Amarillo by morning
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I've got on

When that sun is high in that Texas sky
I'll be buckin' at the county fair
Amarillo by morning
Amarillo, I'll be there

They took my saddle in Houston
Broke my leg in Santa Fe
Lost my wife and a girlfriend
Somewhere along the way

Well, I'll be looking for eight when they pull that gate
And I hope that judge ain't blind
Amarillo by morning
Amarillo's on my mind

Amarillo by morning
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I've got on

I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine
I ain't rich, but Lord, I'm free
Amarillo by morning
Amarillo's where I'll be
Amarillo by morning
Amarillo's where I'll be


Lyrics submitted by cactusdave

Amarillo by Morning Lyrics as written by Terry Stafford Paul Fraser

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Amarillo By Morning song meanings
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12 Comments

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  • +1
    Song Meaning
    The song is ballad of anyone who is struggling financially but still finds freedom in what they do. The character in this story is a cowboy in the rodeo as you can tell by the lyrics "bucking at the county fair," and "broke my leg in Santa Fe." He struggles with his love life because of this lifestyle. These are just the facts the song gives us. Yet, the meaning of the song is that one perseverance has no boundaries. Amarillo is just another stop on this journey, and this cowboy is not stopping until he gets there. Even though there has been a list of struggles, he keeps going because he is free in spirit. He isn't restrained to a 9-5 job that he would hate doing. Sure he might not have a dime in his pocket, but his spirit lives strong and free. This is why this song is so beautiful because people struggle. Some more than others, but one perseverance can get them through to the next day. The next day is symbolized as Amarillo. The pursuit of happiness is what we all should strive for, and this cowboy, although struggling, finds his happiness in the rodeo, and he fights on to make it to Amarillo feeling free and happy at heart. I hope this was close to the meaning everyone else sees. I love this song, and it is one that motivates me to follow my dreams.
    mdonahue03on February 17, 2020   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    No Comments about this song! I can't believe it!! My favorite George Strait song- "I ain't got a dime but what I got is mine...I ain't rich, but lord, I'm Free..." What an awesome line...This song makes me think of a young guy who is just out living life-struggling with not having a whole lot, but knowing that he's gonna do what he can to make it-and he will make it! Love it!
    madonnalmson November 12, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    this is a bad ass song. its s song about a real cowboys life. he's always heads up to the next rodeo down the road. anyone who reads this rember,,, "from cowboy boots to busness suits it hurts when you get knocked down, but you got to get back on" i heard that the other day and it has been on my mind. i think chris ladoux said it in a song and i may have fu*ked it up. but you get the jist of it.
    redneckrosson February 28, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    RedneckRoss...you heard "From business suits to cowboy boots it hurts when you get thrown"...it's a line from a Chris LeDoux song called "Cowboy Up"...And yeh, Amarillo By Mornin is one bad ass song!!!!!
    Stinger0231on March 04, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    how many other people have covered this song? I have seen many Kenny Chesney's is my favorite so far...he dosen't really fit the whole idea of the song, but still great.
    Thewhitepele18on March 24, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I've never personally heard it but...my friendz tell me it's worth listening to! Cowboy's Rock my sterns! Lol!!!!
    NbRidazZ_luVon September 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Definatly his best song, And it nver hit #1
    theduckslayer09on January 30, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    madonnaalms, yeah that line gives me goosebumps
    twollamaloveon April 18, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Great song! Very simple, straight to the point - and heartfelt. It is a short song, but it packs one mean punch. I agree with many of you on here about the lines: "I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine./I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free." Two very well written lines. I do like Strait's version, because he puts so much feeling into the song.
    FBIFoxMulderon June 21, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This song always makes me sad, it was played at my grandpa's funeral as they carried his casket out of the church.
    Imperatoron November 26, 2007   Link

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