About the song
Trace Adkins – There’s a Girl in Texas is more than just a debut single—it’s a tender confession wrapped in the rugged charm that would come to define Trace Adkins’ career. Released in 1996, this heartfelt ballad introduced the world to a voice that was deep, soulful, and unmistakably country. Before Adkins became a household name with hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “You’re Gonna Miss This,” he was a new artist stepping into the spotlight with a simple, powerful message: the ache of leaving love behind.
The song tells the story of a man chasing dreams far from home—specifically to California—while carrying the memory of a woman he left behind in Texas. There’s nothing overly complex about the lyrics, but that’s precisely what makes it so effective. The emotion is raw and relatable. “There’s a girl in Texas that does her best to wait for me” isn’t just a lyric; it’s a sentiment anyone who’s ever been torn between ambition and affection can understand.
Musically, “There’s a Girl in Texas” is soaked in classic ’90s country flavor. Steel guitar licks drift in and out, supporting Adkins’ baritone voice like a familiar friend. The arrangement is modest, letting the lyrics and vocal delivery take center stage. What stands out is not production flair, but sincerity—and that’s something that never goes out of style.
What makes this song particularly noteworthy is how it set the tone for Adkins’ career. From the very start, he was able to walk the line between masculine strength and emotional vulnerability. In a genre where authenticity is king, Trace Adkins proved from day one that he was the real deal.
“There’s a Girl in Texas” remains a favorite for longtime fans, not just because of its melody, but because it marked the beginning of a voice that would resonate through country music for decades to come. It’s a reminder that even in pursuit of dreams, the heart often stays tethered to home.
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Lyrics
When I rode out of Dallas
Chasing down a dream
I thought I knew what I was looking for
But the neon nights have blinded me
‘Til I’m lost in Tennessee
Not sure I know who I am anymore… but
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
That does
You’re a truly lovely lady
And you sure light up the night
I’m a lonely man but I’m leaving here alone
I won’t try to lie to you
About this heart of mine
That I can’t give, that I don’t really own… cause
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
That does
If this dream that I’ve been chasing
Ever sets me free
And I wake up to find it don’t need me
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
There’s a girl in Texas
That does
Yes, there’s a girl in Texas that I still love