Introduction
Released in 1985, “The Chair” became a chart-topping hit for country music legend George Strait. The song’s origins lie with a songwriting duo known for weaving tales of love and loss: Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon. Cochran, a Country Music Hall of Famer, was already a legend by the time he penned “The Chair” alongside the up-and-coming Dillon.
“The Chair” found its place on Strait’s album “Something Special,” his fourteenth studio album. It marked Strait’s fourteenth single release and became his seventh song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s success solidified Strait’s position as a rising star in country music.
While the exact inspiration for “The Chair” remains unknown, the song itself is a poignant ballad. It tells the story of a man reminiscing about a love lost, using a specific chair – perhaps the one they used to sit in together – as a powerful symbol of their memories. Strait’s signature vocals deliver the lyrics with a heartfelt tenderness, allowing listeners to connect with the song’s emotional core.
“The Chair” transcended its chart success to become a staple of Strait’s live performances. Fans can find multiple live renditions of the song online, including a well-received 2014 performance at AT&T Stadium. Whether experienced in the studio recording or live on stage, “The Chair” offers a timeless exploration of love, loss, and the power of memory.