About the song
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a timeless country anthem penned by Sanger D. Shafer and Lyndia J. Shafer, and immortalized by the legendary George Strait. Released in 1987 as part of the album “Ocean Front Property,” the song quickly ascended to iconic status, cementing its place in the hearts of country music fans worldwide.
The song’s narrative unfolds as a humorous yet relatable tale of a man who, after a series of tumultuous relationships with Texas women, found it necessary to seek refuge in Tennessee. Employing the engaging format of a list song, the lyrics playfully recount a litany of romantic misadventures, each culminating in a dramatic departure from the Lone Star State. This clever storytelling, coupled with the infectious Western swing rhythm, creates a truly unforgettable listening experience.
Beyond its catchy melody and witty lyrics, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” resonated deeply with audiences due to its universal themes of love, loss, and the search for happiness. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evoke laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of camaraderie among listeners. Its impact is further evidenced by its numerous cultural references, from its inclusion in the film “Road House” to its mention in Drake’s hit song “HYFR.”
Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans alike, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” stands as a quintessential example of George Strait’s artistry and a cornerstone of the country music canon.
Video
Lyrics
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
Rosanna’s down in Texarkana
Wanted me to push her broom
Sweet Eileen’s in Abilene
She forgot I hung the moon
And Allison’s in Galveston
Somehow lost her sanity
And Dimples who now lives in Temple’s
Got the law looking for me
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee
I remember that old Frio River
Where I learned to swim
But it brings to mind another time
Where I wore my welcome thin
By transcendental meditation
I go there each night
But I always come back to myself
Long before daylight
All my exes live in Texas
And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be
But all my exes live in Texas
Therefore I reside in Tennessee
Some folks think I’m hidin’
It’s been rumored that I died
But I’m alive and well in Tennessee