Have You Heard or Know of These 8 Songs About Texarkana?

Have you noticed lately that Texarkana seems to be trending in Hollywood TV shows and movies when it comes to using that name in a storyline? What about songs?

It seems like Texarkana has become a buzzword all of a sudden in shows but do you know Texarkana over the years has been recognized in music as well whether it be in the form of lyrics or the title of a song?

What is it about Texarkana that artists are drawn to? Is it from a personal experience they had while performing here or just passing through or maybe it's just the uniqueness of our name that strikes a chord with musicians, no pun intended? When I met the Eli Young Band several years ago in Memphis they asked me where I was from and they said, "We wrote a song in a motel room while the band was stranded during a fierce thunderstorm."

So, in a sense that is one of those personal stories I spoke of, and hopefully, they will tell us about it when they come to town on September 16, to the Perot Theatre. Tickets are now on sale.

So, without further ado, let's take a look at a list of songs that mention Texarkana. Some you may have heard of some maybe not but one thing is for certain, Texarkana is alive and well.

All My Exes Live in Texas - George Strait

King George sings about "Rosanna's Down In Texarkana" in the song "All My Exes Live In Texas," This two-stepping ballad is all about getting divorced and it was a #1 hit for George. I sure hope Rosanna lived on the Texas side of town because it just wouldn't be the same if it were "All My Exes Live In Arkansas."

East Bound And Down - Jerry Reed

This is the song that put Texarkana on the map as the beer capital of Texas from the iconic movie, "Smoky and The Bandit." Jerry Reed aka The Snowman played a trucker who had to deliver a load of beer with the Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds while outrunning Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) all the way from Texarkana to Atlanta. Put the hammer down we're "East Bound and Down" That's a big 10-4 buddy!

Cotton Fields - CCR

Creedence Clearwater Revival was a rock band that at times had songs that sounded country especially when lead singer John Fogerty belted out the song "Cotton Fields" with the lyrics,  "Just About A Mile From Texarkana." I don't know what they were drinking but Texarkana is more than a mile from the Louisiana line.

 I've Been Everywhere - Johhny Cash

It's only fitting that an Arkansas native would record a song that mentions Texarkana in its lyrics, "I've Been To Houston, Kingston, Texarkana" It's funny because he's actually telling the truth, during the early days of his career, he performed at the historic Municipal Auditorium.

Texas - Charlie Daniels Band

The late legendary Charlie Daniels loved this country and many of his songs reflected the patriotism of this man, especially with the lyrics "Runs From Texarkana to El Paso" in the song Texas. We love you Charlie and miss you!

Merry Christmas from Texas Y'all - Tracy Byrd

You can't get through the Christmas season without a little love from the Lone Star State with the lyrics, "From El Paso to Texarkana." Merry Christmas y'all that's how we do it in Texas.

Maddie and Tae - No Place Like You

Many of you probably didn't know about this song, I didn't either until someone told me about it. Maddie and Tae singing the lyrics "Killing Time in Texarkana, Rolling Tide in Alabama."

Texarkana Baby

Perhaps the late Eddy Arnold said it best in his song titled "Texarkana Baby" in 1947, I wasn't even born yet but my parents told me about it when I got older.

Yes, while it appears these songs are all country there is one song that is not.

R.E.M - Texarkana

The rock band R.E.M. has a song called "Texarkana" where the lyrics say, Texarkana in the Middle of Nowhere," Should we be offended by this or not? The pictures in the video sure don't look like Texarkana but maybe they are just trying to make a point.

How many more songs about Texarkana can you add to this list?