Wit, Wordplay, and Western Charm: “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait
In the vast landscape of country music, few artists embody its heart and humor quite like George Strait. Known for his smooth vocals, traditional roots, and a deep understanding of storytelling, Strait has given the genre countless classics — and among the most entertaining is his cleverly written and instantly recognizable hit, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” Released in 1987 as the second single from his chart-topping album “Ocean Front Property,” the song became a defining example of Strait’s knack for balancing levity with pure country style.
Written by Sanger D. Shafer and Lyndia J. Shafer, this song tells a tongue-in-cheek tale of a man whose romantic history has become something of a regional disaster. “All my ex’s live in Texas,” he declares, “and Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be.” That ironic contradiction sets the tone for a story that’s both funny and surprisingly wistful — a lighthearted lament about love gone sideways, told with a wink rather than a tear.
The brilliance of the song lies in its wordplay and pacing, with each verse introducing a new chapter of the narrator’s unfortunate past. From a woman who “tempered with the law” to another who “runs by name Sweet Eileen,” each ex-girlfriend adds a new layer to the man’s decision to relocate… far away. And where does he find solace? Not in Nashville or Amarillo, but in spiritual reflection — in “Tennessee,” where he’s “meditating.”
Musically, the track is an upbeat slice of Western swing with hints of traditional honky-tonk, marked by crisp guitars, steel licks, a shuffling beat, and of course, George Strait’s unmistakably smooth and steady vocal performance. There’s no over-singing or gimmick — just effortless delivery, as if he’s telling an old joke to a group of friends around a table, letting the charm and cleverness speak for themselves.
Despite its humor, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is also a tribute to the storytelling tradition in country music — where even the most personal mishaps become songs to laugh about, sing along to, and maybe even reflect on. And that’s part of Strait’s genius: he brings dignity to the humor, never ridiculing his characters, but instead painting them with just enough color to keep things entertaining and relatable.
The song became an instant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards. It remains one of George Strait’s most requested and recognizable tracks — often cited alongside “Amarillo by Morning” and “The Chair” as a cornerstone of his catalog.
For longtime country fans and older audiences, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is more than just a catchy tune — it’s a reminder of how laughter can soften the sting of life’s disappointments. It’s the kind of song that never ages, because it speaks to something timeless: the bittersweet trail of past love, and the enduring hope that peace — or at least a quiet cup of coffee in Tennessee — might still be waiting.
Even decades after its release, the song continues to delight audiences in live performances and on country radio. Whether you’ve had a few colorful chapters in your own love story, or you’re just along for the ride, George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” delivers what country music does best — a good story, a good laugh, and a good tune you’ll be humming all day.