20 Songs About Dallas

Dallas and Texas have been a popular source of inspiration for musicians over the years, given the large number of bands and musical artists that came from the area. As Texas’s largest metropolis, it remains a popular subject in songs over the years.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled 20 great songs that celebrate Dallas and its unique vibe. From country to rock, these songs showcase the many different sounds and styles that make Dallas such a special place.

1. “Dallas” by Silver Jews

The Silver Jews are a Tennessee-based indie rock band. They are well-known for their alternative rock and country songs and this song “Dallas” is about living in Dallas and has references to several well-known landmarks and places in the city.

They mention “Commerce” as a street name in the lyrics as well as a few things regarding the Dallas Cowboys.

2. “Dallas After Midnight” by Ray Wylie Hubbard

As one of Ray Wylie Hubbard’s most well-known songs, “Dallas After Midnight” is a song about bad times in Dallas, especially after midnight. It delves into themes of poverty and alcoholism, emphasizing the struggles people face after midnight.

3. “Dallas” by Joe Ely

Joe Ely is a musician that hails from the state of Texas and has had a long career in music, lasting over 50 years. At first glance, this song appears to be about a woman’s love for Dallas but cleverly contrasts it with a wealthy man who “tends to trust in his lies” later in the song.

4. “Dallas Texas Tiger” by Laurel Aitken

Hailing from Havana Cuba, Laurel Aitken is most known for his Jamaican Ska music, which he helped popularize.

His song “Dallas Texas Tiger” is a popular tune which features him singing loudly. His vocals are accompanied by guitars, pianos, and drums in the traditional Jamaican Ska style. It’s a difficult song to track down, but you can find everything on the internet!

5. “Dallas” by The Felice Brothers

The Felice Brothers are a New York-based music ensemble and they are well known for their rural and folk elements. “Dallas” is one of their most popular songs where the lyrics and music blend to talk about visiting Dallas and experiencing all of the city’s attractions.

6. “Me” by Erykah Badu

This track appears to be about a variety of topics and is open to interpretation. The lyrics talks about her life and some of her experiences growing up in Dallas and Texas. The song also mentions her parents towards the end.

7. “Broke Down South of Dallas” by Junior Brown

This track features country music and revolves around marriage and life on the road, mentioning a breakdown south of Dallas and concerns about his wife’s questions.

8. “I’m in Dallas Trick” by LMFAO

LMFAO’s hit party song, featuring repetitive lyrics of “I’m in LA trick!”, intriguingly revolves around the exclusive mention of Los Angeles, leaving room for various interpretations.

9. “The Back Side Of Dallas” by Jeannie C. Riley

Jeannie C. Riley, a Texas country and gospel singer, delivered the heartfelt “The Back Side of Dallas,” featuring strong country music undertones. The song portrays a Tennessee woman’s challenging journey after relocating to Dallas.

10. “This Ain’t Dallas” by Hank Williams Jr.

“This Ain’t Dallas” is a lyrically interesting song, as it talks about a hard-working family in Tennessee. The “This Ain’t Dallas” part of the lyrics could mean that they don’t live in the city, but live in the country.

11. “Raining In Dallas” by Burning Candles

Burning Candles is a folk and bluegrass band from England. The group did not experience widespread popularity but they have recorded a few songs.

The song “Raining In Dallas” was released in the year 2000, making it more than two decades old! The song does manage to stand out because it is a very powerful tune vocally. 

12. “Murder Most Foul” by Bob Dylan

In this dark Bob Dylan tune titled “Murder Most Foul” is self-explanatory and can automatically be guessed as a dark song. The track revolves around President Kennedy’s assassination, making it a powerful listen.

13. “Sweet City Song” by Nancy Parrish

If you love Dallas and its lively pace, Nancy Parrish’s song sets the perfect tune. It is about living in Dallas and how much fun it is to be a part of the bustling city.

14. “Big D” by Chet Atkins feat. Eddy Arnold

Chet Atkins and Eddy Arnold made a country tune about the picturesque Dallas at nighttime. If you feel like strolling and admiring the city lights, this tune will set the mood.

15. “Dallas” by Melvins

This track by Dallas is one of their one-off live performance. You can tell that the music is influenced by rock and metal. In the song, you can hear the drums thrashing along with loud vocals and guitars.

16. “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers

Butthole Surfers is a Texas-based American rock band with thick traces of experimental and alternative rock. “Pepper” is a nostalgic and poetic journey, reflecting on the experience of growing up in Dallas, Texas.

17. “King of Dallas” by Krazy

Krazy is an American rap artist from louisiana. The song “King of Dallas” is one of his popular songs that seems to talk about life in Dallas and being the “King” of it in one form or another.

18. “Sitting on Top of the World” by Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead is a rock band from California that was very popular during the 60s. This track is about a woman that the lead singer saw in Dallas after she left him. Although she’s gone, he sings that he’s not at all bothered because he is on top of the world.

19. “If You’re Ever Down in Dallas” by Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack, like several of the others featured on this list, is a Texas-based artist. “If You’re Ever Down in Dallas” appears to be a message to a friend that they can call her or visit her if they’re ever in Texas, offering support and understanding in times of loss.

20. “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” by Phil Coley

Phil Coley is a country music singer from the United States. One of his most recognized songs is “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders”. As the title clearly indicates, this track is about The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.

Outro

Dallas, Texas, a bustling city with a big population, has been a muse of so many musicians, drawing inspiration from the city lights and people. Some have used the place to sing about good times while others reminisce about their dark encounters in this neighborhood. Either way, this Dallas-inspired songs are a great way to know the city better!