Introduction:
“Damn Strait” is a heartfelt country song by American singer Scotty McCreery, released on October 18, 2021, as the second single from his fifth studio album, Same Truck. The song serves as both a classic country heartbreak anthem and a tribute to the legendary George Strait, cleverly weaving references to Strait’s iconic hits throughout its lyrics.
The track was penned by songwriters Jim Collins and Trent Tomlinson. Tomlinson, known for his deep roots in country music, also wrote “Why Can’t I Leave Her Alone,” which George Strait recorded for his 2006 album It Just Comes Natural. Upon hearing “Damn Strait,” McCreery, a lifelong fan of George Strait, was immediately drawn to its clever wordplay and heartfelt narrative. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I immediately raised my hand and said, ‘Me, me, me.’ It’s such a cool song. It’s so cleverly written. And obviously, I’m a massive George Strait fan. It just sounded so much like me”.
The song’s narrative centers on a man lamenting a lost love, with George Strait’s music serving as the soundtrack to their relationship. Each Strait song mentioned evokes memories of their time together, making it painful for the protagonist to listen to them post-breakup. The lyrics reference several of Strait’s classics, including “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” (1986), “Marina del Rey” (1982), “Blue Clear Sky” (1996), “Give It Away” (2006), “I Hate Everything” (2004), and “Baby Blue” (1988). This intertwining of Strait’s music with the song’s storyline adds depth and resonance, appealing to both McCreery and Strait fans alike.
Critically acclaimed for its clever title and McCreery’s warm, personal delivery, “Damn Strait” showcases the singer’s ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Billy Dukes of Taste of Country noted that the “twist on the phrase ‘Damn Strait’… takes this song to a new level”.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jeff Ray, further pays homage to George Strait by being filmed at the historic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas. This venue holds significance as a place where Strait frequently performed with his Ace in the Hole Band before rising to fame. McCreery felt that filming there was the perfect way to honor both the song’s heartbreak theme and Strait’s legacy, stating, “You can feel the history and the music of country music’s past and present in every inch of that venue”.
Commercially, “Damn Strait” achieved significant success. It reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, holding that position for three consecutive weeks, and marked McCreery’s fifth consecutive number one single on that chart. Additionally, it peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first Top 40 single on that chart since his debut single “I Love You This Big” in 2011.
In summary, “Damn Strait” stands as a testament to Scotty McCreery’s deep appreciation for country music history and his ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience. By intertwining his own narrative with tributes to George Strait’s timeless hits, McCreery created a song that honors the past while firmly establishing his place in the contemporary country music scene.