Growing up in the rural Midwest I was taught a love of country music from a young age. Most importantly, I was taught a love of the King himself, George Strait. On my three-hour drives home from college, I will jam out to George Strait's 50 Number Ones with absolutely no shame. Why is that you ask? George Strait has taught me what love is and what a relationship should look like through his songs.
1. "I Can Still Make Cheyenne" (1996)
Summary of the Song: A cowboy's girlfriend decides to leave him because she can't handle his rodeo lifestyle. So he decides to head towards the next rodeo since he no longer has a girlfriend to go home to.
Lesson Learned: If someone is not okay with what you're passionate about it is better to cut your losses and keep pursuing your dreams. The right person will understand what is important to you.
2. "All My Ex's Live in Texas" (1987)
Summary of the Song: A man reflects on his crazy ex-girlfriends who all want to cause him harm. He really wants to live in Texas, but knows that it is in his best interests to not stay there.
Lessons Learned: Really, it is better to avoid your exes. You don't need that crazy in your life.
3. "Give It Away" (2006)
Summary of the Song: A married couple is going through a divorce. The wife tells the husband that she doesn't want to keep anything from their life together and just wants to get rid of all of it.
Lesson Learned: Burn, shred, toss, and donate anything that you still have from a relationship with an ex.
4. "Fool Hearted Memory" (1982)
Summary of the Song: A man tries to forget about his girlfriend leaving and all the not-so-nice things that she did to him. However, as he sits and drinks all he can think of is her memory.
Lesson Learned: If someone treats you like crap, don't defend their actions. Chuck it in the f--- it bucket and move on. It's okay to reminisce, just don't get stuck on an old flame.
5. "She Let Herself Go" (2005)
Summary of the Song: A woman starts to blossom and does a lot of fun stuff after her husband of several years leaves her.
Lesson Learned: If someone walks away from you, prove what an idiot they were by showing off how happy you are, how beautiful you are, and have a ton of adventures.
6. "You Know Me Better Than That" (1991)
Summary of the Song: A man is speaking to his ex, telling her about how his new girlfriend thinks that he walks on water and is the perfect man with no flaws. He then mentions to his ex how she knows him well enough to know that he's no angel.
Lesson Learned: Don't jump into a rebound relationship with someone who is bat-shit crazy and seems ignorant of who you really are.
7. "I Hate Everything" (2004)
Summary of the Song: A man runs into another man at the bar who says that he hates everything because his life is in a slump. He talks about his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend and his regret stemming from them. At the end, the first man calls his wife to tell her that he's coming home and they're going to sort out their problems.
Lesson Learned: Always be willing to apologize to your significant other. Love can be mended if both sides are willing to fight for each other.
8. "Living and Living Well" (2002)
Summary of the Song: Life is better when you have someone special to share all of your success and the big, important moments with.
Lesson Learned: It is important to have people you love in your life. A significant other is great, but have friends who support you no matter what.
9. "Check Yes or No" (1995)
Summary of the Song: A little girl sends a note to a little boy in her class asking him if he loves her and wants to be her friend. They grow up to get married and live happily ever after.
Lesson Learned: If you like someone, speak up!
10. "Run" (2001)
Summary of the Song: A man is telling his lover that he misses her and wants to see her as soon as he can.
Lesson Learned: Love will find a way. The right person will be there for you when you need them.
11. "I Got a Car" (2013)
Summary of the Song: A man asks a girl on a simple date saying that he has a car. Each time they have a problem, he states that he can get her where she needs to be.
Lesson Learned: The simple dates where you just spend time with a person are the best ones. Fancy dinners and expensive things are not necessary to have a good time.
12. "I Just Want to Dance with You" (1988)
Summary of the Song: A man tells his lover that he just wants to be with her and dance with her. He also tells her that he doesn't care what anyone thinks about them.
Lesson Learned: You don't have to have have sex to be intimate with someone. Also, a proper gentleman knows how to dance.
13. "Carried Away" (1996)
Summary of the Song: A man tells his lover that she makes him feel like a feather floating away. He explains the feeling of being in love.
Lesson Learned: The right person will make you feel comfortable with them and like there is nothing that you cannot share with them
14. "Blue, Clear Sky" (1996)
Summary of the Song: Just when you think that there's no one out there for you, the right person shows up. You're going to go through a lot of heartache, but it's all part of the plan.
Lesson Learned: Don't give up on love. The right person will show up when you least expect it.
15. "I Cross My Heart" (1992)
Summary of the Song: A man tells the love of his life that he promises to be there for her whenever she needs him to be. He tells her that their love is strong and meant to last.
Lesson Learned: Prince Charming exists. Your person that makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside is out there. You are worth being loved with a true, honest passion. You are worth being loved so deeply that no one else could ever explain it.
After two decades of depending on George Strait's music for life advice, I have realized how many relationship lessons I have learned from him. Most importantly, King George represents how a man should treat his lady--with respect, admiration, and a burning desire to contribute to her happiness.
