George Strait – Take Me Away

 Now that’s a song that warms the soul like a Texas sunset. Released in 2019, it became a late-career gem for the King of Country himself. But to understand “Take Me Away,” we need to delve a little deeper into Strait’s musical legacy and the landscape of country music in the late 2010s.

Strait, for those unfamiliar, is a true titan of country music. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, he carved a niche with his smooth, neotraditional sound. Unlike the more progressive countrypolitan style that dominated earlier decades, Strait championed a back-to-brainer approach. His music was all about clean melodies, tight instrumentation, and lyrics that celebrated rural life, love, and heartbreak. This resonated deeply with audiences, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time, not just in country music, but across all genres.

By the late 2010s, however, country music had begun to shift. Pop influences were creeping in, with artists blurring the lines between genres. While Strait remained a revered figure, some wondered if his brand of traditional country could still connect with younger listeners.

“Take Me Away” was Strait’s answer. Here, he delivered a song that felt quintessentially Strait, yet undeniably fresh. The lyrics, co-written by Strait himself alongside his son Bubba and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon, paint a vivid picture of longing and escape. The narrator dreams of leaving the city behind, yearning for simpler times and the solace of nature. Lines like “Wind in my hair, sun on my face / Let the worries all fade away” capture that quintessential country sentiment of wanting to trade the hustle and bustle for wide-open spaces.

But “Take Me Away” isn’t just about nostalgia. The instrumentation is masterfully crafted. The gentle strum of the acoustic guitar sets the mood, while the subtle steel guitar adds a touch of classic country twang. The melody, as always with Strait, is effortlessly catchy, burrowing into your head with its simple charm. It’s a testament to Strait’s enduring musicality that he could create a song this timeless so late in his career.

“Take Me Away” wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a commercial success too. It topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, proving that Strait’s brand of traditional country still had a devoted audience. More importantly, it showed that great country music transcends trends. It can speak to the universal human desire for connection, escape, and a simpler way of life. So, when that first note of “Take Me Away” rings out, settle back, close your eyes, and let George Strait whisk you away to a place where the worries fade and the heart finds solace.

Video

Lyrics

“Take Me Away”