As a born and raised Texan, I am both proud of and take comfort in my roots. From the southern charm of College Station, Texas to the urban beauty of Dallas, the state has always provided me with adventure and a sense of belonging that has shaped who I am today.
Cultivating a love for classic country was an integral part of my upbringing in Dallas, especially artists with roots in the “Lone Star State,” Texas’ state nickname. From Merle Haggard to George Strait, these classic country artists encapsulate Southern charm in every chord and lyric. Whenever I find myself missing Texas, one song always transports me back to the rustic beauty and winding highways of home: Lyle Lovett’s “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)” (1996). The track embodies this nostalgia, perfectly blending Texas pride with an invitation to embrace its infectious Southern charm.
One of my favorite parts of this song is how Lovett describes the friendliness of Texans, where even if “You’re not from Texas / But Texas wants you anyway.” Friendship is not just the motto of Texas but also an ingrained principle that guides our hospitality, culture and overall sense of community. Lovett describes how Texan hospitality at a dance hall makes it “the finest place to be,” where even if you are a stranger, “men will buy your beer for free.” From the rustic serenity of Abilene, Texas to the bustling city streets of Austin, you would be hard-pressed to find a place where a warm smile and a friendly greeting aren’t just second nature, but a way of life.
The uniqueness of Texan hospitality did not hit home for me until I traveled out of the state. In my hometown, whether I was walking through my neighborhood or on nearby trails, I always smiled and said hello to strangers. I grew used to receiving a similar reaction in return, which I found was not as common outside of Texas. I noticed that people were less likely to strike up conversations with strangers as well, which is by no means a flaw, but this pattern elucidates the ease of camaraderie in my home state. It does not matter if someone is a friend or an absolute stranger — polite conversation is a given in Texas, and a simple “How is your day going?” can turn into a genuine, friendly exchange.
If there is one defining trait in most Texans that outweighs friendliness, it is our immense pride for our state. I am not ashamed to admit I talk about Texas often, a trait that I share with Lovett. He presents this pride in “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)” when describing a conversation with his girlfriend, who asks him, “‘How come you’re always going on / About your Lone Star State?’” There is no shortage of what Texas offers to tourists and locals alike. From the natural beauty of West Texas to the cosmopolitan flair of Central Texas, there is something for everyone.
To me, the beauty of this song is that it is told from the perspective of a local to a tourist. Lovett pokes fun at the tourist for trying to dress the part of a Texan, but understands the tourist’s enthusiasm because “Even Moses got excited / when he saw the promised land.” Despite Lovett’s playful jabs toward the tourist’s imitation of locals, he is excited to introduce him to the Texan way of life and show him how special it is to him as someone who was “born and raised in Texas.” The story within the song perfectly embodies the culture of Texas, where everyone is welcome and treated as a friend, no matter if they are a local or a tourist.
“That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)” is not just dedicated to my family and friends in Texas but also to the state itself. I dedicate this song to Texas A&M University football games and long hikes through state parks, to country music concerts, to too much Buc-ee’s merchandise and all the new opportunities, kindness and pride the “Lone Star State” has given me. And for anyone who has not had the pleasure of visiting Texas yet, “Texas wants you anyway.”
Paige Hogan (27C) is from Dallas, Texas, and is majoring in Chemistry and Classical Civilization. Outside of the Wheel, she is on the executive boards of both her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, and the Emory Anime Club.In her free time, she enjoys hiking, listening to Arctic Monkeys, and marathoning all 10 Saw movies.
