Three brown and white longhorns standing in a field with a blue sky. They're probably listening to songs about Texas.

10 Underrated Songs About Texas to Show Off Your Lone Star State Pride

There’s no shortage of songs about Texas. Here’s a look at several that you may not have heard before. Now let’s jam!

There’s no shortage of songs about Texas. The second-biggest state in terms of both area and population is not shy about pumping itself up. And there are plenty of unique things to do in the state, so I love seeing a little confidence, baby, confidence.

Even if you’re not from the state, you’ve likely heard songs such as “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” While these tunes certainly have their place, we’ve heard them many times before.

One of my favorite things about traveling is getting to discover new music. I’ll hear what the locals are playing, pick a new playlist, or just ask folks to recommend me a song or podcast to listen to.

So, in that same vein, here are 10 songs about Texas you may not be as familiar with — but they showcase that state pride all the same. Pair them with some fun cowboy slang to maximize your enjoyment.

(And if you have heard them all, I’M SORRY. I’ll try again with another state.)

Ohio (Come Back to Texas)by Bowling for Soup

Bowling for Soup played the NBC New Year’s Eve celebration in Dallas. They introduced this song by saying, “Here’s a song about Texas. It’s called ‘Ohio.'” And it was delightful.

The band hails from Denton, Texas, and this is a nod to their home state. The song includes some shout-outs to Ohio, namely the Cleveland area, before reminding the love interest that they probably missed their exit and “drove right on through the Lone Star State.”

Of course, with how big Texas is, driving through it without realizing would be QUITE the feat.

“Travis County” by Gary Clark Jr.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song by Gary Clark Jr. that didn’t immediately make me want to jump around the room.

Cities and states often receive all the attention in song titles and subject matter, so I’m happy to see counties get some shine in this song, too.

If you’re not humming the “whoo-oo-oo-oohs” by the end of the song, please let me know. I will be shocked.

“Texas” by The String Cheese Incident

A song that’s nearly as long as the state is wide, The String Cheese Incident’s “Texas” clocks in at just under nine minutes. Live versions are often two to three times the length.

The song details a road trip in an RV full of misadventures, complete with the very true statement: “You sure can drink a lot of beer under the Texas sun.”

Just make sure you’re not driving while drinking all that beer.

“Texas Angel” by Honeybrowne

Mixing acoustic guitar and piano with a very catchy groove, “Texas Angel” is Honeybrowne’s biggest hit. Still, among songs about Texas, it’s not nearly as well known.

I can easily see this song serving as the montage in a movie when the main character realizes they’ve been in love with their best friend/coworker/teammate/neighbor the whole time, and they both run to each other from opposite parts of town, only to embrace in a field full of bluebonnets.

“San Antonio Fading” by Noah Gunderson

This is probably the saddest song on the entire list, so naturally, I threw it right in the middle for an extra mournful second half. I can feel the pain with every word Noah Gunderson sings.

It’s also a lesson in not-so-great geography. There’s a section of the song that goes, “We were married / Down by San Antonio / On the shores of Corpus Christi / We spoke our vows.”

San Antonio and Corpus Christi are about 140 miles apart, a solid two-hour drive. That’s a very wide area to be singing about!

“texas” by blxty feat. kuru

The vocals on this song sort of sound like someone singing into a fan, but I like the quirkiness of it. Very similar melodic vibes to “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap, which you probably know better as the “mmm whatcha say?” song (notably featured in this SNL sketch).

Perhaps this song is named “texas” because it’s the only state that can rhyme nicely with “breathless,” “defenses,” and “guest list,” but hey, we’re still going after a love interest in Texas, so it totally counts.

Welcome To Texas” by Slim Thug feat. Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Pimp C, Bun B, UGK, Lil’ Keke, and Z-Ro

Have we ever had this many Texas rappers in one place? It’s unclear, but you know there’s going to be a ton of shout-outs to the Lone Star State.

Primarily, we’re getting a glimpse into Houston since that’s where the majority of these folks are from. In fact, this song is a remixed version of another Slim Thug song called “Welcome 2 Houston.” And with the rate Houston is expanding geographically, it could very well encompass the entire state in the next decade or so.

“Austin” by Hannah Gill

This song gives me heavy Amy Winehouse vibes, and it is SO GOOD. The protagonist moves to Texas on a whim and falls in love for the first time with Austin, which could very well be the city or a man named Austin. Or both — nearly every Austin I’ve ever met has been in Austin. It’s a trend!

In any case, the soulful jazz melody of this song will have your head boppin’, your toes tappin’, and your heart groovin’. Can’t ask for much more than that.

“Broke Down South Of Dallas” by Junior Brown

It would be pretty callous of me to do a list about Texas and not include at least ONE country song. So, here you go, Junior!

Also, I don’t care how old you are, the line, “But I got a wife with a frying pan, and when she talks I’ll listen” is objectively funny.

Galveston” by Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell’s anti-war track was very popular when it came out in 1969, but it seems like many younger folks don’t know it. Maybe I’m wrong, but the only time I’ve ever heard it — aside from me actively playing it on my own speakers or headphones — is on the 60s Gold SiriusXM channel, which pretty much only plays tunes from the 1960s.

I mainly wanted to include this song because at least once a week, I find myself singing the final chorus of this song: “Galveston, ohhhh Galvestonnnnnn!” Take a listen and try it, too. It’s very cathartic.

Did I miss one of your favorite songs about Texas? Don’t just stand there, hit me with it in the comments!

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