Willie Nelson was born 91 years ago in Abbott, Texas. He is one of the greatest legends in country music and will always deserve that status. Still, Nelson sure hasn't forgotten his Lone Star State roots. His humility and folksy, relatable demeanor contribute to his popularity among all ages. That goes for Texans and non-Texans alike!
Videos by Wide Open Country
Honoring one's geographical home is an important theme in country music. So we are taking a look back now at Willie Nelson's songs about Texas. They tell us as much about him as they do about Texas itself and its incomparable Western traditions.
'Texas In My Soul' (1968)
This was actually the title of a studio album by Nelson (his seventh) that honored Texas with 11 memorable songs. You can tell from the title of each how highly Nelson regarded his beloved home state. Included on the album are "Beautiful Texas," "Dallas," "San Antonio," "Waltz Across Texas," and "There's a Little Bit of Everything in Texas," among others.
The peppy title song refers to a number of famous locales in the state, such as Beaumont, Brownsville, and Corpus Christi. Perhaps the most telling lyric in it is this one. "I've been a Texan since my birth / No place like it on this earth / I got to go, I got Texas in my soul." The first time I heard it, I envisioned a dance floor filled with happy couples cutting loose and having a blast.
'No Place But Texas' (1986)
In the lofty opinion of Rolling Stone, "...[T]his song is so rich with scenic imagery that it makes even the most blue-blooded Northerner consider pulling up stakes and relocating to the Lone Star State." That's pretty persuasive, eh? It was penned by the same exceptional songwriter responsible for the classic hit "Delta Dawn." His name is Alex Harvey. This tune says it all - and eloquently - about being enamored of Texas. For Nelson, it's a love affair that has no end or limit.
'Texas' (2000)
Ah, the Highwaymen! Four magnificent outlaws. They included Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. A quartet of legends never to be equaled. The best singing foursome since the Beatles, albeit in another, very different genre. This song comes from their album, The Highwayman Collection. Willie Nelson wrote this gem. Love the lyrics, especially this one: "It's where I wanna be / It's the only place for me / Where my spirit can be free / Texas." A perfect summation of how Nelson feels about his birthplace.
'Made In Texas' (2024)
From Nelson's album, The Border, this bubbly, sassy track was described by Stereogum as "one of Willie Nelson's periodic flirtations with Western swing, the old-timey country genre that comes from his home state." Co-written by Monty Holmes and Shawn Camp, it will have you singin' and bouncing along with it in a Texas minute.
