spot in April 2009. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its commercial success.
Originally, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” was intended to be part of this album. However, Strait chose not to include it, and the song was later recorded by Kenny Chesney. Additionally, “It Was Me,” another track on the album, was previously recorded by Jamey Johnson for his 2006 album, “The Dollar.”
Rhapsody recognized “Troubadour” as one of the best country albums of the decade, praising its diverse range of sounds and emotional depth. The album features a mix of styles, from the Caribbean-influenced “River of Love” to the reverent “I Saw God Today,” the honky-tonk “Brothers of the Highway,” and the Western swing of “West Texas Town.” Strait’s ability to blend these various elements while maintaining his signature honky-tonk sound underscores his extraordinary talent and enduring appeal.
In summary, “Troubadour” is a testament to George Strait’s remarkable career and his continued influence on country music. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics and varied musical styles, combined with its critical and commercial success, solidifies the album as a standout in Strait’s extensive discography.
Video
Lyrics
I still feel 25 most of the time
I still raise a little Cain with the boys
Honky-tonks and pretty women
Lord, I’m still right there with ’em
Singing above the crowd and the noise
Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s gonna change what I am
I was a young troubadour, when I rode in on a song
I’ll be an old troubadour, when I’m gone
Well, the truth about a mirror
Is that a damned old mirror
Don’t really tell the whole truth
It don’t show what’s deep inside
Or read between the lines
And it’s really no reflection of my youth
Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s gonna change what I am
I was a young troubadour, when I rode in on a song
I’ll be an old troubadour, when I’m gone
I was a young troubadour, when I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour, when I’m gone
I’ll be an old troubadour, when I’m gone