“That’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.”
Out of the record-setting 60 #1 hits that the legendary George Strait has recorded, All My Ex’s Live In Texas remains one of the most popular to this day. Whether it is the iconic steel guitar and fiddle in the intro or the simply satisfying, clever rhyme that is “all my ex’s live in Texas,” it’s clear to see why this song has stood the test of time for The King.
Written by the then-married duo, Whitey and Lyndia Shafer, All My Ex’s Live In Texas serves as a bit of a biography for Whitey. While discussing the hit, he said,
“It was like writin’ my biography. I changed the names to protect the guilty. I do have some ex’s in Texas. That’s not really why I live in Tennessee, but it’s a good kicker for the song.”
All My Ex’s Live In Texas was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards; however, it lost to Always and Forever by fellow country superstar, Randy Travis. It has also been certified platinum by the RIAA.
The song’s iconic nature has stretched far beyond the country genre, appearing in a wide variety of different forms across pop culture. It’s been featured in the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and the popular horror television show, Ash vs Evil Dead. It was also referenced by Drake in his 2x platinum single, HYFR, where he says,
“All my exes live in Texas like I’m George Strait”
Listen to it here: