These 12 Songs Are About Texas, Baby!

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These 12 Songs Are About Texas, Baby! features music from Beyoncé, Khruangbin + Leon Bridges, Mitch Miller, Quadeca + Kevin Abstract, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

You know what time it is? It’s “Texas Time”, Keith Urban! Specifically, the songs on this musical compendium are about Texas… well, sort of! All of the songs reference the Lone Star State, even if they don’t spend the entirety (or much) of the song focusing on it. And as for the Keith Urban Texas song from his 2018 album, Graffiti U, I mention it passing since it doesn’t appear on this 12-song list… sorry Keith, but at least you get a shout out! These 12 Songs Are About Texas, Baby! features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Khruangbin + Leon Bridges, Mitch Miller, Quadeca + Kevin Abstract, and Stevie Ray Vaughan among others. That’s some cast of characters, I mean, musicians, right? Right! So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this Texas-laden playlist!

1. Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”

Cowboy Carter // Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia // 2024

“This ain’t Texas (Woo) / Ain’t no hold ‘em (Hey) / So lay your cards down, down, down, down.” Ah, let Act II commence! The return of Beyoncé, who is from The Longhorn State, comes sooner than later.  Following Renaissance in July 2022, Cowboy Carter arrives less than two years later. In advance of Act II, the Grammy-winning superstar a country/western-pop single, “Texas Hold ‘Em”. On “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Queen Bey comes through strong! She penned the record alongside Lowell, bülow, Raphael Saadiq, Nathan Ferraro, and Killah B.  She produced it alongside Killah B and Ferraro. The country flavor is apparent from the onset. Beyoncé’s voice is top-notch. She exhibits ample personality as she references the card game in the memorable chorus.  Besides her fabulous lead vocals, the background vocals are sweet too! Oh, the harmonies! Less explicit than some of her recent songs, Beyoncé still musters up profanity, whether it’s “There’s a tornado / In my city / Hit the basement / That shit ain’t pretty” (verse one) or “Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now / And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you (chorus).” Overall, the four-minute-long “Texas Hold ‘Em” which features banjo (!), is a pleasure to listen to, reminding us of the versatility of Beyoncé, as well as the fact that black artists can sing and excel at country music.    

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: February 2024

2. The Carters, “713” 

💿 EVERYTHING IS LOVE • 🏷 Sony • 📅 2018  

Beyoncé and Jay-Z shocked the world with their surprise collaborative studio album, EVERYTHING IS LOVE in 2018.  Among the very best moments from The Carters’ collaboration is “713,” repping Bey’s hometown, Houston, Texas!  Can you say H-Town! The distinct, rhythmic piano alone on “713” is enough to make it pop, sigh.  The production (Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Cool & Dre, 808-Ray, and Fred Ball) bangs like a mother! Of course, worth noting, “713” samples three different songs: “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre, “Spinx Gate/The World it Softly Lulls” by Hiatus Kaiyote, and “The Light” by Common. Jay-Z rides that piano (and beat) like a boss, splitting the hook with Bey.     

“I’m representin’ for the hustlers all across the world (still) 

Still dippin’ in my low-lows, girl! (still) 

I put it down for the 713 

And we still got love for the streets (oww!).” 

Otherwise, “713” is a solo track.  Hov focuses on how his relationship with Mrs. Carter went down, which is quite interesting.    

Appears in 🔻:

3. Cody Johnson, “That’s Texas”

Leather // CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville LLC // 2023

“My redneck mother sang ‘Redneck Mother’ / Cookin’ us kids somethin’ to eat.” Word. Country musician Cody Johnson contributes to the Texas soundtrack with “That’s Texas.” “Daddy drank tequila like Pancho Villa / When the Cowboys won or they got beat,” he continues singing in the first verse. His contributions are fitting given the fact he was born and bred in… TEXAS. “That’s Texas” appears as the fourth track on his 2023 album, Leather. Who composed the song? Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan, and Wyatt McCubbin with Trent Willmon serving as producer. So, what makes “That’s Texas” the S.H.I.T? The sick rhythmic groove goes a long way. Additionally, the melodic lines are rhythmic too. Johnson is true to self, keeping ‘thangs’ country to the nth degree (“That ol’ Lone Star gravel make an old truck rattle / Like a get-ya-boot bit stepped-on snake”). Part of the country-ness includes ample twang. The centerpiece is a super catchy chorus that’s Texas through and through:

“That’s Texas, home of George Strait the king

Ain’t no such thing as chili with beans

That’s Texas, hot as a flattop griddle

Ain’t got a band if ya ain’t got a fiddle

That’s Texas with a capital T

If I can’t go to Heaven, I got a plan B

And that’s Texas

Yeah, that’s Texas.”

Woo! Hook ‘em Horns! Another reason why “That’s Texas” shines? An incredible instrumental section which includes a fiddle and guitar solo. “That’s Texas” = EPIC!

4. Quadeca & Kevin Abstract, “TEXAS BLUE”

SCRAPYARD // deadAir // 2024

“Waking up to you / Colder than TEXAS BLUE…” Yikes 🥶! So, what happens when Quadeca and Kevin Abstract join forces? Sheer magic, my friends. Quadeca concludes his 2024 album, SCRAPYARD with a gorgeous, thoughtful collab with Abstract entitled “TEXAS BLUE”. Quadeca and Abstract penned this Texas song with Quadeca also producing. The vibe commences with rhythmic piano lines, which serve as stellar accompaniment for Abstract. Later, as “TEXAS BLUE” progresses, there is ample ear candy, led by strings courtesy of johan lenox and YAS. “TEXAS BLUE” is more of a pop/singer-songwriter-oriented track – unique, unique, unique!

Speaking of unique, Kevin Abstract serves up a unique flow in the first verse. “Wakin’ up next to you, am I complex to you? / Scratches on your back, the sun peeking through,” he spits, continuing, “Sagging baggy jeans, X-rated preview / Feel the wind coming in, are you gonna let it take you too?” Oh, those matters of the heart – they always hit different. The lyric about the wind signals issues… After embracing less pitch initially, Abstract unveils the pitch in the following chorus, which is varied throughout. Quadeca also contributes to the choruses, to the tune of:

“I’ll be honest (I’ll be)

It hurts so much more than I knew (I’ll be)

But who asked you? (Who asked?)

Who asked you?”)

Abstract, throughout “TEXAS BLUE,” opens up about his concerns and feelings, fearing they could have devastating results – the end of his relationship. Quadeca, like Abstract, fears honesty, having suppressed his feelings. “If I could tell you the truth / You hold ‘til it splits into two,” he sings, fearing the end of the relationship. The good news is, honesty pays off, and both artists vow to be – wait for it – HONEST! Over the course of this nearly five-and-a-half-minute song, Quadeca and Kevin Abstract artfully go deep. “TEXAS BLUE” serves as an epic coda on SCRAPYARD.

Appears in 🔻:

Quadeca & Kevin Abstract, TEXAS BLUE: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 19 (2024)

5. The Chicks, “Texas Man”  

Gaslighter // Columbia // 2020

“I could use a Texas man / But one who can feel at home / Yeah, here in the California sand / Who holds me like he’ll never let go.” MAN, oh MAN, does that sound alluring! Justin Tranter serves as a writer on “Texas Man.” Ok, more context needed! “Texas Man” is an ear catching highlight from The Chicks’ 2020 comeback album, Gaslighter.  On “Texas Man,” which is less about Texas than the man, Natalie Maines is ready for a real man…  Of course, he must be from Texas! “Texas Man” is a catchy country-pop joint from the Grammy winning trio, period.  It’s one of many examples where Maines shows she’s ready to move forward beyond the past, something Gaslighter explores throughout.  She characterizes herself as “unraveled” and “more traveled,” but also asserts on the exuberant chorus, “If I’m not too much for you / Then sign me up, sign me up.” 

Appears in 🔻:

Best of the United States… in Most Cases (2021)

6. Sheck Wes, “Mo Bamba”

MUDBOY // Interscope // 2018

“I be ballin’ like a motherfuckin’ pro / I be ballin’ like my nigga Mo (Bamba, bitch)!” Ooh wee, Sheck Wes! The rapper is known for one hit and one hit only as a solo artist: “Mo Bamba”. Wes charted on the Billboard Hot 100 two more times aside from his track about his friend and NBA basketball player, 🏀 Mo Bamba, though neither single was attributed solely to him, cracked the top 40, or had longevity on the Hot 100.  Providing a little more info about the subject of the “Mo Bamba,” Mo Bamba played one year of college basketball at the University of Texas for former coach Shaka Smart.  Bamba was a heavily recruited five-star out of high school.  Everyone wanted him because of his size and skill.  Ultimately, he was drafted sixth overall in the 2018 NBA draft to the Orlando Magic. Wes, hence, dedicates a couple of lines of the chorus to his friend on this highlight from MUDBOY.   

So, even though Mo Bamba gets a few lines, the majority of the record isn’t him!  “Mo Bamba” is mostly about Sheck Wes! There are, of course, some likely parallels. This anthem is filled with clout, drip, and sex.  Unsurprisingly, this no. 6 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 is devoid of substance.  In the chorus, he asserts, “‘Cause I got hoes (So many fuckin’ hoes) / Callin’ a young nigga phone.” Sheck does drop quite the bars in the verse when he spits, “I’m the best drug dealer, nigga, come and cop it (Got it) / Young Sheck Wes, I’m a fuckin’ Green Goblin.” Green Goblin, huh? Um, sure, I guess. While Mr. Wes hasn’t been able to earn another hit the caliber of “Mo Bamba”, at least he rides the banging beat by Take A Daytrip and 16yrold like a champ! 

Appears in 🔻:  

7. Khruangbin & Leon Bridges, “Texas Sun”

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges // Texas Sun (EP) // Dead Oceans / LisaSawyer63 / Columbia

“You say you like the wind blowin’ through your hair / Well, come on roll with me ‘til the sun goes down.” And what kind of sun are Khruangbin and Leon Bridges referring to? That “Texas Sun,” of course! “Texas Sun” is the first track on their collaborative, 2020 EP, also titled, Texas Sun. Bridges, who handles the vocals, gets specific about Texas in the third verse, singing, “Caressing you from Fort Worth to Amarillo / Well, come on, roll with me ‘til the sun dips low.” Ooh-la-la! Musically, “Texas Sun” sounds Texan, with a soulful, folksy, country-western rock vibe, captured superbly by Khruangbin. Spotlighting Grammy-winner Bridges once more, he excels in the vocal department, bringing a chill but potent, soulful performance filled with personality. The “Texas Sun” – sweet to the nth degree!

8. Kinky Friedman, “The Ballad of Charles Whitman” 

Sold American // Vanguard // 1973   

“He was sitting up there for more than an hour / Way up there on the Texas tower / Shooting from the twenty-seventh floor / He didn’t choke or slash or slit them…”  Country musician Kinky Friedman is one of a kind. Sandra Brennan (AllMusic) characterizes him as “Texas country’s Jewish clown prince, gonzo songwriter, and surprisingly heartfelt balladeer,” adding that he’s “capable of writing smart and perceptive tunes about life’s other side, but he’s best known for pointedly satirical numbers that revel in creative lowbrow humor and sharp satire.” On “The Ballad of Charles Whitman,” from his 1973 album, Sold American, Friedman delivers a murder ballad about the infamous University of Texas tower sniper, Charles Whitman (1941 – 1966).  

As the excerpted lyrics from the first verse suggest, Friedman narrativizes the infamous shootings by Whitman.  With each verse, the listener is given another portion of the story. In the second verse, he sings, “He picked up his guns and went to school / … They’d never seen an Eagle Scout so cruel.” In the third, he sings, “He put on a bold and brassy show / The Chancellor cried, ‘it’s adolescent / And of course, it’s most unpleasant / But I gotta admit, it’s a lovely way to go.’” Among the most notable verses are four and seven. In the fourth, Friedman references Whitman’s brain tumor, as well as his .36 magnum gun.  The brain tumor has raised questions regarding Whitman’s criminal behavior. The seventh verse depicts what occurred amid the impending hellacious affair: 

“Some were dying, some were weepin’ 

Some were studying, some were sleepin’ 

Some were shouting, ‘Texas, number one,’ 

Some were running, some were fallin’ 

Some were screaming, some were bawlin’ 

Some thought the revolution had begun.”  

Charles Whitman and the mass shooting he committed represent the dark side of Texas. Kinky Friedman does a fabulous job of narrativizing.

Appears in 🔻:

Songs About Charles Whitman, The Infamous Tower Sniper (2020)

9. Lana Del Rey, “Paris Texas”

Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd // Interscope // 2023

“I went to Paris (Texas) / With a suitcase in my hand / I had to leave / Knew they wouldn’t understand.” Paris, Texas, huh? That is the city that Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey references on “Paris, Texas,” the 10th track from her 2023 tour de force, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. While Paris, Texas gets some love in this song, it’s not the only place mentioned. Del Rey goes beyond the city, mentioning Spain and Florence, Alabama in the second verse, as well as Venice, California in the third (“I flew back home / It seems like everything’s the same…”). Notably, “Paris, Texas” features SYML (Brian Fennell). In the context of Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, where it appears in the LP, it feels lighter and benefits from more rhythm, carried by piano.  Metrically, it’s set in triple meter or, perhaps, compound duple, depending how you hear it. The chorus marks an alluring moment: “When you know, you know / It’s time to go /… That it’s time to leave / Like the summer breeze.” Word.

10. Leon Bridges, “Georgia to Texas”

💿 Good Thing • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2018

“504 black girl carried me / In her womb to the land of the peach,” Leon Bridges sings, continuing, “Her birthing pains brought me low / But she held me high on Peachtree Road.” “Georgia to Texas” is the fantastic closing cut on Good Thing. the sophomore album by the Grammy-winning R&B standout. The authentic, personal nature of the record makes it top-notch, as evidenced by the excerpted lyrics – “Left ATL for the Texas way / We drove 20 East in my daddy’s ’88.” Furthermore, the jazzy touches, including upright bass, and a stirring saxophone solo by Jeff Dazey, also contribute to the sheer excellence of the track. “Georgia to Texas” thrives off its authenticity and classiness.

Appears in 🔻:

11. Stevie Ray Vaughan, “Texas Flood”

Texas Flood // Sony Music Entertainment // 1983 

Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954 – 1990) only lived to be 35 years old. Despite his tragic death in a helicopter crash, the blues musician left an incredible legacy – he was a special, special talent. One of guitarist and singer’s most beloved songs is “Texas Flood”, which he covered on his 1983 debut album, also titled, Texas Flood. Originally, “Texas Flood” was written by Larry Davis (who also recorded it) and Joseph Scott in 1958. Vaughan, of course, makes the energetic classic his own.

“Well, it’s floodin’ down in Texas / All of the telephone lines are down,” Vaughan sings expressively in the first verse. He serves up a gritty brand of vocals, delivering a distinct, personality-laden performance. “Well, dark clouds are rollin’ / Man, and I’m standin’ out in the rain,” he sings in the second verse, capping it off with, “Yeah, flood water keep a-rollin’ / Man, it’s about to drive poor me insane.” The third verse is ear-catching too, as he asserts at the end, “Well, back home there’re no floods or tornadoes / Babe, and the sun shines on every day.” Woo! Of course, it’s not just the vocals that shine when it comes to Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was as kick ass guitarist, something that’s evident in the bluesy instrumental intro as well as a guitar solo that appears between the second and third verses. “Texas Flood” is nothing short of marvelous!

Appears in 🔻:

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Texas Flood: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 35 (2024)

12. Mitch Miller, “The Yellow Rose of Texas”

Greatest Hits // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 1990

“There’s a yellow rose in Texas that I am gonna see / Nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me.” Those famous lyrics appear on the classic, “The Yellow Rose of Texas”. A traditional folk song first published in the 1850s, the composer of “The Yellow Rose of Texas” is unknown. The version of the song we know, and love is attributed to Don George in addition to its traditional designation. An unofficial state song of Texas (the official state song is “Texas, Our Texas”), “The Yellow Rose of Texas” has been recorded by many musicians. The first recording arrived in 1927, courtesy of Ben Jarrell. The most famous rendition of the song arrives courtesy of the late, great Mitch Miller (1911 – 2010). A huge hit, the Miller version reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1955.

What makes Mitch Miller’s rendition of “The Yellow Rose of Texas” so swell? Well, the songwriting speaks for itself. The centerpiece is the chorus, in all its sing-along glory:

“She’s the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew

Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew

You may talk about your Clementine and sing of Rosa Lee

But the Yellow Rose of Texas is the only girl for me.”

Of course, the verses are ear-catching as excerpted at the top. The vocalists sound superb, exemplifying the choral sound and sophisticated nature of 1950s music. It ‘hits different,’ you could say. The accompanying orchestra deserves praise too, particularly that signature snare drum cadence. The arrangement is exuberant – the perfect accompaniment for the vocalists. Amplifying excellence and spirit are the key modulations. Mitch Miller got the best out of his orchestra on the beloved, infectious “The Yellow Rose of Texas”.

Appears in 🔻:

Mitch Miller, The Yellow Rose of Texas: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 38 (2024)

These 12 Songs Are About Texas, Baby! (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; CoJo Music LLC, Columbia, deadAir, Dead Oceans, Interscope, LisaSawyer63, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Vanguard, Warner Music Nashville LLC; Roy Reyna from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Diversicat, Gordon Johnson, Marcel Dominic, WoVkaART from Pixabay]

These 12 Songs Are About Texas, Baby! | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on April 1, 2024April 1, 2024