10 Songs About Dallas

As a native Dallasite, I’ve always felt that our city’s spirit is best captured through the music it inspires. From the soulful blues echoing through Deep Ellum to the twangy country tunes filling honky-tonks, Dallas has been the muse for countless artists across genres and generations. Our skyline may be iconic, but it’s the rhythm of our streets that truly defines us.

In this playlist, we’ll dive into 20 songs that paint a vivid picture of Big D. These tracks aren’t just about Dallas – they are Dallas. They capture our entrepreneurial spirit, our rich cultural tapestry, and yes, even our infamous traffic. From the gritty realism of early blues to the glitz and glamour celebrated in modern country, each song offers a unique perspective on what makes our city tick.

1. “Dallas After Midnight” By Ray Wylie Hubbard

Ray Wylie Hubbard is a renowned Texas singer-songwriter. He crafted “Dallas After Midnight” as part of his album “Delirium Tremolos”. The song describes late-night experiences in Dallas, which captures the essence of the city’s nocturnal atmosphere. 

The lyrics of “Dallas After Midnight” explore themes of solitude, introspection, and the allure of nighttime in a bustling city. He sings:

Oh, Dallas after midnight

Oh, Dallas after midnight

Oh, Dallas after midnight

I came runnin’ back, blinded by sweat, blood and tears.

I said, Jack the cat had a gun, hah, let’s get outa here.

I didn’t say nothin’ as we drove away.

I kept askin’ myself how’d I ever get so mean I couldn’t pray?

Hubbard’s storytelling prowess shines through as he describes sitting in darkness, drinking wine, and contemplating life’s complexities. 

2. “Dallas” By Steely Dan

Steely Dan’s “Dallas” holds a unique place in the band’s discography as their first single, released in 1972. Unlike many of their later hits, this track features drummer Jim Hodder on lead vocals, showcasing a different vocal texture from the band’s typical sound.

In the song, Steely Dan sings:

I’m sayin’ goodbye, bye, bye, Dallas;

I can’t stay

Should have been at the palace

Yesterday

Bye, bye, Dallas; got to go

And I remember when they told me so

Right now I’m wonderin’ where

The good times have gone;

All the things I never loved when they was mine

Hot city and an empty pocket make a man think on;

I’ve been living low so long

Gotta get back where I belong

Interestingly, “Dallas” was not included on Steely Dan’s debut album “Can not Buy a Thrill”,” but appeared later on a compilation that was only released in Japan in 1978.

3. “Dallas” By Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson’s “Dallas,” released in December 1991, became his fourth consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Co-written by Jackson and Keith Stegall, the song was inspired by Jackson’s experience playing at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.

After the show, Jackson reportedly commented that he “wished Dallas was in Tennessee,” which became the foundation for the song’s clever lyrics.

The song tells the story of a man whose lover, named Dallas, has left him for Dallas, Texas. Jackson’s lyrics play with this dual meaning, expressing the narrator’s wish for both the city and his former lover to be in Tennessee. In the song, he sings:

Oh, how I wish Dallas was in Tennessee

If I could move Texas east

Then she’d be here with me

Then nothin’ else would come between the two of us

If Dallas was in Tennessee

Oh, if Dallas was in Tennessee

Dallas packed her suitcase

And drove off in the brand new car I bought her

This wordplay, combined with Jackson’s smooth vocals and the song’s traditional country instrumentation, contributed to its success. 

4. “Dallas” By The Flatlanders

“Dallas” by The Flatlanders is a poignant and introspective song that offers a unique perspective on the city of Dallas, Texas. Written by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, one of the founding members of the band, the track was originally recorded in 1972 but wasn’t widely released until much later. The Flatlanders, consisting of Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock, are known for their blend of country, folk, and alternative rock styles.

The lyrics of “Dallas” paint a complex picture of the city, contrasting its modern, cosmopolitan image with a sense of emptiness and artificiality. In the song, he sings:

Well Dallas is a woman who will walk on you when you’re down

But when you are up she’s the kind you want to take around

But Dallas ain’t a woman to help you get your feet on the ground

And Dallas is a woman who will walk on you when you’re down

 

Well I came into Dallas with the bright lights on my mind

But I came into Dallas with a dollar and a dime

 

Well Dallas is a rich man with a death wish in his eyes

A steel and concrete soul and a warm-hearted love in disguise

A rich man who tends to believe in his own lies

Yeah, Dallas is a rich man with a death wish in his eyes

Gilmore’s distinctive high lonesome voice delivers lines that describe Dallas as a “rich man with a death wish in his eyes,” suggesting a critique of the city’s rapid growth and materialism.

Despite its initial obscurity, “Dallas” has become one of The Flatlanders’ most recognized and covered songs. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a specific time and place while also touching on universal themes of disillusionment and the search for authenticity in an increasingly urbanized world.

5. “Blues In Dallas” By The Mountain Goats

“Blues In Dallas” is a track by The Mountain Goats, an indie folk band led by singer-songwriter John Darnielle. Known for their narrative lyrics and lo-fi recording style, The Mountain Goats often explore themes of personal struggle, relationships, and place-specific experiences in their songs.

In “Blues In Dallas,” Darnielle crafts a vivid portrayal of loneliness and displacement in the urban landscape of Dallas. The song likely draws from the band’s experiences touring through Texas, capturing the feeling of being a stranger in a big city.

The lyrics paint pictures of empty hotel rooms, late-night walks, and the sense of isolation that can come from being surrounded by unfamiliar people and places. In the song, he sings:

Will you walk on in when the angel summons you?

Will you walk on in when the angel summons you?

If I don’t see you go, I will let the minions flow

And I will wait, I will wait, I will wait

 

Down in Dealey Plaza, the tourists mill about

Down in Dealey Plaza, the tourists mill about

And I am far from where we live

And I have not learned how to forgive

But I will wait, I will wait, I will wait

Yeah

While not as well-known as some of The Mountain Goats’ other works, “Blues In Dallas” showcases the band’s ability to create intimate, location-specific narratives that resonate with listeners on a personal level.

6. “Welcome To Dallas” By Big Tuck

“Welcome To Dallas” by Big Tuck is a hip-hop anthem that serves as a proud introduction to the city of Dallas, Texas, from the perspective of one of its native sons. Big Tuck, a prominent figure in the Dallas hip-hop scene, released this track as part of his efforts to put the city on the map in the rap world.

Lyrically, “Welcome To Dallas” provides a street-level tour of the city, highlighting various neighborhoods, local slang, and cultural touchstones that are significant to Dallas residents. Big Tuck name-checks specific areas like Oak Cliff and South Dallas, giving listeners a sense of the city’s geography and diverse communities.

Throughout the track, Big Tuck emphasizes the pride and loyalty that Dallas natives feel for their city. He touches on themes of hustle, street life, and the unique flavor of Dallas hip-hop. In the song, he sings:

Let me remind you

Got bread I’ll put it on your head if I got to

You will get flopped too this what you should not do

Feed bullshit to animals off in this zoo

You’re now in Dallas it ain’t no faking

There will be no hating you might meet Satan

Home of the G’s king of the ki’s

We don’t ride swangas we bending on D’s

Dallas the place we thugging with grace

You better set your pace or you will lose this race

I’ma cut to the chase I’ma give you a taste

You get out of line a nigga will snatch your face

The chorus, which repeats the phrase “Welcome to Dallas,” serves as both an invitation to outsiders and a rallying cry for locals.

“Welcome To Dallas” has become something of an unofficial anthem for the city, particularly within its hip-hop community. 

7. “If You’re Ever Down In Dallas” By Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack’s “If You’re Ever Down In Dallas” is a country ballad that showcases her emotive vocals and storytelling abilities. Released in 2000 as part of her album “I Hope You Dance,” the song tells a poignant tale of lost love and lingering memories set against the backdrop of Dallas, Texas.

The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who has moved on from a past relationship but still holds onto the memories of her time in Dallas with her former lover. Womack’s character extends an invitation to her ex, suggesting places they could meet if he ever finds himself in the city.

In the song, Womack sings:

But if you’re ever down in Dallas, darlin’

Wonderin’ what to do

Just call on me, ’cause I’ve been there too

Maybe I could help

“Cause I know so well how it hurts to lose at love

If you’re ever down in Dallas, look me up

Well, I gave up on our love and left you cryin’

But there’s times we all make choices that we regret

So if you wind up lonely ’cause you’ve made the same mistake

I can take you all the places a fool goes to forget

The song’s emotional core lies in the tension between the desire to reconnect and the acknowledgment that the relationship is over.

8. “Dallas Days And Fort Worth Nights” By Chris LeDoux

Chris LeDoux, known for his rodeo-inspired country music, captures the essence of two iconic Texas cities in “Dallas Days And Fort Worth Nights.” This upbeat track celebrates the contrasting personalities of Dallas and Fort Worth, highlighting the urban sophistication of Dallas and the cowboy culture of Fort Worth.

The song’s lyrics depict a lifestyle split between working in Dallas during the day and enjoying Fort Worth’s nightlife. In the song, Chris sings:

Dallas days and Fort Worth nights

Well, all day long he sets his sights on ice cold beer and neon lights

From sky-high beams to bucking machines, he’s a single man with a double life

Dallas days and Fort Worth nights

Well, he’s headed honky tonkin’ to a place they call Cowtown

He’s gonna hit the floor hip-hoppin’, just spinnin’ when the sun goes down

He’ll buy a drink for a cowgirl hopin’ to quench her thirst

One that’ll take him to heaven and bring him back down to earth

LeDoux paints Dallas as a place of business and ambition, while Fort Worth is portrayed as the home of honky-tonks, rodeos, and country music. This dichotomy reflects the real-life dynamic between the two cities, often referred to as the “Metroplex.”

9. “Dallas” By Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett’s “Dallas” offers a laid-back, tropical take on the Texas city. Released in 1974 on his album “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” Buffett recounts a visit to Dallas, describing various experiences and observations with his characteristic wit and charm. He sings:

If you ever get the chance to go to Dallas

Take it from me pass it by

‘Cause you’ll only sing the blues down in Dallas

Take it from me don’t go and cry

And I’m leavin’ this town as soon as I can

Gonna stop off for awhile and see my woman

People do you wrong down in Dallas

I know well they’ve done it to me

Stealin’ all your bread, they’re so callous

I know well just look and see

Oh, and I’m leavin’ this town as soon as I can

Gonna stop off for awhile and see my woman

The lyrics touch on themes of travel, romance, and the contrast between his usual beach-oriented lifestyle and the urban landscape of Dallas. Buffett’s easygoing delivery and clever wordplay bring a sense of humor to his portrayal of the city.

10. “Fort Worth And Dallas Blues” By Lead Belly

Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, recorded “Fort Worth And Dallas Blues” in the 1930s, offering a glimpse into the early blues perspective on these Texas cities. 

The lyrics describe the journey between Fort Worth and Dallas, touching on themes of travel, work, and the challenges of life in Texas during the early 20th century.

Lead Belly’s lyrics often mixed personal experiences with broader social commentary, and “Fort Worth And Dallas Blues” likely reflects both his own travels and the general experiences of African Americans in Texas during that era. In the song, he sings:

Oh Lord, Lordy Lord, it hurts me so bad for us to part

Someday baby, I ain’t gonna worry my life no more

You’re on my mind every place I go

How much I love you, baby you’ll never know

Someday baby, I ain’t gonna worry my life no more

So many mornings since you’ve been gone

I’m on my knees prayin’ to you baby, please come back home

Someday baby, I ain’t gonna worry my life no more, oh yeah

I want you brown eyes, I want you till my days end

But I want you as a lover, you’re no good to me as my friend

Someday baby, I ain’t gonna worry my life no more, yeah

Overall, the song showcases Lead Belly’s influential guitar style, which combines elements of folk, blues, and work songs.