About the song
Ah, yes, George Strait’s “Take Me To Texas”. Now that’s a song that evokes a powerful sense of place and belonging. Released in 2015, it became the theme song for the miniseries “Texas Rising,” a historical drama chronicling the Texas Revolution. But “Take Me To Texas” transcends its television origins. It’s become a contemporary anthem for anyone who feels a deep connection to the Lone Star State.
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Strait, a country music icon known for his smooth vocals and neotraditional style, perfectly captures the essence of Texas in this song. We can delve a little deeper to understand why this song resonates so strongly.
Firstly, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of Texas’ rich history. The opening lines, “Take me to Texas / Two hundred years ago / Where a pride rose from the ashes of San Jacinto,” reference the pivotal 1836 battle that secured Texan independence from Mexico. This historical grounding immediately establishes a sense of Texan identity as fiercely independent and forged in struggle.
Secondly, the song celebrates the vastness and beauty of the Texan landscape. Lines like “On the open range / The Rio Grande is in my veins” evoke images of endless plains, winding rivers, and a deep connection to the natural world. Texas is a state known for its wide-open spaces, and the song taps into that spirit of freedom and boundless possibility.
Thirdly, “Take Me To Texas” is a song about loyalty and the power of home. The repeated refrain, “Take me to Texas,” expresses a deep longing and a sense of belonging. Whether the singer is yearning for his birthplace or a spiritual connection to the state, the song emphasizes the enduring pull of Texas for those who consider it home.
It’s important to note that Strait doesn’t shy away from the romanticized image of Texas. The song references iconic figures like “the Alamo” and the “Yellow Rose,” further solidifying the state’s legendary status. However, this romanticization feels genuine, a testament to the enduring myths and legends that have shaped Texan identity.
Finally, “Take Me To Texas” transcends its specific Texan context. The song speaks to a universal human desire for belonging and a connection to a place that feels like home. Whether it’s Texas, or somewhere else entirely, the song reminds us of the power of place in shaping who we are.
So, when you hear “Take Me To Texas,” you’re not just listening to a country song. You’re experiencing a celebration of history, landscape, and a deep sense of place. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Texas, and the universal human yearning for home.
Video
Lyrics
“Take Me To Texas”
Two hundred years ago
Where a pride rose from the ashes of San Jacinto
It still beats in every heart
Like a battle cry
Where I was born, where I was raised, so when I die
Take me to Texas
On the open range
The Rio Grande is in my veins
It’s heaven there
And so my prayer
Is that you’ll take me anywhere in Texas
The only home I know
I’m a child of the Alamo
And the Yellow Rose
So when I go
Take me to Texas
Where my daddy worked
Where his blood and sweat and tears are still in that red dirt
Wild Palominos run
Cowboys are kings
And if I stray too far, I’ll let my Lone Star dreams
Take me to Texas
On the open range
The Rio Grande is in my veins
It’s heaven there
And so my prayer
Is that you’ll take me anywhere in Texas
The only home I know
I’m a child of the Alamo
And the Yellow Rose
So when I go
Take me to Texas
There’s something in the sky
And in your momma’s eyes
So even if you try to move away
You’ll end up on some road somewhere
With your thumb up in the air
When they ask you where you’re headed, you’ll say
Take me to Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antone
Houston, Laredo, Galveston
Or Austin, maybe Abilene
The closest thing I’ve ever seen
To Heaven’s the Gulf of Mexico
I’m a child of the Alamo
And the Yellow Rose
So when I go
Take me to Texas
Mhmmm
Take me to Texas
Oh, take me to Texas
Take me to Texas