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Introduction
“Amarillo By Morning” is more than just a beloved country song; it’s a story etched in the heart of Texas and the spirit of the rodeo cowboy. Penned by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, the song first saw light in 1973, recorded by Stafford himself. The inspiration struck Stafford after a rodeo performance in San Antonio, followed by a lonesome drive back to his Amarillo home. A simple FedEx commercial with the tagline about reaching Amarillo by morning sparked the initial concept, which Fraser then swiftly brought to lyrical life.
While Stafford’s original rendition achieved modest success, it was George Strait’s 1982 recording that catapulted “Amarillo By Morning” into the realm of timeless classics. Appearing on his album “Strait from the Heart,” released in early 1983 as a single, Strait’s version resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to number four on the Billboard Country chart. His more traditional, fiddle-infused arrangement perfectly captured the poignant narrative of a weathered rodeo man – broke and weary, yet clinging to his freedom and the next rodeo in Amarillo.
Despite not reaching the coveted number one spot, Strait’s rendition became his signature song and an enduring anthem of the American West and the rodeo circuit. Its themes of resilience, independence, and the pursuit of a dream, even in the face of hardship, have cemented its place in the country music canon. Even today, “Amarillo By Morning” evokes the vast landscapes of Texas and the unwavering spirit of the cowboy, a testament to its powerful storytelling and Strait’s iconic delivery.
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